Singapore gained independence from British rule in 1965 after 146 years of colonial administration. Several groups and individuals were instrumental in the independence movement, including the People's Action Party led by Lee Kuan Yew. The path to independence involved resisting British rule and overcoming communist uprisings and ethnic tensions. Since independence, Singapore has transformed into a highly developed country with one of the strongest economies in the world under the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew, who served as prime minister for three decades after independence.