Located at one of the crossroads of the world, Singapore's strategic position has helped it grow into a major centre of trade, communications and tourism. Its geographical location is 136.8km north of the equator, between latitudes 102 degrees 38'E and 104 degrees 06'E.

Singapore is linked to Malaysia by two causeway bridges, and the key islands of the Riau archipelago of Indonesia are just a quick ferry trip away. Thailand and the Phillippines are a short plane journey away. Singapore, with an airport served by more than 80 airlines, is very much the gateway to Southeast Asia.