Singapore

Why it sticks

1. 1

   A city-state at the tip of the Malay Peninsula that became independent in 1965 after being expelled from Malaysia.

2. 2

   Its name comes from the Sanskrit Singapura, 'Lion City'.

3. 3

   Land reclamation has enlarged its area by about a quarter since independence.

• Drives on the left.
• Black plates, or white front and yellow rear; private car plates start with S.
• Dense numbered HDB apartment blocks and immaculate roads lined with tropical trees.