From what I know about the little state-towm of Singapore, this is the most important financial, commercial and industrial center of Asia after Japan and South Korea.
The medium incomes of its multiethnic people are high and there're all the best advanced services of the world, so, appearently, this big metropolis could be considered part of the 1st rich world, also for its high costs of life (houses, shops, food...).
BUT.... DEMOCRACY DOESN'T EXIST in the practice, like in many other poor countries of the 3rd World.
Many Singaporeans are rich or well-to-do, but there're many workers exploited with very low salaries and no social grants and the expression of their dissense and requests for a better treatment is not allowed or anyway, ignored.
In Singapore you must only WORK, GAIN (more or less is only your business) and BE SILENT. Press and networks are controlled by the government, police is severe and efficient in keeping the "status quo" and only 1 party rules the Country, leaving to the others a secondary role.
The regime has reached to fill the stomach of many people with the widest freedom in business and economy, so that, it's much more difficult to have the will to protext and being actively engaged in politics.
Just a more sophisticated version of the old policy of the Roman Empire; "panem et circenses" (that means "bread and games"), but, in change, you can't make mess.

Learn more about this author, Aldo Bonincontro.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Singapore: A First World country?
We want to hear your view. Write now!