[CdM] I'll believe you this time.

The answers to several of these questions differ depending on whether I am focusing on the abstract or animal component of the answer. My answers to date have been primarily directed at the abstract component (although I don't think any of them would be badly misleading when thought of as applying to the animal component as well.* With that in mind

Physical Existence? The abstract component has various physical manifestations (so I could also add MINERAL connections to the definition). As for the animal component, the best answer is probably No, (or perhaps Yes, of a sort), but had the question been phrased slightly differently I could have much more easily just answered Yes.
Connected with a particular country? Not exactly, but *applause*.
Merlion? No.

*Though I have never confirmed the existence of the animal component.

Particular human? The animal is a particular human, yes. *applause*

Holder of position or title? Not exactly, but *applause*
Religious connection? No.

Long shot.

Lady Liberty? Nope.

Fictional status of animal and abstract: The animal is non-fictional. The abstract is partly fictional and partly non-fictional.

Like Tom Thumb? Not at all. I would call that totally fictional.

Tom Thumb fictional? Perhaps not.

[Software] Ah. Well, that's what I get for taking Wikipedia as the last word on something. But, in any case, I think the answer is No.

{Software] By the way, I love the picture at top right in your link. "Tom Thumb's Waistcoat," it is labeled. But since there is nothing else in the picture to indicate scale, the waistcoat in question might just as easily be too big for Kobe Bryant....