Global Analysis from the European Perspective. Preparing for the world of tomorrow




So much alike and so much different: Singapore and the Baltic States

One small state in Asia – Singapore – and three small states in Europe: Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. They have an interesting story to tell in terms of economic, political and social success. The sheer numbers speak volumes. We have selected for comparison purposes the population, area, GDP (general and per capita), PPP (general and per capita), and the ethnic make-up. Have a closer look at the table below. 

In Singapore, a much MUCH smaller area is home to a far FAR larger number of inhabitants as compared to the Baltic States. Neither in Singapore nor in the Baltic States do we have natural resources worthy of mentioning. The share of the majority ethnic group is comparable across the analyzed countries. The Baltic States are members of the European Union – which was supposed to be a blessing for them – and members of NATO – which was supposed to guarantee them security. As it is, Singapore, which does not belong to the European Union, has a highly developed economy. Singapore is a magnet for foreigners, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are not.

As for demographics. Since the decade 1990-2000 the population of Singapore has risen from approximately 1 (one) million to today’s 6 (six) – six times. Within the same period Lithuania’s population fell from 3.7 million down to 2.9 million i.e. Lithuania – now a part of the European Union – has by almost a million people fewer than it had during the last years of it being a part of the Soviet Union. Latvia’s 2.7 million in 1990 dropped to 1.9 million in 2024: again almost a million less. Estonia’s 1.6 million in 1990 has been reduced to today’s 1.4. The population losses suffered by Lithuania and Latvia are comparable to losses suffered during a prolonged war or medieval epidemics. Such was the blessing of the membership of those countries in the European Union.

Singapore has one of the world’s busiest ports, it is highly popular with tourists, it has robust business environment, a world-class infrastructure, and an integrated transport network. The Baltic States are known for being the Baltic States.

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