Singapore profile

Demography and Health

Singapore’s demographic profile is shaped by a relatively small resident population—about 6.04 million in 2024—yet it remains highly globalized through a substantial net inflow of migrants (net migration around 20,011 in 2024). The birth rate is very low at 7.4 births per 1,000 people (2023), while the death rate sits at 6.2 per 1,000. This combination points to a rapidly aging population, a common feature in high-income city-states that rely on immigration to sustain labor markets and public finances. Life expectancy at birth stands at a commendable 82.9 years (2023), underscoring strong health outcomes and a high standard of living. Under-5 mortality is very low at 2.1 per 1,000 live births (2023), signaling effective pediatric and maternal care. The health system is supported by moderate public health spending—current health expenditure at 4.9% of GDP (2022)—and substantial per-capita health spending in purchasing-power-parity terms (about 3,770 international US$ in 2022), suggesting a blend of public provision and private services that emphasize quality and access. Singapore also reports robust health indicators such as a physician density of 2.6 per 1,000 people (2021) and hospital bed availability at 2.65 per 1,000 (2021), reinforcing the capacity to deliver timely care. The country maintains a high level of internet penetration (94.3% of the population in 2023), which complements health literacy, telemedicine potential, and digital health initiatives. While unemployment is relatively low at 3.44% (2023), the measure’s ranking (68) hints at a labor market that remains diverse and dynamic, with continued demand for skilled workers in services, finance, and technology. Mental health and suicide indicators show a suicide rate of 8.1 per 100,000 (2021), which invites ongoing attention to population well-being, though it sits within a broader context of high life expectancy and strong social support mechanisms.

Taken together, Singapore’s demography and health profile reflect a high-income, health-conscious society with a well-resourced health system, strong health outcomes, and demographic dynamics shaped by a combination of a low birth rate and sustained net migration. The pattern suggests continued policy focus on aging, immigration, and equitable access to care, underpinned by a digital ecosystem and high household incomes. The high internet usage further implies opportunities for data-driven health planning, telehealth expansion, and preventive medicine in a population that increasingly values quality of life alongside economic opportunity.

Economy

Singapore demonstrates one of the most productive and affluent economies in the world, evidenced by a GDP per capita of about 90,674 current US$ in 2024 and a GDP per capita at purchasing power parity of roughly 150,689 international US$. This combination signals extremely high living standards supported by a sophisticated services sector, advanced manufacturing, and strong global integration. The export orientation is extraordinary: exports of goods and services equal about 179% of GDP (2024), while imports amount to roughly 144% of GDP (2024). This extreme openness reflects Singapore’s role as a global trading hub and a sophisticated re-export platform, where value is created through logistics, financial services, and high-value manufacturing rather than domestic consumption alone. The economy benefits from strong capital inflows, with foreign direct investment net inflows estimated at 27.8% of GDP (2024), ranking among the highest globally and underscoring Singapore’s attractiveness as a landing pad for regional and global investment. The current account surplus stands at 17.5% of GDP (2024), reinforcing the economy’s external surpluses and its capacity to fund imports and investment. High-level indicators of macro stability—low and stable inflation at 2.39% (2024)—accompany a robust institutional framework that sustains confidence for businesses and households alike. In technology and innovation, high-technology exports reach about 197.4 billion US$ (2023), highlighting Singapore’s role as a leading exporter of advanced manufactured goods and tech-enabled services. This is complemented by a strong knowledge economy, supported by substantial human capital and a favorable business environment.

Despite impressive performance, the economy operates within a small domestic market and a high-cost structure. The unemployment rate, while modest at 3.44% (2023), coexists with a labor market that requires sustained skills upgrading to match the demand in finance, tech, and specialized services. The impressive per-capita income and high service-intensity growth are driven by an ecosystem of global firms, multinational headquarters, and a highly educated workforce. The combination of strong FDI, a favorable regulatory framework, and a diversified export base helps explain Singapore’s resilience in global cycles, even as it navigates global supply chain shifts, regional competition, and the need to balance openness with prudent domestic safeguards. Altogether, the economy showcases a model of efficiency, strategic openness, and high-value production that yields exceptional average incomes while maintaining rigorous policy discipline and social stability.

Trade and Investment

Trade and investment dynamics in Singapore are deeply intertwined with its status as a premier global logistics and financial hub. The country’s trade posture is ultra-open: exports of goods and services account for about 179% of GDP in 2024, and imports of goods and services account for about 144% of GDP in the same year. This indicates heavy reliance on international trade and substantial value created through global supply chains, re-exports, and regional integration. Foreign direct investment net inflows are substantial at 27.8% of GDP (2024), signaling strong confidence from international investors in Singapore’s policy stability, intellectual property protections, and ease of doing business. The current account balance is also strongly positive at 17.5% of GDP (2024), reflecting a net lender status and the capacity to finance domestic needs and future growth via external savings. Singapore ranks exceptionally well on trade infrastructure: the Logistics Performance Index—Quality of trade and transport-related infrastructure—scores 4.6 on a 1-to-5 scale (2022), and this index ranks 1 globally, underscoring a world-class port, airport, and digital logistics ecosystem that supports rapid movement of goods and digital services. The innovation dimension is visible through high-tech exports and patent activity, signaling a dynamic environment for research and development as well as knowledge-intensive production. Net migration, while not a direct trade metric, also interacts with trade by sustaining a flexible, highly skilled labor force capable of supporting a highly integrated economy. Taken together, Singapore’s trade and investment data illustrate a model of openness, efficiency, and high value creation that leverages global connectivity to deliver high living standards and a diversified growth path.

Governance and Institutions

Singapore’s governance and institutions are characterized by exceptionally high performance across multiple dimensions. Political stability and absence of violence/terrorism are robust (1.42, rank 6 in the dataset), indicating low political risk and predictable policymaking. Regulatory quality is top-ranked (2.31, rank 1), and government effectiveness is equally strong (2.32, rank 1), signaling well-designed rules, competent implementation, and a government capable of delivering public goods efficiently. The rule of law stands at 1.75 (rank 5), reflecting a credible legal framework and predictable enforcement. Control of corruption sits at 2.04 (rank 5), highlighting relatively low levels of corruption and high transparency in government activities. The overall governance profile—anchored by strong regulatory quality, effective administration, credible rule of law, and low corruption—creates a favorable environment for business, investment, and long-term planning. This governance architecture supports Singapore’s status as a global financial center, a trusted hub for cross-border trade, and a reliable partner for regional development initiatives. The data also align with a policy emphasis on stability, predictability, and rule-based governance, which in turn underpin Singapore’s high levels of international trust and engagement with global institutions and investors.

In sum, the governance and institutional landscape in Singapore demonstrates a deliberate, evidence-based approach to policy, with strong performance on key indicators that matter for business confidence, foreign investment, and long-run socioeconomic planning. While no system is perfect, the combination of political stability, rule of law, and high regulatory quality positions Singapore as a benchmark for effective governance in a small, highly integrated economy.

Infrastructure and Technology

Singapore’s infrastructure and technology ecosystem is world-class and purpose-built for efficiency, growth, and global connectivity. The country’s logistics infrastructure is outstanding, with a Logistics Performance Index score of 4.6 and a top global rank (rank 1) for quality of trade and transport-related infrastructure in 2022. This translates into ultra-efficient ports, airports, warehousing, and digital integration that support rapid manufacturing, finance, and logistics services. Internet adoption is pervasive, with 94.3% of the population online in 2023, enabling advanced digital services, e-commerce, and data-driven governance. The high level of internet penetration complements Singapore’s strengths in finance, cybersecurity, and technology-enabled services. Healthcare and science infrastructure are well developed: life expectancy is high at 82.9 years (2023), and the country maintains a solid base of health professionals (2.6 physicians per 1,000 people in 2021) and a bed capacity of 2.65 per 1,000 (2021). The emphasis on research and high-technology production is evident in exports of high-technology goods (about 197.4 billion US$ in 2023) and strong patent activity among residents (though the dataset shows 2021 residents’ patent applications with a 2021-year value of 2024 in the entry, indicating ongoing innovation momentum). The renewable energy share remains modest (1.1% of total final energy consumption in 2021), reflecting Singapore’s energy constraints and reliance on imports and natural gas, while the country continues to pursue energy efficiency, smart grid solutions, and energy-intensive urban infrastructure. Overall, infrastructure and technology in Singapore are characterized by an integrated, future-ready framework that supports global competitiveness, digital transformation, and high-value production, even as it navigates the constraints of limited land and natural resources.

There is an ongoing emphasis on scaling up digital health, fintech capabilities, and sustainable urban solutions, aided by the governance context described earlier. The combination of top-tier logistics, pervasive connectivity, and strong human capital forms a robust platform for ongoing growth in both traditional sectors (manufacturing, trade, finance) and next-generation industries (AI, biotechnology, green tech).

Environment and Sustainability

Singapore faces significant environmental challenges typical of a small, highly urbanized, resource-scarce state. Water security is a central issue: the level of water stress is measured at 83.1% in 2021, indicating that freshwater withdrawals are a substantial fraction of available resources. This structural constraint has spurred Singapore to develop advanced water management strategies, including desalination, water reuse (NEWater), and international water agreements—complemented by strong governance and investment in water technology to reduce vulnerability. The per-capita greenhouse gas emissions stand at 12.6 t CO2-equivalents (2023), reflecting the energy-intensive, land-constrained nature of the economy. Renewable energy consumption remains a small share of energy use (1.1% in 2021), underscoring the challenge of expanding renewables in a country that relies heavily on natural gas and imports. This energy and resource mix suggests a heavy focus on energy efficiency, carbon capture opportunities, and cleaner energy imports as levers for decarbonization. The per-capita emissions figure, while significant, is mitigated by Singapore’s small population and substantial investments in urban sustainability, green buildings, and public transport—factors that help moderate overall environmental impact in a high-density urban environment. The data also indicate a robust level of foreign direct investment and a strong current account surplus, which can support investments in climate-resilient infrastructure and green technology. Taken together, Singapore’s environmental indicators reflect a proactive approach to scarcity and climate risk, anchored by policy measures, technological innovation, and an openness to international collaboration in water and energy security.