Brunei Darussalam

I. INTRODUCTION

1. Geography
   Brunei Darussalam is a Malay Islamic Monarchy, located on the northwestern part of the island of Borneo, facing the South China Sea and occupying 5,765 square kilometers.
2. Population and Ethnic Groups
   The population was estimated at 314,400 in 1997. Malays form 67.0% of the total population, and includes the indigenous communities of Kadayan, Tutong, Belait, Basaya, Dusun and Murut. Other indigenous communities like the than 1% Dayak and Kelabit accounted for 6.0%. The Chinese comprised 15.1 % and other races 11.9% of the total population. Population growth averages at 3.1 % per year
3. Languages and Dialects
   Malay or Bahasa Melayu is the national and official language of the country. However, English is widely used especially in the business community. The various indigenous groups speak indigenous dialects and the Chinese, the various Chinese dialects, including Mandarin which together with Malay and English is the language taught in all Chinese schools.
4. History
   The sovereignty of Brunei extended well beyond Borneo outing the 14th-16th Centuries, with the establishment of Islam by 1391. However, as European influence grew in the region, Brunei power and territory declined. Becoming a British Protectorate in 1888, a British Resident was accepted to advise the Sultan on all matters except the Islamic faith and Malay customs in 1906. However, on 1st January 1984, the country gained full independence as a Malay Islamic Monarchy ruled by His Majesty, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
5. Currency
   The Brunei dollar is on par with the Singapore dollar, which is also accepted in Brunei. One U.S. dollar is equivalent to 1.7 Brunei dollars.
6. Main Exports
   Bruneis economy is mainly dependent on oil and gas, with construction the 2nd most important industry after oil and gas. Exports consist of three major commodities, namely crude oil, petroleum products and liquefied natural gas, destined mainly for Japan, the United States and ASEAN countries.
7. Media
   Radio Television Brunei offers news bulletins and a range of popular entertainment in both English and Malay. Cable network and Malaysian television programs can also be received. Private daily local newspapers, the Borneo Bulletin and Express (in English), and Media Permata (in Malay) besides the regional and international publications, are available. Other sources of information are the government publications Brunei Darussalam Newsletter (English) and Pelita Brunei (Malay).