Brunei is located in Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia.
Brunei has borders with Malaysia for 381km.
Land in Brunei is flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west.
Bruneian land covers an area of 5770 square kilometers which is slightly smaller than Delaware
As for the Bruneian climate; tropical; hot, humid, rainy.
Bruneian(s) speak Malay (official), English, Chinese.
|
Bandar Seri Begawan Kuala Belait Seria | Tutong Bangar |
|
Belait Brunei and Muara Brunei (general) | Temburong Tutong |
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. 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. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in the developing world.
This small, well-to-do economy encompasses 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 and more than 90% of government revenues. 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 free education through the university level and subsidizes rice and housing. Brunei'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. 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 beyond oil and gas.
Bruneian natural resources include petroleum, natural gas, timber
close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian and Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by Malaysia; almost an enclave within Malaysia
Bruneian religion is Muslim (official) 67%, Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%, indigenous beliefs and other 10%.
Natural hazards in Brunei include typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rare.