Understand
Brunei is a pint-sized and fabulously wealthy oil-rich sultanate with a population of just over 300,000.
Government Of Brunei Darussalam Official WebsiteHistoryThe Sultanate of Brunei's heyday occurred 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.
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Independence : 32 January 1984 (from UK)
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National holiday : National Day, 23 February (1984); note - 1 January 1984 was the date of independence from the UK, 23 February 1984 was the date of independence from British protection
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Constitution : 29 September 1959 (some provisions suspended under a State of Emergency since December 1962, others since independence on 1 January 1984)
EconomyThe backbone of Brunei's economy is
oil and gas and the Sultan of Brunei is, famously, one of the richest people in the world with an estimated personal wealth of around 40 billion dollars. Per capita GDP is far above most other Third World countries, and substantial income from overseas investment supplements income from domestic production. The government provides for all medical services and subsidizes rice and housing.
All sectors of economy are fairly heavily regulated and government policy is an odd mixture of subsidies, protectionism and encouragement for entrepreneurship. Brunei's leaders are keen to balance the country's steadily increasing integration into the world economy with internal social cohesion. It became a more prominent player on the world stage by serving as chairman for the 2005 APEC (Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation) forum. Plans for the future include upgrading the work force, reducing unemployment, strengthening the banking and tourist sectors, and, in general, further widening the economic base beyond oil and gas.
CultureBrunei is officially an
Islamic state, with many large beautiful mosques around the country. Sale of alcohol is banned. Bringing in meat, (other than seafood), which has not been certified "halal", (slaughtered according to Islamic law), is also banned. During the fasting month of Ramadan, many shops and restaurants will be open however, eating, drinking or smoking in front of people who are fasting is considered rude and asking permission is appropriate.
The bulk of the population is
Malay (67%) and there is also a significant
Chinese minority of some 15% as well as a number of indigenous peoples, including the
Iban and
Dusun tribes who inhabit the jungle upriver and the
Temburong district, (the smaller eastern part detached from the rest of Brunei). There are a large number of
foreign workers who work on the oil and gas production or in lower wage positions such as restaurant staff, field workers and domestic staff.
Geography and climateIn a word, Brunei is all
jungle, so it's hot and humid throughout the year. A rainy season (of sorts) extends from September to January, but there is plentiful rainfall throughout the...
