Singapore: Background and U.S. Relations

A former colonial island trading and military outpost of the far-flung British Empire, the tiny Republic of Singapore has transformed itself into a modem Asian nation and a major player in the global economy, though it still largely restricts political freedoms in the name of maintaining economic growth. Singapores heavy dependence on international trade makes regional stability and the free flow of goods and services essential to its existence. As a result, the island nation is a firm supporter of both U.S. international trade policy and the U.S. security role in Asia. The U.S.- Singapore Free Trade Agreement FTA went into effect in January 2004.