Singapore celebrated its fiftieth birthday. It became independent on August 8th, 1965. There was the largest fireworks display ever in Singapore. Thousands of people saw them. The country has counted down since New Year's Eve. Singapore's Prime Minister said: "We must press on, because we aspire to do better for ourselves."

Singapore has come a long way. It was very poor but founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew made it wealthy. He died earlier this year. Singapore is the world's fourth most important financial centre and the second busiest port. A woman felt sad that Mr Lee did not live long enough to see the anniversary.