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Singapore Culture and traditions Singapore

 
 
Area : 239  sq.mi - Population 4780000 hab.
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Culture and traditions Singapore

 Traditions and customs

Singapore's main peculiarity lies in its multi-ethnic nature. Having proven its neighbours wrong, who thought this vast diversity was a potential danger, Singapore has been able to develop in a firmly stable social climate. It gave priority to a policy that enhances harmonious co-existence of the different cultures, rather than a forced homogenisation in favour of one of the three main ethnic groups. However, this interventionist policy has also shown its limits. Indeed, in its bid to impose law and order, the government has established an extremely strict policy to censor and control deviant behaviour. For instance, chewing gum is simply forbidden all over the country and cigarette smoking is forbidden in public places (fine of S$ 1000). Automatic cameras and blocking systems are fitted in elevators to trap anyone with the poor idea of urinating in them (there was actually a wave of demonstrations, where people urinated in lifts as a sign of protest). Crossing the road other than at a pedestrian crossing may cost you S$ 50, which is nothing compared with the S$ 1 000 for anyone caught dropping rubbish on the street or who may be tempted to spit in public. Forgetting to flush a public toilet is equally considered an offence punishable with a fine of S$ 150. Finally, it is strictly forbidden to smoke, drink or eat in the subway. Meanwhile, the government has ended up dropping the idea of punishing smoking drivers or to send off male tourists with extremely long hair. As for drug use, it is punishable by 10 years imprisonment and/or a fine of S$ 20 000. At best, trafficking is punished with 20 to 30 years imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane, and at the worst with the death sentence.

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