How can? Singapore is just a small island but can be a developed country.
Singapore does not have the natural resources of having only human beings, but they really use their human resources to build their country.
Even once part of the land bought from Indonesia, benar2 poor country is not it?
But look at Singapore now.
Almost no visible abandoned land and vacant land in singapore, all under construction.
Although the soil heap needs
35 years of time can be used to build the building but their planning is really detailed and controlled so that all can be realized as planned.
Pict: Masterplan Country of Singapore