Singapore is a multi-religious country, due its diverse mix of peoples originating from various countries and ethnic groups. Most of the key religious denominations are represented in Singapore. However, the main religion by far is Buddhism, with 42.5% of the resident population being declared as adherents. As Singapore is a small and relatively modern amalgam of Chinese, Malay, Indian and European immigrants, the culture of Singapore expresses the diversity of the population as the various ethnic groups continue to celebrate their own cultures while they intermingle with one another. ... Dance in Singapore comprises traditional and contemporary forms. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Despite having a flourishing Chinese and Malay film industry in the 1950s and 1960s, Singapores film industry declined after independence in 1965[1], with the government being more concerned with the bread-and-butter issues of economic nation-building. ... The major public holidays in Singapore reflect the cultural and religious diversity of the country, including the Chinese New Year, Buddhist Vesak Day, Muslim Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha (known locally by its Malay names Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji respectively), Hindu Diwali (known locally by... The literature of Singapore comprises a collection of literary works by Singaporeans in the countrys four main languagues: English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. ... Singapore has long had a burgeoning urban musical scene, and is a center for rock, punk and other popular genres in the region. ... The politics of Singapore takes place in a framework of a parliamentary republic, whereby the Prime Minister of Singapore is the head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. ... Singlish is an English-based creole language native to Singapore. ... // There are no statistics on how many homosexuals there are in Singapore or what percentage of the population they constitute. ... This article needs additional references or sources to facilitate its verification. ...

The Singapore census includes detailed data on religion and ethnicity, and is taken on a ten-year basis. Figures for religion in the year 2000 are:

• Buddhism - 42.5%
• No religion - 14.8%
• Christianity - 14.6%
• Islam - 13.9%
• Taoism - 8.5%
• Hinduism - 4%
• Other religions - 1.6%

The above figures refer to the resident population only, and does not include non-resident population. This article needs additional references or sources to facilitate its verification. ... Christianity percentage by country, purple is highest, orange is lowest Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch... Islam (Arabic:  ) is a monotheistic religion based upon the teachings of Muhammad, a 7th century Arab religious and political figure. ... Taoism (Daoism) is the English name referring to a variety of related Chinese philosophical and religious traditions and concepts. ... Hinduism (known as in modern Indian languages[1]) is a religion that originated in the Indian subcontinent. ...

Singapore authorities do not release figures for the non-resident population which accounts for 18.33% of Singapore population in 2005. Given the profile and origin of non-resident population, the breakdown by religion would be slightly different, with Muslims increasing and Buddhists decreasing both by a few points.^{[citation needed]}

Most, but not all, Malays are adherents of Islam. There is also a substantial community of Indian Muslims. Islam (Arabic:  ) is a monotheistic religion based upon the teachings of Muhammad, a 7th century Arab religious and political figure. ... A Muslim is a believer in or follower of Islam. ...

Religious co-mingling has been strongly encouraged since the British colonised Singapore; for example, South Bridge Street, which was a major road through the old Chinatown, is home to the Sri Mariamman Temple (a south Indian Hindu temple that was declared a national historical site in the 1980s), as well as the Masjid Jamae Mosque that served Chulia Muslims from India's Coromandel Coast. In schools, children are taught in social studies lessons about the Maria Hertogh riots and the 1964 Race Riots, as a grim reminder of the consequences of inter-religious conflict. Mixed-race classes, interaction between students of different races and the celebration of religious festivals also help inculcate religious tolerance and understanding from a young age. The Chinatown Heritage Centre at Pagoda Street occupies three shophouses in Chinatown, newly restored to house memories and untold stories of Singapore’s early forefathers. ... Gopuram of Sri Mariamman, by abzolut memento (http://www. ... Masjid Jamae is a mosque in Singapore and a national momument. ... Social studies is a term used to describe the broad study of the various fields which involve past and current human behavior and interactions. ... Maria Hertogh and Che Aminah binte Mohamed The Maria Hertogh riots, which started on 11 December 1950 in Singapore, consisted of outraged Muslims who resented the court decision to give the custody of Maria Hertogh, then 13, to her biological Dutch Catholic parents after she had been raised as a... The start of the July riot on Prophet Muhammads birthday, that would later injure hundreds and kill 23 people. ... Freedom of religion is the individuals right or freedom to hold whatever religious beliefs he or she wishes, or none at all. ...

Another religious landmark in Singapore is the Armenian Church of Gregory the Illuminator, the oldest church in Singapore, which was completed in 1836. It was also the first building in Singapore to have an electricity supply, when electric fans and lights were installed. Today, the church no longer holds Armenian services, as the last Armenian priest retired in the 1930s. Nonetheless, the church and its grounds have been carefully preserved, and Orthodox Church services are still held in it occasionally. Armenian Church, Singapore The east front of the Church bears an elegant bowed apse with a pediment into which the date 1835 is carved to commemorate the year the churchs foundation was laid. ... Lightning strikes during a night-time thunderstorm. ... It has been suggested that this article be split into multiple articles accessible from a disambiguation page. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Eastern Christianity. ...

There are 15,000 Sikhs in Singapore. The Central Sikh Temple [1] was built to commemorate the 518th anniversary of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh guru. The temple boasts a skillful blend of modern and traditional architecture. The Granth Sahib, or holy book, is enshrined in a magnificent prayer hall which has a 13-metre wide dome. A Sikh man wearing a turban The adherents of Sikhism are called Sikhs. ... Central Sikh Temple Central Sikh Temple is the first Sikh gurdwara in Singapore. ... Guru Nanak (Gurmukhi: ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ, Devanagari: गुरु नानक) (20 October 1469 - 7 May 1539), the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Gurus of the Sikhs, was born in the village of Talwandi, now called Nankana...

There are 300 Jews in Singapore [2]. Their religious activities centre around the two synagogues, the Maghain Aboth Synagogue and the Chesed-El Synagogue, and the Jewish Communities Center (Singapore). Maghain Aboth Synagogue The Maghain Aboth Synagogue (Chinese: 马海阿贝犹太庙) is a synagogue in Singapore. ... Chesed-El Synagogue The Chesed-El Synagogue (Chinese: 圣诺犹太庙) is a synagogue in Singapore. ...

Religious Tolerance

Most Singaporeans celebrate the major festivals associated with their respective religions. The variety of religions is a direct reflection of the diversity of races living there. The Chinese are predominantly followers of Buddhism, Taoism, Christians, and some agnostics. Malays have the Muslims and Indians are Hindus. There is a sizeable number of Muslims and Sikhs in the Indian population.

Religious tolerance is essential in Singapore. From colonial times up to the independence of the island state, racial and religious harmony have been the top priority of governing institutions. Through its forty years of laborious efforts, the PAP government has to some extent successfully transcend religions beyond racial boundaries and some religions, especially those spearheaded by the Chinese ethnic groups, even merge with other religions such as Hinduism and Islam. The most glaring example would be that of Loyang Tua Pek Kong Temple situated in the eastern coastal line wherein the three religions are housed under the same roof. It may be an unusual but an unique manifestation of religious harmony in this modern country. Younger Singaporeans tend to combine a little of traditional wisdom of the older generations with the reality of modern society that they perceive of today.

Religion is still an integral part of the cosmopolitan Singapore. Many of its most interesting buildings are religious, be it old temples, modern churches, or exotic mosques. An understanding of these buildings do play a part in contributing to the appreciation of their art.

Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhist figures together with ancestral worship are combined into a versatile mix in Chinese folks tradition temples. In fact, these three religions had exerted their influences over Chinese cultures and traditions since time ancient. It is sometimes difficult to tell them apart when examining the Chinese heritage.

Taoism

Followers of the Tao (The Way) adhere to the teachings of the ancient Chinese religious philosophy of Lao Tzu, the founder of Taoism, also known as the Pure One, Celestial Worthy of the Way, or Tai Shang Lao Jun. The Talismanic and Register Sect of mainstream Taoism is seen as the most influential through the numerous presence of spiritual mediums. They are concerned with life-after-death theory, the balance of the two cosmos energies of which are depicted through the Taoist Yin and Yang theory, and vitality, good-health, and longevity . Feng Shui, literally translated as wind and water, also originated from the Taoist Yin and Yang theory and is deeply rooted in ancestral worshipping that seeks to harmonize the pnuemas between the living (yang) and the dead (ying). Ancestral worship is a common practice of the Chinese and the Qing Ming Festival during the second full moon is observed by the majority. This reflects that Chinese tradition remains extant in modern Singapore. They pray in memory of their bereaved love ones and the spirits of the dead are honoured with offerings including food, beverages, joss-paper, joss-sticks, and even paper houses, which are intrinsic practices of the Taoists.

Although Taoist temples and shrines are abundant in Singapore, it has nevertheless not been officially included as a major religion for a number of reasons. It was argued that its numbers has dwindled drastically over the years from 22.4% to 8.5% between the years 1990 to 2000. This, however, may be accounted for by the fact of obscurring deleanation between Taoism and Buddhism. Another major reason is that, politically, Taoism and Buddhism are viewed as Chinese religions and thus suffice having one them - Buddhism of which has a higher official percentage representation, represents the Chinese population. Other reasons may include its refusal or failure to institutionalize.

Buddhism

One will be able to find monasteries and Dharma centres from all three major traditions of Buddhism in Singapore: Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana. Most Buddhists in Singapore are Chinese. Theravada (Pāli: theravāda; Sanskrit: स्थविरवाद sthaviravāda; literally, the Way of the Elders) is the oldest surviving Buddhist school, and for many centuries has been the predominant religion of Sri Lanka (about 70% of the population[1]) and most of continental Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand). ... Relief image of the bodhisattva Kuan Yin from Mt. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Chinese Mahayana is the most predominant form of Buddhism in Singapore with missionaries from Taiwan and China for several decades. However, Thailand's Theravada Buddhism has seen growing popularity amongst the people (not confining to the Chinese) in the past decade. Tibet Buddhism is also making a slow inroad into the country in recent years.

The presence of Buddhism in Singapore was evident during the Srivijayan times. However, as Islam spread to the local Orang Laut population in the 14th and 15th century, the influence of Buddhism and Hinduism were severely hampered, but fortunately, through the influxes of Chinese immigrants from southern China, mostly from the Fujian Province, Buddhism managed to survive and grow. With the passage of time, Buddhism in Singapore develops its own unique culture and rituals. Practices and rituals of Taoisim, Confucianism, and even Hinduism are absorbed and assimilated into a single faculty. This development may seem odd to some people but it is definitely a concrete reflection of a multi-racial and multi-culture society, which in turn depicts the grace of Buddhism.

Islam

Not all Malays in Singapore are Muslims. According to the Singapore Census of Population 2000, 99.5% of the Malay population are Muslims with a 0.4% embracing other religions and a reported 0.1% with no religion. Within the Muslim community are the Indian Muslims of which make up to 22.1% of the Indian population in Singapore. There are also a few Chinese Muslim, but their figures are not readily available.

Hinduism

When Indian immigrants migrated soon after the founding of Singapore in 1819, they brought with them Hinduism. The early temples are still the central points of rituals and festivals, which are held throughout the year. 1819 common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ...

Christianity

One will be able to find Christian churches of all denominations in Singapore. They were actually established with the arrival of various missionaries after the coming of Sir Stamford Raffles. Together with Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism, Christianity is considered one of the four main religions today.

Others

Minority faiths are not forgotten. There are at least two synagogues for the Jews and Sikhs. The Zoroastrians and Jains are also represented in Singapore.

Restrictions

Publications and public discussions of religious issues are generally considered out of bounds, and negative or inflammatory portrayals of religion are subject to censorship. However, this is certainly not conclusive as there has recently been a local publication that incessantly attacked Taoism under the pretext of academic research and yet escaped the brunt of fire. An OB marker, short for out of bounds marker, is a term used in Singapore to denote what topics are permissible for public discussion. ... Censorship in Singapore mainly targets pornography, political, racial and religious issues. ...

Nevertheless, the "Singapore: International Religious Freedom Report 2006" issued by the US Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor and submitted to Congress by the Department of State in compliance with Section 102(b) of the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998 [3] makes note of the fact that the Constitution of Singapore allows for freedom of Religion "however, the Government restricted this right in some circumstances."

The report also goes on to state that "The constitution provides that every citizen or person in the country has a constitutional right to profess, practice, or propagate his or her religious belief so long as such activities do not breach any other laws relating to public order, public health, or morality." as well as that "In 1972 the Government deregistered and banned the Singapore Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses on the grounds that its existence was prejudicial to public welfare and order because its members refuse to perform military service (an obligatory conscription indulding all male citizens), salute the flag, or swear oaths of allegiance to the state. At the time, there were approximately 200 Jehovah's Witnesses in the country; at the end of the period covered by this report there were approximately two thousand. Although the Court of Appeals in 1996 upheld the rights of members of Jehovah's Witnesses to profess, practice, and propagate their religious belief, and the Government does not arrest members for being believers, the result of deregistration has been to make public meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses illegal. Nevertheless, since the 1996 ruling, no charges have been brought against persons attending or holding Jehovah's Witness meetings in private homes."

The report also makes mention of the restrictions against the distribution of Jehovah Witness literature and the incarceration of members for not performing military service.

The Unification Church has also been banned in Singapore since 1982. [4] The Unification Church is a new religious movement started by Sun Myung Moon in Korea in the 1940s. ...

Notwithstanding the afore-stated, Singapore generally permits religious freedom as long as such adherences do not undermine the social and political underlayings of the society. It is equally true that the state will not hestitate to take action against religious organizations, as those afore-stated, if it is convinced that their presence are detrimental to public interest.

See also

• Buddhism in Singapore
• Taoism in Singapore
• Islam in Singapore
• Christianity in Singapore
• Hinduism in Singapore