Singapore is the dominant world city of Southeast Asia, the world's fastest growing region. Singapore is the lynchpin between the global economic system and the regional economy. Providing a review of the city's social, physical and political characteristics, this is a unique insight into the country's phenomenal development. The preliminary chapters examine the historical development of the city, the sources of economic growth and the political management and planning of economic and urban development. The second section concentrates on key components of the city environment: land patterns and communications, demographic trends, family and community structures, the living environment, culture, conservation and tourism. Current development dilemmas including the means of accommodating the aspirations of an increasingly affluent population and overcoming the physical constraints of a small island state are examined. The book is designed for all readers with an interest in the economics,politics, geography and urban history of Singapore as well as those interested in Asia itself.