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SINGAPORE - A Survey of its Economic Institutions



Since its inception, the Republic of Singapore has combined the fastest growth with the lowest inflation of any industrial economy. This feat was accomplished with a strict set of economic goals including a conservative monetary and fiscal policy, free trade, and a commitment to stable prices (Wood, 25). This evaluation of Singapore's economy will look at the history and forces behind their success.



Background



Sir Stamford Raffles established Singapore as a British trading post in 1819. At the time the island was scarcely inhabited, had no valuable resources, was mostly marsh and jungle land and wasn't located on the major commercial trade routes. The only thing the island had going for it was its location for secondary trade and its deep water port. It wasn't until the 1860's, when the Suez Canal opened, that the port's true potential was realized. With the canal thoroughfare, the island suddenly became attractive as a resting point. Initially, it was used as a coaling station for the steam boats traversing the new routes between the East and West. From here, Singapore was rapidly integrated in the commercial channels as a source for rubber and tin, and as a distributor for goods collected from Europe and America (Woronoff, 121-2). This newfound prosperity came to a halt in World War II when Singapore's occupation was juggled between Japan, Britain, and Malaysia. After all the commotion was over, Singapore secured its independence on August 1965 and was declared a republic in December 1965. At this point, the Republic of Singapore had to start anew (Buchanan, 31). In effect, it had to develop it's own system of government and economic policies to retain its success. After all the smoke cleared Singapore was able to accomplish this feat and much more.



Setting



Singapore has...