Brunei
Brunei, officially the State of Brunei Darussalam, is a sovereign sultanate on the northern coast of Borneo in Southeast Asia.
Brunei, officially the State of Brunei Darussalam, is a sovereign sultanate on the northern coast of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It is the only sovereign state entirely on Borneo and is governed as an absolute monarchy under Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. The country’s official language is Malay and Sunni Islam is the state religion.
History
Brunei became a British protectorate in 1888 and achieved independence in 1984. The same royal family has ruled Brunei for more than six centuries.
Geography
Brunei occupies a small territory on the northwest coast of Borneo, with coastline on the South China Sea. Its territory is divided into two parts by Malaysia’s Sarawak state.
Government and religion
Brunei is an absolute monarchy in which the Sultan holds both executive authority and the role of head of state. Malay is the official language, and Sunni Islam is the state religion.
Economy
Brunei’s economy is heavily based on petroleum and natural gas production. This resource wealth has helped give the country one of the higher per-capita incomes in Southeast Asia.
Key facts
- Brunei is the only sovereign state entirely on the island of Borneo.
- It is an absolute monarchy led by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
- Brunei gained independence from Britain in 1984.
- Oil and natural gas are central to Brunei’s economy.
- Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital and largest city.
Brunei is a member of the Commonwealth, which also includes Canada, and it is one of the Southeast Asian states with diplomatic and economic relevance to Canadian foreign policy and trade.
Frequently asked questions
What is Brunei?
What is the capital of Brunei?
What language is spoken in Brunei?
What is Brunei’s form of government?
When did Brunei become independent?
What drives Brunei’s economy?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BruneiSupports: Current population estimate, geography, official language, state religion, and government type.
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/BruneiSupports: Location on Borneo, division of territory, independence in 1984, and membership in the Commonwealth and ASEAN.
- CIA World Factbook — https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/2023/countries/brunei/summariesSupports: British protectorate status in 1888 and independence in 1984.
- United Nations — https://www.un.int/brunei/brunei/country-factsSupports: Area, location, coastline, and borders.
- BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-12990058Supports: Capital, area, population, and language.
- Eye on Asia — https://www.eyeonasia.gov.sg/asean-countries/know/overview-of-asean-countries/brunei-a-country-profile/Supports: Official name, capital, land area, currency, head of state, official language, and oil-and-gas-based economy.