Singapore, Singapura: From Miracle to Complacency

Modern Singapore is a miracle. Half a century ago it unwillingly became an independent nation, after it was thrown out of the Malay Federation. It was tiny, poor, almost devoid of resources, and in a hostile neighborhood. Now, this unlikely country is at the top of almost every global index, from high wealth and low crime to superb education and stability. But have these achievements bred a dangerous sense of complacency among Singapore's people?

Nicholas Walton walked across the entire country in one day to grasp what makes Singapore tick, and to understand its challenges. Singapore, Singapura explores its story, from Raffles and British colonial rule, through the war years, to independence and the current miracle.

There are upcoming challenges, from public complacency and authoritarian democracy constraints to geographic realities and migration management in such a tiny state. Singapore's second half-century will be as demanding as the first, and the 'Singapore model' must face these realities.