Profile
Background and figures as recorded in the CIA World Factbook.
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. Internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy subsequently brought on a period of decline. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries, and in 2017, the country celebrated the 50th anniversary of Sultan Hassanal BOLKIAH’s accession to the throne.
- Capital
- Bandar Seri Begawan
- Government
- absolute monarchy or sultanate
- Population
- 491,900
- Area
- 5,765 sq km
- Location
- Southeastern Asia, along the northern coast of the island of Borneo, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia
- Climate
- tropical; hot, humid, rainy
- Natural resources
- petroleum; natural gas; timber
- Languages
- Malay (Bahasa Melayu) (official); English; Chinese dialects
- Religions
- Muslim (official) 82.1%; Christian 6.7%; Buddhist 6.3%; other 4.9%
- Independence
- 1 January 1984 (from the UK)
- Administrative divisions
- 4 districts (daerah-daerah, singular - daerah); Belait, Brunei dan Muara, Temburong, Tutong
- Currency
- Bruneian dollars (BND)
- Export partners
- Australia 21%; Japan 17%; China 17%; Singapore 16%…
- Import partners
- Malaysia 23%; UAE 10%; China 10%; UK 10%…
Source: CIA World Factbook — a work of the US government, in the public domain