Singapore is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with a Gross Domestic Product per head of more than $56,000. Life expectancy at birth is 82.3 and infant mortality is 2.7 per 1000 live births. The population is ageing and by 2030 20% will be over 65. However it is estimated that about 85% of those over 65 are healthy and reasonably active.
There are a variety of health screening and healthy lifestyle programmes for both adults and children. Only 14% of the population smokes. The Temasek Cares programme supports a wide range of interventions for disadvantaged people.
Singapore in 2005 had the lowest infant mortality rate in the world (equalled only by Iceland) and among the highest life expectancies from birth, according to the World Health Organisation.
See also: