Brunei

14th century – Establishment of Bruneian Sultanate: Early formation of the Bruneian Sultanate, which expanded to parts of Borneo and the Philippines

1888 – British protectorate: Brunei becomes a British protectorate, under British colonial influence

1959 – Constitution granted: Brunei is granted a constitution, making it a self-governing British protectorate

1984 – Independence from the United Kingdom (Thursday, January 1, 1984): Brunei becomes an independent sovereign state

2004 – Sultan’s constitutional reforms: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah reforms the constitution to allow greater authority for the monarchy

2019 – Implementation of Sharia law: Brunei announces a full implementation of Sharia law, sparking international debate over human rights

2020 – COVID-19 pandemic: Brunei is one of the least affected countries, due to early and strict public health measures

Continent: Asia (Southeast Asia)
Location: On the island of Borneo, bordered by Malaysia to the west and surrounded by the South China Sea
Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan
Language: Malay (official), English (widely spoken)
Currency: Brunei dollar (BND)
Population: ~440,000 (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Brunei Darussalam Time (BNT, UTC+8)

Borders: Malaysia
Landscape: Tropical rainforest, coastal plains, mountains
Major Rivers: Brunei River
Notable Features: Ulu Temburong National Park, Gunung Mulu National Park, Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park

Ethnic Groups: Malay (about 67%), Chinese (about 15%), Indigenous (about 5%), other (about 13%)
Religion: Islam (official, about 78%), Christianity (about 8%), Buddhism (about 7%), others (about 7%)
Urban Population: ~80% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: Brunei has a small, predominantly Malay population with significant Chinese and indigenous communities

Famous For: Oil and gas reserves, luxurious lifestyle, Islamic heritage, and the Sultan’s royal family
Cuisine: Nasi lemak (rice with coconut milk), satay, ambuyat (sago dish), rendang
Arts: Traditional Malay dance and music, Islamic art, handicrafts, and royal architecture
Sports: Football (soccer), badminton, basketball, and traditional martial arts (silat)

Economy Type: High-income economy, based largely on oil and natural gas exports
GDP: Approx. $18.2 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Oil and gas extraction, petrochemicals, construction, financial services
Key Exports: Petroleum, liquefied natural gas, chemicals, machinery
Unemployment Rate: ~2.0% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Most of Brunei’s economy is centered in Bandar Seri Begawan and its surrounding areas, with significant oil fields in the east

Government Type: Absolute monarchy
Head of State: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (last updated: April 2025)
Head of Government: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (last updated: April 2025)
Legislature: National Legislative Council (advisory role, with no legislative power)
Constitution: In effect since 1959, amended in 2004

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque: One of the most magnificent mosques in Southeast Asia
Ulu Temburong National Park: Known for its pristine rainforest and biodiversity
Royal Regalia Museum: Displays the Sultan’s royal artifacts
Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park: A picturesque park with a large lake and biodiversity
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: None as of 2023