International

Singapore is undoubtedly one of the 20th century's greatest success stories, with what was once swampland now a sea of skyscrapers that is home to a proud global business hub.

The tiny city-state and island nation, which is less than half the size of London, is currently in the midst of the biggest party in its short solo history as it marks 50 years since gaining full independence from Malaysia on August 9, 1965.

As proud Singaporeans count down to the culmination of a year of celebrations over the long weekend from August 7 to 10, telling images illustrate just how far the country has come in that short space of time.
    

Once it was a city with hundreds of tiny boats, known as bumboats, crowding areas of the Singapore river in areas such as Clarke Quay in the city centre delivering goods to residents and moored vessels.

Today, such boats are far less in number and largely lit with neon lights for the amusement of tourists - the large yachts of the country's well-heeled are attractions in their own right - and the likes of Clarke Quay are boosted by popular restaurants and pubs.