Because of its phenomenal economic growth since independence in 1965 and the continued robustness of its economy, Singapore is often referred to by economists as one of Asia's “Four Tigers,” along with Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan. In 1998 the gross domestic product (GDP) was estimated at U.S.$84 billion, or $26,670 per capita, among the highest per capita GDPs in the world. The economy centers around services, notably financial and business services.
