"Seronok berjumpa dengan anda" Brunei by seagoingJLW

Brunei Darussalem,wedged between two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo is awash with OIL. Thanks to the petroleum and natural gas that account for 99% of its exports, Brunei's gross domestic product per head is the third largest in the world. Most of the wealth is at the disposal of the Sultan-- the last of Asia's absolute rulers--who lives in luxury in a 1788 room palace. But he has invested some of the oil revenues poorly.

Government

Brunei is divided into four districts:Brunei/Muara, Tutong, Belait and Temburong. Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital with an area of sixteen square km and a population of about 46,000 including Kampong Ayer (the water village).

The population of the whole coutry is estimated at 330,700.

The official language is Malay. Other languages include English and various dialects of Chinese.

Miscellaneaous Information

Brunei Darussalem is located in the northwest of Borneo. It has a total area of 5,765 sq km. It is bounded on the north by the South China Sea. Everywhere else it is bounded by the Malaysian state of Srarwak. The coastline on the South China Sea is 161 km.

The climate is equatorial with high temperature and humidity and heavy rainfall.

Brunei is divided into four districts: Brunei/Muara, Tutong, Belait, and Temburong. Bandar Seri Bagawan, located in the Brunei/Muara District, is the capital and center of business.

The population as of midyear 1999 was estimated at 330,700. The major population group is Malay (including Kedayan, Tutong, Belait, Bisaya, Dusunand Murut) constituting 67.6%. Iban, Dayak, and Kelabit make up 5.9%. Chinese constitute 14.9%. The remaining 11,6% is made up of non-specified others.

Islam is the official religion. It is so stated in the constitution. His majesty, the sultan is head of the Islamic faith in Brunei.

There are minorities of Buddhists, Christians, Confucians and Taoists. The official language is Malay, but English and several dialects of Chinese are also spoken.

Stilt Village

Chinese annals of the sixth and seventh centuries refer to Brunei Darussalam as Puni or Puli, whose king sent tributes in the years 518, 523, and 616. In 669 an envoy was sent to strengthen ties to China. In 977 an envoy from the King of Puni led by Pu Ya Li (Abu Ali) went to China to pay homage to the Emperor T'ai-T'sung. At that time Muslims were already in influence in Brunei Darussalam.

Brunei Darussalam was a sultanate extending over Sabah, Sarawak and part of the Philippines during the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries making the current Sultan a representative of one of the world's olest continuously ruling dynasties. In 1408 a delegation including the Sultan's wife and children visited China and were honored by Emperor Yung-Lo.

in 1847 a treaty was concluded with Britain and in 1888 Brunei became a British protectorate. Britain established a Residential System in 1906 with a representative of the British Government to advise the Sultan in most things. Excluded were Malay customs and traditions and the Islamic religion.

A 1959 agreement with Great Britain established a written constitution giving Brunei Darussalam internal self-government. This was amended in 1971, asseting full internal independence. Defense and external affairs were excluded.

In 1967 His Highness Sultan Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien abdicated in favor of his son, Pengiran Muda Mahkota Hassanal Bolkiah. On January 1, 1984 the Sultan took office as Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and Home Affairs Minister. He presided over a cabinet of six which was expanded to eleven in October 1986. At that time His Majesty relinquished Finance and Home Affairs and took over Defense. In 1988 the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources was created to boost the country's development.

There have been recent problems due to the Sultan's brother's wastrel spending.

• Pros:Very interesting and different
• Cons:If you are going, dress appropriately
• In a nutshell:Fascinating