Brunei

Located on the north coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, Brunei is surrounded by Malaysia and the South China sea.

Capital is Bandar Seri Begawan.

Malay is the official language but English is widely used.

Population, 452,524. Size, 5,765 km^2.

The Brunei Dollar (BND) is the official currency.

Among religions in Brunei, Sunni Islam is predominant. In 2021, 82.1% of the population was Muslim.

Major cities include Kuala, Belait, Seria, and Tutong.

The national dish, ambuyat, is derived from the trunk of a sago palm and consists of a mix of starchy, solid whites (similar to tapioca starch) and water. Served sticky with a dip called cacah (usually sour and spicy), ambuyat is completely edible without chewing it. Principal crops include bananas, sweet potatoes, cassava, coconuts, pineapples, rice, and vegetables.

The climate is equatorial, hot, humid and rainy throughout the year. The best months to visit are February and March, since they are the driest months. It is better to avoid the wettest period, from October to January. The sea is warm all year round.

Brunei has the longest reigning male monarch and is one of the only remaining absolute monarchies. The Istana Nurul Iman Palace is the world’s largest residential palace; it is the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei and boasts 1,788 rooms, covers 50 acres of land, and was constructed for $1.4 billion. The Sultan of Brunei is known to own 500 Rolls Royce cars and gets $20,000 haircuts. Brunei was the only Malay state that chose to remain a British protectorate in 1963 instead of joining the Malaysian federation. Brunei was the first East Asian nation to adopt Sharia Law which imposes maiming, stoning, caning, and other punishments for theft, gay-sex, and adultery. Brunei is the most Islamic observant nation in Southeast Asia. Brunei has some of the world's most beautiful Mosques. It is illegal to celebrate Christmas in public. Broadcasting is dominated by state TV and radio. The private press is controlled or owned by the royal family. 99% of Bruneians are active on social media. Despite government attempts to control mainstream media, most citizens still use social media to find independent and unbiased information. Brunei has the second highest Human Development Index (HDI) in Southeast Asia, after Singapore. Brunei is one of the least indebted countries in the world. In Brunei, women are given equal opportunities in training and education. Bruneian women have excellent health. Women receive free pre and postnatal health services. 49% of Brunei’s civil service is made up of women. 78% of Brunei Is covered by rainforests.