Travel Guides: Brunei
Brunei (miscellaneous11.wordpress.com)
Brunei is a state located on the coast of Borneo in Southeast Asia.
Except the coast of the South China Sea it is completely surrounded by Sarawak State in Malaysia and is separated into two territories by the Limbang town, which is part of Sarawak state. Brunei is the remnant of a powerful sultanate that has re-gained its independence from the UK on 1 January 1984. Brunei is located on the northern island of Borneo / Kalimantan, South China Sea shore. The landscape of this country is mostly mountainous; the maximum altitude is 1850 m. On the coast it has a hilly terrain and plains. The main river that drains half of this state is Sungai Belait. Brunei is a sultanate located in the north east of Borneo Island and it consists of two sectors: the western and the eastern hill. The equatorial climate is accompanied by high rainfall which favors the presence of lush forest vegetation.
Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan. President: Hassanal Bolkiah. Form of government: Constitutional Sultanate – Legislative Council with members elected by the Sultan. Mountains: The landscape is divided into two sectors by the river Limbay: West Sector – the largest, developed on the Belait and Tutong river valleys, hills and swamps; East sector – higher. The highest peak: Bukit Pagon – 1,850 m. Sea: the South China Sea gives it 161 km of coast. Climate: tropical – warm, humid and rainy. Area: 5.765 km². Neighborhood: Malaysia and South China Sea. Main Cities: Bandar Seri Begawan. Administrative Divisions: 4 districts. Time Zone: UTC+8. Country code (phone): 673. Radio emission: AM 1, FM 2 (2006).
Medieval territory: In the 9th century the kingdom of Brunei is confirmed, which is subject to Indonesian Madjapahit kingdom in the 14th century and early 15th century Islamized. During the journey of Magellan (1521), Brunei is a powerful feudal state, where the authority lies on Borneo Island, Sulu and the Philippines. In 1847 Brunei concludes the first commercial treaty with Great Britain to recognize the British protectorate in 1888. Modern Politics: UN considers Brunei a non-autonomous territory within the meaning of Chapter XI of the Charter. According to the Constitution of 12.09.1959, as amended from 6.1.1965, partially in force, and the Agreement of 23.11.1971 (which receives Brunei internal autonomy), the United Kingdom by a high commissioner is responsible for external relations of Brunei and has a role Advisory on matters of defense.
Following negotiations started in June, 1977, Britain announced on 01.08.1979 granting independence to the territory on 31/12/1983. The same family has led Brunei for more than six centuries. Independence: Obtained on January 1, 1984 from the UK. Organization: Today, Brunei is one of the objectives of developing tourism that it is a major source of income in the country’s GDP. Its campaign established “Visit Brunei Year” 2008 to promote tourism. Brunei is a country rich in vegetation and fauna, nature is a main attraction for tourists. In 1999 there were 405,532 tourists. The sale and consumption of alcohol is banned in Brunei.
What to see: Bandar Seri Begawan – the only city in Brunei, Jerudong – park for outdoor activities (polo, golf), it can be visited only by invitation since this park is the recreation of the Sultan, Jerudong Park Playground – park entertainment given by the Sultan, the people in 1994, Tasek Merimbun – the park contains the largest lake in Brunei, Ulu Temburong National Park – national park, is recommended along with a specialized guide. When to go: Weather in Brunei is the same, warm and humid throughout the year. September to January is the season when the weather becomes warmer and more humid. During Ramadan you should avoid because most tourist areas are closed.
Events: National Day – February 23. Estimated population: 374.577 inhabitants. Population density: 65 persons / km². Population distribution: Urban 77% / 23% Rural (2005). Birth rate: 18.56 to 1000 inhabitants. Death rate: 3.23 to 1000 inhabitants. Average age: 27.2 years. Education rates: 92.7% – people who know how to read and write (more than 15 years old). Unemployment rate: 4% (2006). Ethnic groups: Malay 67%, Chinese 15%, 6% indigenous groups, some 12%. Emigrants: 2.79 persons per 1,000 inhabitants. Language: Malay (official), English, Chinese. Religion: Muslim (official) 67%, Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%, others (indigenous beliefs) 10%.
Transport: car, bus / mini-bus, plane, ship ferryboat. Shipping routes: 209 km. Highways / Roads: 3.650 km. Railways: There are no railways. Airports: 2. Ports: 3. Coin: Brunei dollar (BND). Gross Domestic Product: $ 9.557 billion (total) (2006). Minimum Wage: the minimum wage is set by law. Average salary: 1,000 BND / month. Industries: oil, oil refining, natural gas, construction. Agriculture Products: rice, fruits, vegetables, poultry, cattle, goats, eggs, buffalo. Money advice: hotel accommodation = 10 – $ 300 BND, restaurant meals = 3 – $ 30 BND. Personalities: Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah – Sultan of Brunei, the 29th member of the family that runs the country.
Although a small country located on the northern coast of Borneo in Southeast Asia, Brunei has one of the highest living standards in the world, thanks to considerable oil and gas deposits. Brunei is a country with large forest expanses, and human activities are largely restricted in coastal areas or estuaries. Visitors will meet here the grandeur of Islamic art, royal and the rich architectural tradition and Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, the Dome or gold.
The country gained independence in 1984, but has the oldest monarchy and centuries of royal heritage. The leadership of the only monarchy in the world of Islam is the Sultan of Brunei, coming from a family with roots more than 600 years. The first sultan ascended the throne in 1405 and founded the dynasty of the Sultan today, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah being the 29th ruler. In 1984, the Sultan declared Negara Brunei Darussalam (“Brunei, the embodiment of Peace”) as a Malay Muslim monarchy, democratic, independent and sovereign, ruled according to Islamic law.11
