Introducing Brunei
QUICK FACTS
Population
406,000
Language Malay (official)
English (widely spoken)
Religion Islam
Government Absolute Monarchy
Judiciary English Common Law
Islamic Syariah Law
Brunei Darussalam is a small
country with great potential. It is ranked number one in the Islamic world
in terms of the Human Development Index (HDI), which measures a country's
quality of life.
Strategically located on the
north-west coast of the island of Borneo, right in the heart of Asia, it is just
two to three hours flying distance from most ASEAN countries. Brunei has a total
land area of 2226 mi² and over 100 mile of coastline along the South China Sea.
Sitting on the equator, Brunei Darussalam enjoys an equatorial climate with an
average temperature of about 83° Fahrenheit, high humidity and heavy rainfall.
Brunei Darussalam is divided into four districts, namely Brunei-Muara, Tutong,
Belait and Temburong. Its capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is located in the
Brunei-Muara district. The capital is the centre of Government and business
activities. All the other major towns are within a two hour driving distance
from Bandar Seri Begawan.
Latest statistics put Brunei
Darussalam’s population at 406,000 and growing at an average rate of 1.8% per
annum. Brunei Darussalam has a multi-racial society, comprising of 67% Malays
and 15% Chinese. Other races such as Indians, indigenous ethnic groups and
expatriates make up the rest of the country’s population. Brunei Darussalam has
a young population: 54% are in the 20-54 working age group, another 39% are
below the age of 19 while only 7% are 55 and above.
Language
Bahasa Melayu (Malay Language) is the official language, but English is also
widely spoken and understood. Various dialects of Chinese and Indian are used by
the respective communities. Arabic is also taught in schools and institutions of
higher learning.
Religion
Islam is the official
religion of Brunei Darussalam and has been since the 14th century. Brunei takes
its religion very seriously and has developed a strong Islamic reputation around
the world. However, Brunei also practices religious tolerance as underwritten by
the constitution. Other faiths practiced in the State include Christianity and
Buddhism. About 66% of the population are Muslim.
Government
A British protectorate
since 1888, Brunei Darussalam and became an independent sovereign Sultanate on 1
January 1984. Brunei Darussalam is governed on the basis of a written
constitution which came into effect in 1959. Under the constitution His Majesty
the Sultan has executive authority and is assisted and advised by 5
constitutional bodies, namely the Council of Succession, the Council of Cabinet
Ministers, the Privy Council, the Religious Council and the Legislative Council.
The present Head of State and Head of Government is His Majesty Sultan Haji
Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the 29th monarch to succeed to the
throne. His Majesty is also the Prime Minister and heads a team of Cabinet
Ministers.
Judiciary
Brunei Darussalam’s
judiciary system is based on English Common Law. The Supreme Court comprises the
High Court and the Court of Appeals, while the Subordinate Court consists of the
Magistrate's Courts. A Syariah Court also co-exists with the Supreme Court and
deals with Islamic laws. For Muslims, Islamic Syariah Law supersedes civil law
in a number of areas. In 1991 the Intermediate Court was established with
extensive civil and criminal jurisdiction; although it does not deal with
capital offences.
Education
The Government of His
Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam provides free
education to all Brunei Darussalam citizens and permanent residents who attend
government schools. While the current education policy priorities the Malay
Language as the official national language, English is most commonly used as the
medium of instruction. Arabic is also used in religious schools.
The literacy rate in Brunei Darussalam is about 94.9%, which is among the
highest in the world. The United Nations Development Program has ranked Brunei
Darussalam 30th in the “High Human Development” category.
Healthcare
Healthcare is a priority to
His Majesty’s Government by demonstrated in the provision of a comprehensive
health care system for the people of Brunei Darussalam. The main health policy
is to provide high quality yet cost effective health care in order to maintain a
high standard of living in a clean and healthy environment. Among the objectives
are to reduce the infant mortality rate, diseases and disability, promote a
healthy way of life and improve the environment.
Brunei Darussalam’s health services are ranked among the best in Asia. Citizens
of Brunei Darussalam are charged a nominal fee at public hospitals and health
clinics. Apart from public health care there are also private clinics and a
private medical centre for those who seeking alternatives.
Source: Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB)