Religion in Singapore

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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 counting themselves as adherents. This is not surprising, as 76% of the country's resident population is Chinese.

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

The above figures refer to the resident population only, and do not include non-resident population.

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.^{[[Citing sources citation needed]]}

Most, but not all, Malays are adherents of Islam. There is also a substantial community of Indian Muslims.

Religious commingling 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.

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.

There are 15,000 Sikhs in Singapore. The Central Sikh Temple [] 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.

There are 300 Jews in Singapore [link]. Their religious activities centre around the two synagogues, the Maghain Aboth Synagogue and the Chesed-El Synagogue, and the Jewish Communities Center (Singapore). Since 1969, Singapore has maintained diplomatic relations with the State of Israel.

Religion in Singapore

See also