Historical landmarks

14th century Singapura (Sanskrit for ‘Lion City’) is named by Sang Nila Utama, a Sumatran prince.

15th century Singapore is made part of the Malay kingdom of Malacca.

1819 Sir Stamford Raffles makes Singapore a British trading post.

1824 Singapore is purchased by the British East India Company. It forms part of the Straits Settlements together with Malacca and Penang.

1867 The Straits Settlements become a British Crown Colony.

1869 Suez Canal opens and Singapore becomes an important stop along the main shipping route for rubber.

1942–5 Singapore is occupied by the Japanese army.

1946 The British make Singapore a Crown Colony.

1955 David Marshall heads the first elected government.

1959 Singapore achieves self-government; Lee Kuan Yew and the People’s Action Party (PAP) control the new parliament.

1963 Singapore joins the Federation of Malaysia.

1965 Singapore separates from Malaysia and becomes an independent state. Lee Kuan Yew heads the new Republic of Singapore.

1990 Goh Chok Tong takes over from Lee Kuan Yew.

1998 The economy is affected by the Asian financial crisis, but recovers a year later.

2004 Lee Hsien Loong takes over as prime minister.

2005 The green light is given to legalise casino gambling. SR Nathan returns for his second term as president.

2010 Singapore’s first integrated resorts, Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands, open. Singapore hosts the first Youth Olympic Games.

2011 S.R. Nathan steps down as president and Tony Tan is elected.

2015 The PAP wins 83 of 89 seats in the general election. Singapore hosts the 28th Southeast Asian Games.

2016 Nutonomy tests the first driverless taxi service in Singapore.

2017 Presidential election to be held in September.

2019 The new Thomson-East Metro Coast Line due for completion.