# Brunei

> sovereign country and sultanate on the island of Borneo in south-east Asia, member of the Commonwealth of Nations

**Wikidata**: [Q921](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q921)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brunei)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/brunei

## Summary

Brunei is a country located in Asia[1]. It was established on January 1, 1984. The nation has an area of 5.8k and operates in the UTC+08:00 and Asia/Brunei time zone[2].The official languages of Brunei are Malay and British English[3]. In 2023, its population was recorded as 459k[4].

## Summary
Brunei is a sovereign country and sultanate located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, officially known as Brunei Darussalam. It is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and is characterized by its status as an absolute Islamic monarchy with a small but affluent population. Brunei is known for its political stability, oil-rich economy, and preservation of traditional culture.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: Negara Brunei Darussalam
- **Capital**: Bandar Seri Begawan
- **Area**: 5,765.31 km²
- **Population (2023 estimate)**: 458,949
- **Currency**: Brunei dollar (BND)
- **Time Zone**: UTC+08:00 (Asia/Brunei)
- **Languages**: Malay (official), British English
- **Religions**: Islam (official), Christianity, Buddhism
- **Government Type**: Unitary state, Islamic state, absolute monarchy
- **Head of State and Government**: Hassanal Bolkiah I
- **Independence**: January 1, 1984
- **Anthem**: "Allah Peliharakan Sultan" (God Bless the Sultan)
- **Flag**: Red and yellow flag with the national coat of arms
- **Highest Point**: Bukit Pagon (1,850 m)
- **Lowest Point**: South China Sea (0 m)
- **Internet Domain**: .bn
- **Country Code (ISO)**: BN (alpha-2), BRN (alpha-3), 096 (numeric)
- **Legal System**: Based on English common law and Islamic law
- **Life Expectancy (2016)**: 77.2 years
- **Human Development Index (2021)**: 0.829
- **Suicide Rate (2016)**: 4.6 per 100,000
- **Literacy Rate (2011)**: 96%
- **Nominal GDP (2022)**: USD 16.68 billion
- **Total Fertility Rate (2021)**: 1.75
- **Urban Population (2022)**: 354,056
- **Rural Population (2022)**: 94,946
- **Driving Side**: Left
- **Electrical Standards**: 240V, 50Hz, BS 1363 plug
- **Emergency Numbers**: 993 (Police), 991 (Ambulance), 995 (Fire)
- **National Languages**: Malay, English
- **Notable Memberships**: United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, ASEAN, WTO, APEC, OIC, Interpol, World Bank, UNESCO, WHO, IHO, OPCW
- **Notable Cities**: Bandar Seri Begawan, Kuala Belait, Seria
- **Notable Regions**: Belait District, Brunei-Muara District, Temburong District, Tutong District
- **Notable Features**: No personal income tax, high standard of living, oil and gas-based economy

## FAQs

### What is Brunei?
Brunei is a sovereign state and sultanate located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and is known for its absolute monarchy, Islamic legal system, and affluent oil-based economy.

### What is the political structure of Brunei?
Brunei is an absolute monarchy with a unitary and Islamic state structure. The head of state and government is Hassanal Bolkiah I, who also holds the title of Sultan of Brunei Darussalam.

### What are Brunei's official languages?
The official languages of Brunei are Malay and British English. Malay is the national language, while English is widely used in business and government.

### What is Brunei's economy based on?
Brunei's economy is heavily dependent on oil and natural gas exports. It has a high standard of living and no personal income tax.

### What organizations is Brunei a member of?
Brunei is a member of numerous international organizations, including the United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, ASEAN, WTO, APEC, OIC, Interpol, World Bank, UNESCO, WHO, and the OPCW.

### What are Brunei's demographics?
As of 2023, Brunei's population is estimated at 458,949. The urban population is approximately 354,000, and the rural population is around 95,000. The life expectancy is about 77 years, and the literacy rate is 96%.

### What are Brunei's geographical features?
Brunei is located on the island of Borneo, with the South China Sea as its lowest point (0 m) and Bukit Pagon as its highest point (1,850 m). It shares borders with Malaysia (Sarawak).

### What is Brunei's cultural and religious landscape?
Brunei is predominantly Muslim, with Islam being the official religion. Christianity and Buddhism are also practiced. The country promotes Islamic values and maintains a conservative cultural environment.

### What are Brunei's emergency contact numbers?
- Police: 993
- Emergency Medical Services: 991
- Fire Department: 995

## Why It Matters
Brunei holds strategic importance in Southeast Asia due to its geopolitical position and its role in regional diplomacy. As a member of ASEAN, the Commonwealth, and the United Nations, Brunei contributes to regional stability and international cooperation. Its economy, heavily reliant on oil and gas, makes it a significant player in the global energy market. Brunei's commitment to Islamic values and its unique political system also make it a case study in governance and cultural preservation.

## Notable For
- Being one of the few absolute monarchies in the modern world
- Having no personal income tax and a high standard of living
- Rich oil and gas reserves that support its economy
- Strong adherence to Islamic principles in governance and society
- High literacy rate and human development index
- Unique cultural identity preserved through traditional values and modern economic policies
- Hosting the International Court of Justice and other international affiliations
- A small but influential role in global diplomacy and regional politics

## Body

### History
Brunei's history is deeply rooted in the Malay Islamic tradition. The sultanate has existed since 1368, but modern Brunei's political structure was significantly shaped during its time as a British protectorate from 1888 to 1984. Full independence was achieved on January 1, 1984, marking the beginning of Brunei as a sovereign state. The country's history is also influenced by its early mentions in historical Chinese texts like the Book of Liang and the Old Book of Tang.

### Government and Politics
Brunei is an absolute monarchy with the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam as both head of state and government. The government is structured as a unitary and Islamic state, where Sharia law is partially implemented alongside common law. The Legislative Council of Brunei is the legislative body, and the country's legal framework is influenced by both British common law and Islamic jurisprudence.

### Geography and Environment
Brunei is located on the island of Borneo, bordered by Malaysia. Its total area is 5,765.31 km². The country's highest point is Bukit Pagon (1,850 m), and the lowest is the South China Sea (0 m). The climate is tropical, and the country is divided into four districts: Belait, Brunei-Muara, Temburong, and Tutong.

### Economy
Brunei's economy is heavily dependent on oil and natural gas, which account for the majority of its export revenues and government income. The country's nominal GDP in 2022 was approximately USD 16.68 billion. Brunei has no personal income tax, and its wealth supports a high standard of living for its citizens.

### Demographics
As of 2023, Brunei's population is estimated at 458,949. The urban population is about 354,000, and the rural population is around 95,000. The life expectancy is approximately 75 years, and the literacy rate is 96%. The total fertility rate in 2021 was 1.75.

### Culture and Society
Brunei's culture is deeply influenced by Malay and Islamic traditions. The official religion is Islam, but Christianity and Buddhism are also practiced. The national language is Malay, and English is widely used. The country promotes conservative values and has strict laws regarding public behavior and morality.

### International Relations
Brunei is a member of numerous international organizations, including the United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, ASEAN, WTO, APEC, OIC, Interpol, World Bank, UNESCO, WHO, and the OPCW. These affiliations highlight Brunei's commitment to global cooperation and regional diplomacy.

### Technology and Infrastructure
Brunei's electrical system operates at 240 volts and 50 hertz, using the BS 1363 plug type. The country's internet domain is .bn, and it uses the international dialing code +673. Emergency numbers include 993 (police), 991 (medical), and 995 (fire).

### Language and Communication
Malay and British English are the official languages. Malay is the national language, while English is widely used in business and government. The country's writing systems include the Malay alphabet and Jawi script.

### Religion and Beliefs
Islam is the official religion of Brunei, with over 337,000 adherents. Christianity and Buddhism are also practiced, with smaller communities. Religious diversity is present, but Islamic values are central to governance and societal norms.

### Health and Education
Brunei has a high life expectancy of 77.2 years (2016) and a literacy rate of 96% (2011). The country has invested in healthcare and education, with a suicide rate of 4.6 per 100,000 (2016). The total fertility rate in 2021 was 1.75.

### Environment and Natural Resources
Brunei's economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas, which are abundant in the region. The country's geography includes tropical rainforests and coastal areas, contributing to its biodiversity. The lowest point is the South China Sea, and the highest is Bukit Pagon.

### Tourism and Culture
Brunei promotes itself as "A kingdom of unexpected treasures," focusing on its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The country's tourism slogan emphasizes its unique attractions and experiences, including its historical sites and natural landscapes.

### Legal System
Brunei's legal system is based on a combination of English common law and Islamic law. Sharia law is partially implemented, particularly in family and religious matters. The country's legal framework reflects its dual heritage and modern governance.

### International Diplomacy
Brunei plays a role in regional diplomacy through its membership in ASEAN, the Commonwealth, and the United Nations. The country's foreign policy emphasizes neutrality and cooperation, contributing to regional stability.

### Conclusion
Brunei is a unique nation with a rich cultural heritage, a strong economy based on oil and gas, and a commitment to Islamic values. Its political structure, international affiliations, and societal norms make it a distinctive player in global and regional affairs.

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33. [Source](https://data.who.int/countries/096)
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