Etymology
Main article: Names of Singapore
The English name of Singapore is derived from the Malay word, Singapura (Singa is "lion", Pura "city"; Sanskrit: सिंहपुर), hence the lion is embraced in many of the nation's symbols (i.e. its coat of arms, Merlion emblem) and the customary reference to the nation as the Lion City. However, it is unlikely that lions ever lived on the island; Sang Nila Utama, who founded and named the island Singapura, most likely saw a Malayan tiger.[13]
Since the 1970s, Singapore has also been widely known as the Garden City, owing to its extensive greening policy covering the whole island, a priority of its first prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, dubbed the nation's "Chief Gardener". The nickname, Red Dot, is a reference to its size on the map, contrasting with its achievements. In 2015, Singapore's Golden Jubilee year, the celebratory "SG50" branding is depicted inside a red dot.
History
Main article: History of Singapore
For the historical city that was part of British Singapore, see Singapore City (historical entity)
Temasek ('Sea Town' in the Malay language), a second century outpost of the Sumatran Srivijaya empire, is the earliest known settlement on Singapore. The island was part of the Sri Vijaya Empire until it was invaded by the south Indian Emperor Rajendra Chola I, of the Chola Empire, in the 11th century.[14][15] In 1613, Portuguese raiders burned down the settlement and the island sank into obscurity for the next two centuries.[16] Nominally, it belonged to the Johor Sultanate during this period, while the maritime region and trade was under Dutch control.