a small country in south-east Asia, consisting of the island of Singapore and 54 smaller islands near the end of the Malay Peninsula. It has been a republic and a member of the Commonwealth since 1965. The first town there was established by Stamford Raffles in 1819, and it soon became an important port for ships travelling between Europe, India and China. It was part of the British Empire until it became independent in 1963. Singapore is well known for its political and economic stability. It is still one of the world’s most important ports, and has successful banking and high technology industries.
► Singaporean adj , n .