Singapore

This strategic island called Singapore was first inhabited by regional fishermen and pirates, to later become part of the Sumatran Empire of Srivijaya. European control of the Malaysian area began in the 16th century, and in 1819, Singapore was founded as a British trading colony, and was once the site of one of Britain's most important naval bases. Malaysia itself was formed in 1963 when Singapore and the states of Sabah and Sarawak joined the Peninsular Malaysia Federation, however, Singapore left in 1965 to become a separate nation. This modern economic powerhouse's is one of the busiest in the world, and Singapore has become a major worldwide banking, ship building and petroleum center. In the last few decades, this melting pot of cultures has moved on to the "A List" of international travelers, and is today one of the most sophisticated tourist destination on the planet. A bridge and causeway connect Singapore to the Malaysia mainland, and speaking of land, because of the aggressive current patterns of the Strait of Singapore.