BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

The Abode of Peace

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Overview of Brunei

Brunei Darussalam, officially the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace, is a sovereign state located on the north coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It is a Malay Muslim monarchy governed by the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan.

Quick Facts

  • Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan
  • Population: ~460,000 (2023 est.)
  • Area: 5,765 km² (2,226 sq mi)
  • Languages: Malay (official), English

Government

  • System: Unitary Islamic absolute monarchy
  • Ruler: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (since 1967)
  • Legal System: Sharia and English common law
  • Religion: Islam (official) 78.8%

Economy

  • GDP: $14 billion (nominal, 2022)
  • Currency: Brunei dollar (BND)
  • Main Industries: Petroleum, natural gas, construction
  • Trade Partners: Japan, Singapore, Malaysia

Historical Timeline

7th Century

Early settlements existed under the influence of Srivijaya empire. Known as Po-ni in Chinese records.

15th Century

Brunei became a powerful sultanate under Sultan Bolkiah, controlling much of Borneo and the Philippines.

1888

Became a British protectorate while maintaining internal independence.

1929

Discovery of oil transformed the economy and society.

1984

Gained full independence from Britain on January 1. Joined ASEAN later that year.

2014

Implemented first phase of Sharia penal code, becoming first East Asian country to do so.

Key Locations

Bandar Seri Begawan

The capital city featuring the magnificent Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque and Kampong Ayer water village.

Capital City

Ulu Temburong

Primary rainforest with canopy walkways in the "Green Jewel of Brunei", accessible only by boat.

Rainforest

Jerudong Park

Once the largest amusement park in Southeast Asia, built by the Sultan for his people.

Entertainment

Culture & Society

Cultural Highlights

Islamic Traditions

Daily life revolves around Islamic practices with grand mosques and observance of religious duties.

Royal Cuisine

Ambuyat (sago starch), nasi katok, and satay are national dishes often served at royal feasts.

Traditional Dress

Men wear baju melayu with songkok, women wear baju kurung with tudung (headscarf).

Social Structure

Royal Family

The Sultan and royal family are highly revered with their lives followed closely by citizens.

Welfare State

No income tax, free education and healthcare funded by oil revenues.

Kampong Ayer

Historic water village with over 1,000 years of history, home to about 10% of population.

Royal Heritage

Brunei's monarchy dates back to the 14th century. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the 29th ruler, is one of the world's longest-reigning and wealthiest monarchs.

Royal History

International Relations

Diplomatic Relations

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Malaysia

Close ties with shared history and border. Many Bruneians study in Malaysia.

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Singapore

Currency interchangeability agreement since 1967. Strong economic partnership.

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United Kingdom

Historical ties from protectorate period. Many Bruneians educated in UK.

Economic Development

Oil & Gas Reserves

1929: Oil discovered 2023: Diversification

Brunei has the second-highest Human Development Index in Southeast Asia after Singapore, thanks to extensive petroleum and natural gas fields.

Kampong Ayer

The Venice of the East

Kampong Ayer is a historic water village in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, consisting of a cluster of traditional stilt villages built on the Brunei River.

With over 1,300 years of history, it's often called the "Venice of the East" and was described by Antonio Pigafetta in 1521 as a city built entirely on water.

  • Over 4,000 structures including homes, schools, and mosques
  • Approximately 10% of Brunei's population lives here
  • Connected by 36 kilometers of footbridges
Kampong Ayer
UNESCO World Heritage Site Nominee