| About Brunei |
Brunei Darussalam is located in the northwestern coast
of the island of Borneo. It covers a land area of 5,765 kilometers.
Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital of Brunei Darussalam with an area
of about 16 sq. km and a population of about 46,000 It is located
in the Brunei/Muara District, and is the centre of government and
business activities.
Map of Brunei
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| Language |
| The official language is Malay, but English is widely
spoken. |
| Climate |
| Brunei Darussalam has an equatorial climate characterized
by a uniform high temperature, high humidity and heavy rainfall. Temperature
ranges from 23 - 32 Degree Celsius, while rainfall varies from 2,500
mm annually on the coast to 7,500 mm in the interior. There is no
distinct wet season. |
| Economy |
Brunei Darussalam has been blessed with rich natural
resources and a strategic location within the region. The majority
of the country is covered in tropical rainforests teeming with exotic
flora and fauna. Brunei Darussalam is well known for its natural resources
of oil and natural gas and has embarked of a program of economic diversification.
The Brunei International Financial Centre was set launched in 2000 to establish Brunei Darussalam as a primary financial centre while maintaining reputation, good global citizenship and good governance (http://www.bifc.finance.gov.bn).
In 1991 The Brunei Economic Development Board was formed to stimulate the growth, expansion and development of the economy by promoting Brunei Darussalam as an investment destination. (http://nccibd.com/BEDB/Intro.html)
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| Banks |
| Brunei Darussalam is well served by several commercial
banks with branches throughout the country. The Brunei Dollar is at
par with the Singapore Dollar and are both freely traded in the respective
countries. There are no exchange controls in Brunei. Moneychanger
facilities are also available. |
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Culture
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Brunei Darussalam is richly endowed with cultural heritage steadfastly maintained until today. The setting up of the Arts and Handicraft Centre in 1975 is a living testimony as to the preservation and the proliferation of the arts and crafts of the bygone days which Brunei was renown for such as boat making, silver-smithing, bronze tooling, cloth weaving as well as mat and basket
weaving.
Relics and other various artistic heritage of Brunei Darussalam besides the ones mentioned above include Malay weaponry, woodcarvings, traditional games, traditional musical instruments, 'silat' (the traditional art of self defense) and decorative items for
women.
These are kept in the Brunei Museum and the Malay Technology Museum; not only for the world to see but most importantly for today's generation to admire and be proud of, for future generation to emulate, perhaps and something to remind us of our forefather's natural skill, creativity and innovativeness which over generations has been ingrained as one of the richest traditional culture in the Malay world. |
| Tourism |
| The country offers a wide variety of attractive places
to be visited and experienced. The rainforest and National Parks are
rich in flora and fauna. Eco-tourism has gained importance in the
country's economic activities to promote the conservation of its lush
surroundings. Brunei’s goal is to preserve their way of life. Its
most magnificent mosques, water village (traditional and historic
houses on stilts), rich culture and Jerudong Theme Park are among
the uniqueness of Brunei Darussalam. (For more information please
go to: www.tourismbrunei.com) |
| Religion |
| Islam is the official religion of Brunei Darussalam.
Islam plays a central role in the life of every Muslim in Brunei Darussalam.
Other faiths practiced in the State include Christianity and Buddhism. |
| Government |
Brunei is an independent sovereign Sultanate that is
governed on the basis of a written Constitution.
 His Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan is the supreme executive authority in Brunei Darussalam. His Majesty has occupied the position of Prime Minister since resumption of independence in
1984.
Brunei's administrative system is centred on the Prime Minister's Office, which has provided the thrust behind His Majesty's aim to introduce greater efficiency in the Government. The Government Official Web Site:
http://www.brunei.gov.bn/index.htm |
