The following video depicts the satellite imagery time-lapse of Singapore’s extensive land reclamation from 1984 to 2012.

Land reclamation in Singapore started as early as in the 1820s, during the colonial. However, it was only in the 1960s that land reclamation was carried out extensively on a large scale. For Singapore, territorial expansion is an essential part of economic growth. Since 1965, Singapore’s independence, the country has expanded by 22%,

from 58,000 hectares to 71,000 hectares.

Most of these reclaim lands are in Changi, Tekong, Jurong Island and Tuas areas. And, the government is expecting to reclaim another 5,600 hectares by 2030.

Portions of land reclaimed in SIngapore

Land reclamation is especially important for a small country like Singapore. It provides us with greater land to use, to aid in our urbanization. Due to land scarcity and population growth, land reclamation is required to meet spatial constraints and growing industries and business. More land has been made available for building more homes in private and public housing estates, and recreational facilities for the growing population. Furthermore, with more land, expansion of commercial and industrial activities and greater efficiency in transportation facilities are made more feasible. 

Thus, land reclamation is indeed a relatively great factor in aiding urbanization in Singapore.