Junior will be in Singapore from March 19th through the 30th, visiting schools and helping students learn more about international trade. But, where is Singapore, and what will Junior find there?

If you've just looked Singapore up in an atlas in response to this question, you've found that it is made up of one major island and over 50 small islets off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. The large island's name is Singapore, and it is separated from Malaysia by the Johor Strait.

One look at Singapore on a map, and you can probably tell right away that Singapore is - and has been for centuries - a major trading center. With its very convenient location between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, it is easy for ships to reach, and therefore a natural stopping place.

You're right, of course. Singapore is believed to have been a major trading center in the Sri Vijaya Empire until the 14th century. It was then claimed by the kingdom of Majapahit, and then about 100 years later, by the Malacca sultanate.

Several hundred years after that, in the 1800s, the modern city we now call Singapore was founded by British traders. It was then given to the British East India Company to help in trading operations. Singapore's importance as a trading center was well recognized, but after World War I, Singapore became a center of defense as well: the British made it their principal naval base in East Asia. Because of the naval base there, Singapore became a military target. It was captured by the Japanese during World War II.

After World War II, Singapore was given its independence. It is still independent today, and remains one of the great Asian ports.

What can you learn about Singapore and its history?

What is Boomerang Box Junior?

What should you expect from a Boomerang Box Jr. visit?

Check out past Boomerang Box Junior travels!

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