by Aysha Iqbal

Created on: January 22, 2010   Last Updated: January 23, 2010

Singapore is a multi cultural and multi racial nation where their people coexist with one another, unified together despite their different races, religions, beliefs, cultures, customs and practices. Here we would look at the brief history that resulted in the exhibition and the celebration of these differences in Singapore. We would then show how the various cultures are exhibited and celebrated in Singapore, making it also a unique tourist spot for many to enjoy.

Statistics state that as of 2009 the total population of Singapore was 4.99 million out of which over 70% of them are Chinese, around 13% of them are Malays, about 9% of them are Indians and Eurasians form approximately 3% of the population.  The four national languages of this country are English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. Let us now look at the little history on how these ethnic regions were created within the different areas across the island.

In 1822, an urban plan was created to organize the different ethnic groups and create order within this multi cultural society. The ethnic residential areas were divided into four areas. European traders, Eurasians and rich Asians lived in the European Town and ethnic Chinese resided in the Chinese kampong, presently known as China Town. Chulia Kampong used to be where ethnic Indians used to live in and ethnic Malays, Arabs and Muslims used to live in Kampong Glam.

Although people from the different racial groups do not reside separately any longer, there are ethnic quarters within Singapore that exhibits the color of these cultures to its people and the world. These areas specialize in highlighting the different aspects of the ethnic group and allow one to learn more and appreciate the customs and culture as a whole. These ethnic quarters are Little India, Chinatown, Geylang Serai and Kampong Glam.

Little India is filled with the vibrant colors of their traditional clothing like saris and the strong scent of their spices and garlands. One must not forget to treat themselves to the delicious spicy Indian cuisines and delicacies that are found in every corner of this region. Today, Little India is bustling with many local businesses that focus on providing Indian spices, Indian cuisines, Indian suits and saris, garlands made from sweet smelling flowers like roses and jasmine and other basic necessities of most Indian families. These stores attempt not only to fulfill the daily needs of the many ethnic Indians within the country, but also to showcase

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