Before 1960, many Singaporeans lived in poor conditions with overcrowded housing and slums. The Housing Development Board (HDB) was established in 1960 to provide affordable public housing. By the 1970s, HDB had built over 100,000 flats, housing over one-third of Singaporeans. Today, over 80% of Singaporeans live in HDB flats, with facilities like schools, markets, and MRT stations in the housing estates. The success of HDB's public housing program improved living standards and helped develop a sense of nationhood among Singaporeans.