Overview of Brunei

Profile

The Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace, occupies the northern part of Borneo, bordered by the South China Sea to the north and surrounded on three sides by Malaysia's Sarawak state. With an area of 5,765 km2, about the size of Japan's Mie Prefecture, the territory is divided between the Temburong District and the mainland. The oil and natural gas industry accounts for most of GDP and exports, with per capita GDP among the highest in Southeast Asia. The head of state is the Sultan, who holds absolute power, while providing citizens with generous social welfare including free healthcare and education, and income tax exemption. Islam is the state religion, and Sharia law has been gradually introduced. In tourism, golden-domed mosques and pristine tropical rainforests are popular, and the nation has one of the best security records in Southeast Asia.

Official name: Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace
Common name: Brunei
Numeric code: 096
Alpha-3 code: BRN
Alpha-2 code: BN
Population: 440,000 (2023)
Population density: 76 people/km2
Primary languages: Malay
Major religions: Islam
National anthem: Allah Peliharakan Sultan
Calling code: +673
Internet TLD: .bn

History

Originating as a maritime kingdom in the 15th century, it became a British protectorate in 1888 and achieved full independence in 1984.

From around the 7th century, port city-states developed on northern Borneo's coast, and by the 15th century, the Brunei Sultanate extended its influence to the Sulu Islands and southern Philippines. From the 17th century onward, internal conflicts and colonial advances led to decline, and in 1888 it became a British protectorate. During World War II, Japanese forces occupied the territory. After the war, oil development began in earnest, transforming the nation into a wealthy oil-producing country. The 1959 constitution granted autonomy, and independence as a Commonwealth member came on January 1, 1984. From the 1990s onward, Islamic values have been strengthened, and since 2014, Sharia law has been gradually implemented.

Geography & climate

The north is flat coastal plains, inland are gentle hills leading to 1,850m Mount Pagon, and the eastern Temburong District features pristine tropical rainforests.

Tropical rainforest climate (Af)

Area: Asia / 5765 km²
Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan
Largest city: Bandar Seri Begawan
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Malaysia

Natural resources

Oil, Natural gas, Sago palm, Tropical hardwood, Rattan, Fishing resources, Groundwater, Silica sand, Peat soil, Medicinal plants, Gaharu aromatic wood

Politics

Government: Constitutional monarchy (Sultan system with strong royal authority)

Economy

Currency: Brunei Dollar (BND)

GDP (nominal): 17.8 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 33.3 billion international dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Malay

Time zone: Brunei Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Malays, Chinese, Kedayans, Muruts, Dusuns, Bisayas, Bajaus, Belait, Murutic peoples

Life expectancy

75.0 years

Literacy rate

97.2%

National sports

Soccer, Silat, Dragon Boat, Sepak Takraw, Badminton, Golf