Facts about Brunei
Traditions speak of local Bornean culture heroes, including Hawang Halak Batatar, who adopted Islam and became the first Muslim sultan of Brunei, Muhammad Shah, and ruled from 1363 to 1402.
In 1579 the northern half of the Seventeen Provinces declared independence from Spain and formed the Union of Utrecht, which is seen as the foundation of the modern Netherlands.
The culture of Brunei is predominantly Malay, with heavy influences from Hinduism and Islam, but is seen as more conservative than Malaysia.
On January 1, 1984, Brunei Darussalam became a fully independent state.
Like neighboring countries, with 67 percent of the population listed as Malay, Brunei is a Malay-dominated country.
The White Rajah period resulted in Brunei’s small landmass and separation into two parts.
Brunei's hereditary nobility have the title “Pengiran.” The sultan can award to commoners the title “Pehin,” the equivalent of a life peerage awarded in the United Kingdom.
Brunei consists of two unconnected sections which are physically separated by Malaysia, making it almost an enclave within Malaysia.
The Brunei dialect of Malay has many unique words and a distinctive syntax.
The total population of Brunei is 383,000, of which around 46,000 live in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan.
The epic poem Sya'ir Awang Simawn, which recounts the exploits of the culture's hero, is Brunei's most famous literary work.
The conquest of Malacca by the Portuguese in 1511 meant Brunei benefited from the scattering of Muslim merchants and traders who were forced to use other ports.
The requirements to attain Brunei citizenship include passing tests in Malay culture, customs, and language.
Many cultural and linguistic differences make Brunei Malays distinct from the larger Malay populations in nearby Malaysia and Indonesia, even though they are ethnically related and share the Islamic religion.
In 1970, the national capital, Brunei Town, was renamed Bandar Seri Begawan in his honor.
Brunei, the remnant of a powerful sultanate, became independent from the United Kingdom in 1984.
The Portuguese were more interested in trade and did little to interfere with Brunei's development.
Brunei is the third-largest oil producer in Southeast Asia, averaging about 180,000 barrels a day, and is the fourth-largest producer of liquefied natural gas in the world.
The national airline, Royal Brunei Airlines, is trying to make Brunei a hub for international travel between Europe and Australia/New Zealand.
The district is a culturally important part of Brunei that preserves the nation's river dwelling origins.
Chinese and Arabic records indicate that the trading kingdom of Po-ni existed at the mouth of the Brunei River as early as the seventh or eighth century C.E.
Per capita GDP was US$24,826 in 2005, putting Brunei at 26th place on a list of 181 nations.
Petroleum wealth allows the Brunei government to provide one of Asia's finest health care systems.
In 1959, a new constitution declared Brunei a self-governing state, while its foreign affairs, security, and defense remained the responsibility of the United Kingdom, represented by a High Commissioner.
The following legal parties exist: the Brunei National Solidarity Party, the Brunei People's Awareness Party, and the National Development Party.
After suppressing a revolt the Fatimid caliph appointed Hassan al-Kalbi (948–964) as Emir of Sicily.
From 1565 on, Spanish and Brunei forces engaged in a number of naval skirmishes and in 1571 the Spanish captured Manila from the Brunei aristocracy established there.
Stateless permanent residents of Brunei are given international certificates of identity, which allow them to travel overseas.
The reign of the fifth sultan, Bolkiah (1485–1521), who began the dynasty that continues to this day, is often marked as Brunei's "golden age."
Several small islands situated between Brunei and Labuan, including Kuraman Island, are contested between Brunei and Malaysia.
Many Brunei Malay women wear the “tudong,” a traditional head covering.
Brunei hosts one of the richest marathons in Asia, offering more than $500,000 in prize money, and hosts the Brunei Open, part of the Asian Golf Tour.
The Brunei People's Party aimed to bring Brunei into full independence from the United Kingdom, and sought to democratize the government by shifting the national leadership from the palace to the people.
On January 4, 1979, Brunei and the United Kingdom signed a new treaty of friendship and cooperation.
Absolute rule has meant that Brunei has been one of the most politically stable countries in Asia.
Islam is Brunei's official religion, and 67 percent of the population is Muslim, mostly Sunnis of Malay origin who follow the Shafi school of Islamic law.
At the end of Cyrus' rule, the Achaemenid Empire stretched from Asia Minor and Judah in the west, as far as the Indus River in the east.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, whose role is enshrined in the national philosophy known as Malay Islamic monarchy, is the head of state and head of government.
Most of Brunei's college students attend universities and other institutions abroad, but about 2,500 study at the University of Brunei Darussalam.
Located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, Brunei borders the South China Sea and the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak.
The climate in Brunei is equatorial tropical, with high temperatures, high humidity, abundant sunshine, and heavy rainfall throughout the year.
The song "Alus Jua Dindang" is an important part of Bruneian wedding music.
The rising influence of European colonial powers disrupted traditional trading patterns and destroyed Brunei’s economic base.
Brunei has a dual legal system—the British system, similar to those in India, Malaysia, and Singapore, based on English Common Law, and the Islamic Sharia system.
The majority of Brunei's Chinese are permanent residents, and many are stateless.
Brunei, officially the State of Brunei, Abode of Peace (Negara Brunei Darussalam), Jawi: ???? ????????? ), is a country located on the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia.
Brunei is divided into four districts (daerah): Belait, Brunei and Muara, Temburong, and Tutong.
Bruneians adhere to the practice of using complete full names with all titles, including the title “Haji” (for men) or “Hajjah” (for women) for those who have made the Hajj pilgrimage.
The Portuguese were more interested in trade and did little to interfere with Brunei's development.
All water village buildings are constructed on stilts above the Brunei River.
Brunei claims territory in Sarawak, and is one of many nations to lay claim to the disputed Spratly Islands.