Brunei Tourist Information

Kingdom and Culture

Brunei is governed by the longest serving family Monarchy in the world, and financially stable due to its oil and gas resources. With Malay, Borneo native and Chinese traditions, a charitable monarch, incorporation of modern technologies, an international outlook and Islamic religion at it's foundations. Brunei is a unique cultural and lifestyle experience.

Located at the geographic heart of Asia, Brunei's history and culture is intriguing, dynamic and an integral part in the evolution of modern Asia. Brunei has preserved much of this history in in it's museums and monuments.

The water village of Bandar Seri Begawan is probably Asia's most outstanding epitome of cultural heritage preservation in the midst of modern commercial development. It is the largest water village in the world, and still houses half the population of Brunei's capital.

Geography

Brunei is located in south-east Asia on the nothern coast of Borneo almost totally surrounded by Malaysia. It has a total area of 5,770 sq km of which 5,270 sq km is land. The country has a 381 km long land border and 161 km of coastline. Brunei is near to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Brunei is experincing tropical climate, generally hot, humid and rainy. The terrain compose of flat costal plains standing up to mountains in the east and hilly lowlands in the west. Natural resources include petroleum, natural gas and timber. Typhoons, earthquakes and severe flooding are rare.

People

Brunei has a population of 276,984 (July 1993 est.). Nationals in Brunei are known as Bruneian(s). The country consists primarily of Malays (64%) and Chinese (20%). The predominant religion is Muslim (63%) and Buddism (14%). Malay is the official language, English and Chinese are also spoken.

Government

The official name of this country is Negara Brunei Darussalam and is called Brunei to simplify. This is a constitutional sultanate form of government. Brunei gained independence on 1 January 1984 from UK. The national holiday is on 23 February.