In 1802, Thomas Jefferson stated, "It is our duty and our interest to cultivate a spirit of justice and friendly agreement with all nations." Senior leaders should gain pertinent information about the country of Singapore and the significant importance of the U.S.-Singapore relationship as the Army shifts forces and structure to focus on the Asia Pacific region in the coming years. This paper will cover the context, governance structure, strategic importance and future direction of Singapore. Basic Information Singapore is an island located in Southeast Asia and founded by the British East India Company in 1819. Singapore began as a British colony, joined the Malayan Federation, and became independent in 1963. The island has a population of approximately 4.7 million people and is located at the narrow point of the Strait of Malacca, off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. The main island is 42 kilometers long and 23 kilometers wide, with a coastline extending 138 kilometers (Congress, n.d.). The climate is tropical and the terrain is mostly flat with scattered hills. The highest elevation is approximately 540 feet. Chinese make up the majority of Singapore's population, and the main language is Malay. “Economic prosperity and political stability are associated with national culture, as is the Singaporean concept kiasu meaning fear of missing out” (Brogger, n.d.). There are five stars on the national flag of Singapore, representing justice, equality, democracy, peace and progress (Central Intelligence Agency). Singaporean culture resembles several Asian values, such as an emphasis on respecting elders and placing the country and society above oneself. Singapore... half of the document... Federation of American Scientists. Retrieved from https://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RS20490.pdfJefferson, T. (1802, December 15). Second annual message to Congress. Yale Law School. Retrieved from http://avalon.law.yale.edu/19th_century/jeffmes2.asp.The Library of Congress. (n.d.). National studies: Singapore. Retrieved from http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/sgtoc.html Ranasinghe, D (2014, February 09). Singapore, the small state with military influence. CNBC. Retrieved from http://www.cnbc.com/id/101393982Singapore Economic Development Board (2012, September 15). Future Ready Singapore: Facts and Rankings. Retrieved from http://www.edb.gov.sg/content/edb/en/why-singapore/about-singapore/facts-and-rankings/facts.html.Wood, J. (2014, March 06). Will Singapore be the next Silicon Valley? CNBC. Retrieved from http://www.cnbc.com/id/101470869.