Brunei

File:United States Navy Band - Allah Peliharakan Sultan.oga

Brunei (orthographic projection)

Location Brunei ASEAN

The Tomb of the King of Boni (Brunei) Nanjing

Brunei territorial lose (1400–1890)

Brunei, officially known as the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace (Negara Brunei Darussalam), is a sovereign state located on the north coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Apart from its coastline with the South China Sea, it is completely surrounded by the state of Sarawak, Malaysia, and it is separated into two parts by the Sarawak district of Limbang. Brunei is the only sovereign state completely on the island of Borneo; the remainder of the island's territory is divided between the nations of Malaysia and Indonesia. Brunei's population was 428,963 in 2020.

History

The history of Brunei dates back to the 7th century, when it was a subject state of the Srivijaya Empire, under the name Po-ni, as evidenced by Chinese records. By the 14th century, it had become a powerful sultanate in its own right, under the rule of Sultan Bolkiah, who is said to have expanded Brunei's influence throughout the Philippine archipelago and the island of Borneo. The sultanate experienced a decline in the 19th century, becoming a British protectorate in 1888. Brunei gained its independence from the United Kingdom on 1 January 1984.

Government and Politics

Brunei is a absolute monarchy with the Sultan of Brunei, currently Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, serving as the head of state and head of government. The Sultan exercises executive authority and is also the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Minister of Finance. Brunei's legal system is based on English common law, with an emphasis on Islamic law in areas such as marriage, inheritance, and some criminal acts. The country has no elected legislative body, though it has a consultative council appointed by the Sultan.

Economy

The economy of Brunei is largely supported by exports of crude oil and natural gas, with petroleum accounting for the majority of its revenues. The country has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, largely due to its extensive petroleum and natural gas fields. Brunei is also a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which play significant roles in the country's trade and economic policies.

Culture

Brunei's culture is deeply rooted in its Malay origins, with a significant influence from Islam, the state religion. The country is known for its majestic mosques, including the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, which is a major landmark. Cultural traditions include the celebration of the Sultan's birthday and the Islamic festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The official language is Malay, but English is widely used in commerce, education, and government.

Geography

Brunei is divided into four districts (Brunei-Muara, Tutong, Belait, and Temburong), with the Brunei-Muara district housing the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. The country has a tropical rainforest climate, with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. Brunei's biodiversity is rich, with dense forests that are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Demographics

The population of Brunei is predominantly Malay, with Chinese, Indian, and indigenous groups making up the remainder. Islam is the state religion, with the majority of the population being Sunni Muslims. Other religions include Buddhism and Christianity, which are practiced by the Chinese and expatriate communities, respectively.

Education

Education in Brunei is compulsory for children up to the age of 16 and is provided free of charge at public schools. The education system is modeled after the British system, with English being the medium of instruction in most schools. Higher education institutions include Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB).

Health

Brunei has a well-developed healthcare system, with healthcare services provided free of charge to citizens and permanent residents. The country has several hospitals and health clinics, with the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital being the main tertiary hospital.