| Global Cost of Living Rank |
| CIA Background Information |
The Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15th and 17th centuries when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequently entered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in Asia.
| U.S. State Department Description |
Country Description:
Brunei Darussalam is a small Islamic Sultanate on the northwest coast of the Island of Borneo. It is divided into four districts: Brunei/Muara, Tutong, Belait and Temburong. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is its only major city. Brunei’s official language is Malay, but English is widely understood and used in business. Tourist facilities and services are generally available throughout the country. For more information concerning Brunei, please see the Government of Brunei web site at http://www.brunei.gov.bn
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People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Bruneian(s).
Population (2007 est.): 390,000.
Annual growth rate (2007 est., Government of Brunei): 1.8%.
Ethnic groups: Malay, Chinese, other indigenous groups.
Religion: Islam.
Languages: Malay, English, Chinese; Iban and other indigenous dialects.
Education: Years compulsory--9. Literacy (2006)--94.7%.
Health: Life expectancy--men 75.2 years, women 77.8 years. Infant mortality rate (2007 est., Government of ... Read this Article
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Location: Brunei is Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia See Map
Capital: name: Bandar Seri Begawan
geographic coordinates: 4 53 N, 114 56 E
time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Currency (Code): Bruneian dollar (BND) ...More
Area: total: 5,770 sq km , land: 5,270 sq km , water: 500 sq km ( 1 sq km is approximately 0.4 sq miles or 250 acres)
Area Comparison: slightly smaller than Delaware
Elevation Extremes: lowest point: South China Sea 0 m , highest point: Bukit Pagon 1,850 m (1 meter = 3.28 feet)
Population: 381,371 (July 2008 est.)
Unemployment: 4% (2006)
Ethnic Groups: Malay 66.3%, Chinese 11.2%, indigenous 3.4%, other 19.1% (2004 est.)
Religion: Muslim (official) 67%, Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%, other (includes indigenous beliefs) 10%
Languages: Malay (official), English, Chinese
More Statistics
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| History
Historians believe there was a forerunner to the present Brunei Sultanate, which the Chinese called Po-ni. Chinese and Arabic records indicate that this ancient trading kingdom existed at the mouth of the Brunei River as early as the seventh or eighth century A.D. This early kingdom was apparently ... Read this Article
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| Geographic Info for Brunei : |
Geography
Area: 5,765 sq. km. (2,226 sq. mi.), slightly larger than Delaware.
Cities: Capital--Bandar Seri Begawan.
Terrain: East--flat coastal plain rises to mountains; west--hilly lowland with a few mountain ridges.
Climate: Equatorial; high temperatures, humidity, and rainfall.
People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Bruneian(s).
Population (2007 est.): 390,000.
Annual growth rate (2007 est., Government of Brunei): 1.8%.
... Read this Article
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