Singapore is a small island city-state in Southeast Asia, known for its modern skyline, busy port, and strict laws. It is a major global center for finance, trade, and transportation.
“Singapore” comes from Malay “Singapura,” from Sanskrit “siṃha” (lion) and “pura” (city), meaning ‘Lion City.’ A legend says a prince saw a lion-like animal there and named the place after it. The Sanskrit elements reflect ancient Indian cultural influence in the region.
Singapore literally calls itself ‘Lion City,’ even though lions were never native there—most likely the animal seen was a tiger. The Sanskrit roots show how Indian culture once spread across Southeast Asia long before modern borders. Place names can quietly preserve old contact between civilizations.
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