According to eningbo, in 2012, the Republic of Singapore was a small Asian country located off the coast of Malaysia. With a population of approximately 5 million people, it is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The official language is English, although Mandarin, Malay and Tamil are also widely spoken. The economy is heavily dependent on its services sector, with an estimated GDP of $295 billion in 2012. Singapore has been independent since 1965 when it gained self-governance from Britain after more than a century under colonial rule. The government is a parliamentary republic led by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong who has been in power since 2004. During his tenure he has implemented significant reforms such as improving infrastructure throughout the country and increasing access to education for all citizens. In 2012, Singapore was an attractive destination for tourists due to its vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions such as the Singapore Botanic Gardens which houses over 10 000 species of plants and animals. Additionally, there are several national parks throughout the country which provide visitors with opportunities to explore nature and spot wildlife such as monkeys and various bird species. For those looking for something more spiritual, Singapore is home to many sacred sites such as Thian Hock Keng Temple which serves as a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists around the world every year during Chinese New Year season. Overall, Singapore was an inspiring destination in 2012 with its mix of modernity and tradition offering visitors a unique cultural experience unlike any other in the region at that time. In 2015, Singapore was a city-state located in Southeast Asia with an estimated population of around 5.5 million people. The official languages of the country were English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil and it had a parliamentary system of government with Lee Hsien Loong as its Prime Minister. The economy of Singapore was largely based on services and manufacturing, which accounted for around 80 percent of its GDP. The culture of Singapore had been heavily influenced by its colonial past under British rule with many traditional festivals being celebrated throughout the year. Traditional cuisine consisted mainly of rice dishes such as laksa or char kway teow. In addition to its diverse cultural attractions, Singapore had become well-known for its modern infrastructure and bustling cities including Marina Bay or Orchard Road as well as its numerous historical monuments such as temples or mosques. It also served as an important hub for international trade due to its strategic location near the Malacca strait. In 2015, Singapore had achieved relative economic stability due to increased foreign investment in sectors such as finance or technology which helped spur further economic growth in the country. As a result it attracted many visitors throughout the year who contributed significantly to its economy through tourism activities such as shopping trips or sightseeing tours. Check computerannals for Singapore in 2003.