Singapore is a small-but-prosperous island nation, both a city and a country, located just off the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia in Southeast Asia.

Singapore is an anomaly, and they're quite proud of it. The country is currently the only island-city-country in the world.

Actually, Singapore's territory consists of over 60 islands and islets. Discerning the difference gets a little fuzzy. An ongoing land reclamation effort creates desperately needed real estate each year. Many new artificial islands get created, really stressing out the geologists in charge of keeping count.

Singapore is a highly developed country in Southeast Asia with one of the world's strongest economies.

Despite its size, Singapore boasts one of the highest per-capita GDPs in the world. But along with prosperity — and a noticeable wealth divide — the nation receives high-ranking marks for education, technology, health care, and quality of life. Taxes are high and crime is low. Singapore ranks third in the world for life expectancy, meanwhile the United States comes in at #31 (per the World Health Organization).

Although Singapore's epic population density and reputation for cleanliness conjure images of some futuristic metropolis made only of concrete and steel, think again. The National Parks Board is achieving their lofty goal of turning Singapore into a "city in a garden" — tropical greenery abounds!

Most nationalities receive a free 90-day stay in Singapore upon entry and do not require a tourist visa. A few nationalities are only granted a 30-day visa exemption.