multiple Chinese dynasties such as the Ming and Qing, as well as by other Asian countries, including the Ayutthaya Kingdom, Majapahit Empire, Joseon dynasty, the Tokugawa shogunate and the subsequent Japanese Empire, as well as the Ryukyu Kingdom. In the near-contemporary history, Singapore was also influenced by western countries. Repeated influence, absorption and selection in various ways have added to the development of a unique culture that are distinct from its neighbouring countries. History The history of Singapore dates back to at least the third century. At the time, it was a vassal state of various empires before being reestablished and renamed by Sang Nila Utama. The island was ruled by various kingdoms until 1819, when the British came to the island and set up a port and therefore a colony of the crown. During British rule, the port of Singapore grew and many migrants from around Asia moved to the colony. However, Singapore as well as most of East and Southeast Asia was invaded in the 1941 to 1942 and soon came under Japanese occupation during the World War II. After the war concluded, Singapore was self-governed before joining the Federation of Malaysia. However, differences between many government policies between the central government and the Singapore state government as well as ethnic tensions led to its expulsion, and Singapore became independent on 9 August 1965. As of 2020, It has a diverse populace of over 5.5 million people which are made up of Chinese, Malays, Indians, and Eurasians (plus other mixed groups) and Asians of different origins such as the Japanese and Koreans, as well as the Peranakan people, descendants of Chinese immigrants with either Malay or Indonesian heritage. National character Attitudes to government In general, Singaporeans have faith in their political system. Singapore has been widely recognised to have very low levels of corruption and a high quality of life, and general support and trust for the government among independents and even some opposition politicians since independence remains uniquely relatively high by international standards. The Labour Front, which was the predecessor of the largest opposition party today the Workers' Party (WP), was instrumental in leading Singapore towards self-governance and eventual independence. However, the relative longevity and support of the country's ruling party after 1965, the People's Action Party (PAP), can usually be explained by the leadership of its first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who led the country