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Brunei Darussalam
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Negara Brunei Darussalam , more commonly
referred to as the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam or simply
Brunei Darussalam, is a country located on the island of
Borneo, in southeast Asia. Apart from its
coastline with the South China Sea, it is
completely surrounded by East Malaysia. The
Petroleum and gas-rich Brunei Darussalam is a member of the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN),
the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and
the (British) Commonwealth of Nations.
History
Main article: History of Brunei Darussalam
The Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam was very powerful from
the 14th through the 16th century. Its realm
covered the southern Philippines, Sarawak and
Sabah. European influence gradually brought an
end to this regional power. Later, there was a
brief war with Spain in which Brunei Darussalam was
victorious. The 19th century however saw Brunei Darussalam
losing much of its territory to the White Rajahs
of Sarawak.
There was a small rebellion against the monarchy
during the 1960s, which was prevented by the
United Kingdom. This event became known as the
Brunei Darussalam Revolt and was partly responsible for the
failure to create the North Borneo Federation.
The rebellion also affected Brunei Darussalam's decision to
opt out of the Malaysian Federation. Brunei Darussalam was
a British protectorate from 1888 to 1984.
Geography
Main article: Geography of Brunei Darussalam
Brunei Darussalam consists of two unconnected parts; 97% of
the population lives in the larger western part,
only about 10,000 live in the mountainous
eastern part, the district of Temburong. Major
towns are the capital Bandar Seri Begawan (about
46,000 inhabitants), the port town Muara and the
oil producing districts of Seria and Kuala
Belait.
The climate in Brunei Darussalam is equatorial-tropical,
with high temperatures, a high humidity and
heavy rainfall.
Economy
Main article: Economy of Brunei Darussalam
This small, wealthy economy is a mixture of
foreign and domestic entrepreneurship,
government regulation, welfare measures, and
village tradition. Crude oil and natural gas
production account for nearly half of GDP.
Substantial income from overseas investment
supplements income from domestic production. The
government provides for all medical services and
subsidizes rice and housing. Brunei Darussalam's leaders
are concerned that steadily increased
integration in the world economy will undermine
internal social cohesion although it became a
more prominent player by serving as chairman for
the 2000 APEC (Asian Pacific Economic
Cooperation) forum. Stated plans for the future
include upgrading the labor force, reducing
unemployment, strengthening the banking and
tourist sectors, and, in general, further
widening the economic base.
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of Brunei Darussalam
About two-thirds of the Brunei Darussalam population are of
Malay origin. The most important ethnic minority
group are the Chinese, with about 15%. These
groups also reflect the most important
languages: Malay, which is the official
language, and Chinese. English is also widely
spoken and there is a relatively large
expatriate community.
Islam is the official religion of Brunei Darussalam, and
the sultan is the head of the religion in the
country. Other faiths practised are Buddhism
(mainly by the Chinese), Christianity and very
small communities still practice indigenous
religions.
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Background:
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The
Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam's heyday occurred between the
15th and 17th centuries, when its control extended
over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the
southern Philippines. Brunei Darussalam subsequently entered a
period of decline brought on by internal strife over
royal succession, colonial expansion of European
powers, and piracy. In 1888, Brunei Darussalam became a British
protectorate; independence was achieved in 1984.
Brunei Darussalam benefits from extensive petroleum and natural
gas fields, the source of one of the highest per
capita GDPs in the less developed countries. The
same family has ruled Brunei Darussalam for over six centuries.
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Location:
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Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and
Malaysia |
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Geographic coordinates:
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4 30
N, 114 40 E
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Map references:
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Southeast Asia
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Area:
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total: 5,770 sq km
water: 500 sq km
land: 5,270 sq km |
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Area - comparative:
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slightly smaller than Delaware |
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Land boundaries:
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total: 381 km
border countries: Malaysia 381 km |
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Climate:
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tropical; hot, humid, rainy |
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Terrain:
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flat
coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly
lowland in west |
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Ethnic groups:
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Malay
67%, Chinese 15%, indigenous 6%, other 12% |
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Religions:
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Muslim (official) 67%, Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%,
indigenous beliefs and other 10% |
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Languages:
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Malay
(official), English, Chinese |
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Currency:
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Bruneian dollar (BND)
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Currency code:
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BND
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Exchange rates:
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Bruneian dollars per US dollar - 1.8388 (January
2002), 1.8917 (2001), 1.7240 (2000), 1.6950 (1999),
1.6736 (1998), 1.4848 (1997); note - the Bruneian
dollar is at par with the Singapore dollar |
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