HumptyDumpty: Creating Draft:Brunei

2026-09-25T19:24:01Z

Creating Draft:Brunei

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{{Infobox country
| conventional_long_name = Brunei Darussalam
| common_name = Brunei
| native_name = Negara Brunei Darussalam
| capital = [[Bandar Seri Begawan]]
| largest_city = Bandar Seri Begawan
| official_languages = [[Malay language|Malay]]
| religion = [[Islam]] (official)
| government_type = Monarchy under the Constitution of Brunei Darussalam
| leader_title1 = [[Sultan of Brunei|Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan]]
| leader_name1 = [[Hassanal Bolkiah]]
| leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister of Brunei|Prime Minister]]
| leader_name2 = Hassanal Bolkiah
| legislature = [[Legislative Council of Brunei|Legislative Council]]
| sovereignty_type = Independence
| established_event1 = Constitution
| established_date1 = 29 September 1959
| established_event2 = Full independence from the [[United Kingdom]]
| established_date2 = 1 January 1984
| area_km2 = 5,765
| population_estimate = 458,600
| population_estimate_year = 2025
| population_density_km2 = 79.5
| currency = [[Brunei dollar]]
| currency_code = BND
| time_zone = Brunei Darussalam Time
| utc_offset = +8
| calling_code = +673
| cctld = .bn
| website = https://www.gov.bn/
}}

'''Brunei''', officially '''Brunei Darussalam''', is a sovereign country on the northern coast of the island of [[Borneo]] in [[Southeast Asia]]. Apart from its coastline on the [[South China Sea]], it is surrounded by the Malaysian state of [[Sarawak]]. The country consists of two separate land areas, with the eastern district of [[Temburong District|Temburong]] separated from the rest of Brunei by Malaysian territory.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Brunei |url=https://www.information.gov.bn/Pages/AboutBrunei.aspx |website=Information Department, Government of Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

Brunei covers 5,765 square kilometres and has more than 160 kilometres of coastline.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Brunei |url=https://www.information.gov.bn/Pages/AboutBrunei.aspx |website=Information Department, Government of Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref> Its capital and principal urban centre is [[Bandar Seri Begawan]]. The Department of Economic Planning and Statistics estimated the country's population at 458,600 in 2025, of whom 76.7% were Brunei citizens.<ref>{{cite web |title=Population Estimates 2025, Brunei Darussalam |url=https://deps.mofe.gov.bn/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/POP_2025_PR.pdf |publisher=Department of Economic Planning and Statistics, Ministry of Finance and Economy |date=2026 |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

Brunei is ruled by [[Hassanal Bolkiah]], the Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan, who also serves as prime minister, minister of defence and minister of finance.<ref>{{cite web |title=Prime Minister |url=https://www.agc.gov.bn/Pages/Prime-Minister.aspx |publisher=Attorney General's Chambers, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref> The country's political and social framework is strongly influenced by the national philosophy of ''Melayu Islam Beraja'', commonly translated as [[Malay Islamic Monarchy]].<ref>{{cite web |title=About the national philosophy, Malay Muslim Monarchy (MIB) |url=https://www.information.gov.bn/Publication%20listsPDF/Annual_Report_BruneiDarussalam_2005-2009%28Part_One%29.pdf |publisher=Information Department, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

Brunei became a British-protected state in 1888 and regained full sovereignty on 1 January 1984.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brief History |url=https://www.jpa.gov.bn/SitePages/Brief%20History.aspx |publisher=Public Service Department, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref> Soon after independence it joined the [[Association of Southeast Asian Nations]] (ASEAN), and it was admitted to the [[United Nations]] on 21 September 1984.<ref>{{cite web |title=About ASEAN |url=https://asean.org/about-asean/ |publisher=Association of Southeast Asian Nations |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Member States |url=https://www.un.org/about-us/member-states |publisher=United Nations |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

The discovery of commercial petroleum deposits at [[Seria]] in 1929 transformed Brunei's economy. Oil and natural gas remain central to national income, exports and public finances, although the government has pursued economic diversification through downstream energy industries and other sectors.<ref>{{cite web |title=Oil and Gas in Brunei |url=https://www.pa.gov.bn/oil-and-gas-in-brunei/ |publisher=Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

== Name ==

The country's official name is '''Brunei Darussalam'''. The Malay word ''Darussalam'', derived from Arabic, is commonly understood as "abode of peace". Government institutions generally use the full form ''Negara Brunei Darussalam'' in Malay and ''Brunei Darussalam'' in English.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Brunei |url=https://www.information.gov.bn/Pages/AboutBrunei.aspx |website=Information Department, Government of Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

"Brunei" is the shorter name commonly used internationally and in ordinary English-language references.

== History ==

=== Early sultanate ===

Brunei developed into an important Malay sultanate in northern Borneo. Government historical accounts describe the state as a major regional power between the 14th and 16th centuries, with influence extending into parts of present-day [[Sarawak]], [[Sabah]] and areas of the southern [[Philippines]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Brief History |url=https://www.jpa.gov.bn/SitePages/Brief%20History.aspx |publisher=Public Service Department, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

Islam became a major element of the Bruneian state and its royal institutions. Over succeeding centuries, maritime trade, regional rivalries and European colonial expansion changed the political balance around Borneo.

=== Territorial decline and British protection ===

During the 19th century, Brunei lost or ceded substantial territory. Sarawak was ceded to [[James Brooke]] in 1841, while the island of [[Labuan]] was ceded to Britain in 1846. Brunei and Britain concluded a trade agreement in 1847.<ref>{{cite web |title=Information for Visitors: Historical Timeline |url=https://www.agc.gov.bn/SitePages/Information%20for%20Visitors.aspx |publisher=Attorney General's Chambers, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

In 1888, Brunei became a British-protected state. Britain assumed responsibility for external affairs while the sultanate retained its internal identity.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brunei |url=https://history.state.gov/countries/brunei |publisher=Office of the Historian, United States Department of State |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref> A British Resident was appointed in 1906. Under the residency system, the resident advised the sultan on most matters other than Malay customs and Islamic religion.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brief History |url=https://www.jpa.gov.bn/SitePages/Brief%20History.aspx |publisher=Public Service Department, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

=== Oil and the twentieth century ===

Early petroleum exploration took place around Brunei Town and the Belait area, but the decisive commercial discovery was made at the [[Seria oil field]] in 1929. Brunei exported oil from the field by 1932.<ref>{{cite web |title=Oil and Gas in Brunei |url=https://www.pa.gov.bn/oil-and-gas-in-brunei/ |publisher=Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref> Petroleum income later became one of the foundations of the modern Bruneian state.

Brunei was occupied by [[Japan]] during the [[Second World War]] from 1941 until 1945.<ref>{{cite web |title=Information for Visitors: Historical Timeline |url=https://www.agc.gov.bn/SitePages/Information%20for%20Visitors.aspx |publisher=Attorney General's Chambers, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

A written constitution was introduced in 1959, establishing internal self-government while Britain continued to hold responsibility for defence and external affairs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Constitution of Brunei Darussalam |url=https://www.agc.gov.bn/AGC%20Images/LAWS/ACT_PDF/constitution_i.pdf |publisher=Attorney General's Chambers, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Brunei |url=https://history.state.gov/countries/brunei |publisher=Office of the Historian, United States Department of State |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

An armed revolt took place in 1962 and was suppressed with British assistance.<ref>{{cite web |title=Information for Visitors: Historical Timeline |url=https://www.agc.gov.bn/SitePages/Information%20for%20Visitors.aspx |publisher=Attorney General's Chambers, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref> Brunei subsequently remained outside the new federation of [[Malaysia]].

Sultan [[Omar Ali Saifuddien III]] abdicated in 1967 in favour of his son, Hassanal Bolkiah. Hassanal Bolkiah was crowned in 1968.<ref>{{cite web |title=Information for Visitors: Historical Timeline |url=https://www.agc.gov.bn/SitePages/Information%20for%20Visitors.aspx |publisher=Attorney General's Chambers, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

=== Independence ===

Brunei and the United Kingdom signed a Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in 1979 that prepared the way for the end of the protectorate relationship.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brief History |url=https://www.jpa.gov.bn/SitePages/Brief%20History.aspx |publisher=Public Service Department, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref> Brunei became fully independent on 1 January 1984.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brunei |url=https://history.state.gov/countries/brunei |publisher=Office of the Historian, United States Department of State |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

The country joined ASEAN on 7 January 1984.<ref>{{cite web |title=About ASEAN |url=https://asean.org/about-asean/ |publisher=Association of Southeast Asian Nations |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref> It became a United Nations member on 21 September of the same year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Member States |url=https://www.un.org/about-us/member-states |publisher=United Nations |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

== Geography ==

Brunei lies on the northwestern side of [[Borneo]], facing the South China Sea. Its land area is 5,765 square kilometres.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Brunei |url=https://www.information.gov.bn/Pages/AboutBrunei.aspx |website=Information Department, Government of Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

The Malaysian state of Sarawak surrounds Brunei on its land borders. Sarawak's Limbang area separates the eastern Temburong District from Brunei's three western districts. The country therefore consists of two physically separated territories.

Much of the interior consists of tropical lowland forest and hilly terrain. The population and much of the country's infrastructure are concentrated closer to the coast and along major river systems. The World Bank reported that forest covered about 72.1% of Brunei's land area in 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brunei Darussalam Data |url=https://data.worldbank.org/country/brunei-darussalam |publisher=World Bank |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

Brunei has a humid tropical climate.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Brunei |url=https://www.information.gov.bn/Pages/AboutBrunei.aspx |website=Information Department, Government of Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref> High temperatures, humidity and rainfall occur throughout much of the year.

[[Ulu Temburong National Park]] is among the country's best-known protected rainforest areas and is promoted as a major nature destination.<ref>{{cite web |title=Explore Brunei |url=https://www.explorebrunei.gov.bn/ |publisher=Tourism Development Department, Government of Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

== Administrative divisions ==

Brunei is divided into four districts:

* [[Belait District]]
* [[Brunei-Muara District]]
* [[Temburong District]]
* [[Tutong District]]

Each district is administered through a district office under the Ministry of Home Affairs.<ref>{{cite web |title=District Affairs Services |url=https://www.moha.gov.bn/perkhidmatan-hal-ehwal-daerah/ |publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

The districts are subdivided into ''mukim'', which in turn contain villages or ''kampung''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tutong District |url=https://www.information.gov.bn/PublishingImages/SitePages/Publication%20Lists/TutongDistrict.pdf |publisher=Information Department, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

Brunei-Muara is by far the most populous district. In 2025 it contained an estimated 332,700 people, or 72.5% of the country's population. Belait had 67,900 residents, Tutong 48,500 and Temburong 9,500.<ref>{{cite web |title=Population Estimates 2025, Brunei Darussalam |url=https://deps.mofe.gov.bn/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/POP_2025_PR.pdf |publisher=Department of Economic Planning and Statistics, Ministry of Finance and Economy |date=2026 |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

== Government and politics ==

Brunei is governed under a written constitution whose principal provisions began to take effect in September 1959.<ref>{{cite web |title=Constitution of Brunei Darussalam |url=https://www.agc.gov.bn/AGC%20Images/LAWS/ACT_PDF/constitution_i.pdf |publisher=Attorney General's Chambers, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref> The constitution has been amended on several occasions, including amendments that entered into force in 2021 and 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=Constitutional Matters I – Constitution of Brunei Darussalam |url=https://www.agc.gov.bn/documents/constitutional-matters-i-constitution-of-brunei-darussalam/ |publisher=Attorney General's Chambers, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

The Sultan is head of state and holds supreme executive authority. Hassanal Bolkiah also serves as prime minister, minister of defence and minister of finance.<ref>{{cite web |title=Prime Minister |url=https://www.agc.gov.bn/Pages/Prime-Minister.aspx |publisher=Attorney General's Chambers, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref> Constitutional bodies assisting the Sultan include the Privy Council, Council of Succession, Religious Council, Council of Ministers and Legislative Council.<ref>{{cite web |title=Prime Minister |url=https://www.agc.gov.bn/Pages/Prime-Minister.aspx |publisher=Attorney General's Chambers, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

The [[Legislative Council of Brunei|Legislative Council]] is composed of appointed members. According to the council's 2026 guidance, it has 34 members, including ex-officio members as well as appointed titled persons, people considered to have achieved distinction and district representatives. Members serve five-year terms.<ref>{{cite web |title=Frequently Asked Questions: Legislative Council |url=https://www.councils.gov.bn/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/FAQ-MMN22-ENG.pdf |publisher=Department of Councils of State, Brunei Darussalam |date=2026 |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

The national philosophy of ''Melayu Islam Beraja'' (MIB), or Malay Islamic Monarchy, connects the monarchy with Malay cultural traditions and Islam and has been officially associated with the state since independence.<ref>{{cite web |title=About the national philosophy, Malay Muslim Monarchy (MIB) |url=https://www.information.gov.bn/Publication%20listsPDF/Annual_Report_BruneiDarussalam_2005-2009%28Part_One%29.pdf |publisher=Information Department, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

== Law and judiciary ==

Brunei has civil and [[Sharia]] court systems. The State Judiciary Department administers support services for both the Civil Courts and Syariah Courts, while the two systems retain their respective judicial procedures and legal principles.<ref>{{cite web |title=State Judiciary Department |url=https://www.judiciary.gov.bn/about-brunei-civil-courts/state-judiciary-department/ |publisher=Judiciary of Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

The Syariah Courts Act came into force in 2001 and established Syariah subordinate, high and appeal courts.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mahkamah Syariah |url=https://www.jkn.gov.bn/mahkamah-syariah/ |publisher=State Judiciary Department, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

Brunei also enacted the Syariah Penal Code Order in 2013. Its provisions apply in different ways depending on the offence and, in specified cases, whether the person concerned is Muslim or non-Muslim.<ref>{{cite web |title=Syariah Penal Code Order, 2013 |url=https://www.agc.gov.bn/AGC%20Images/LAWS/BLUV/Syariah%20Penal%20Code%20Order%2C%202013.pdf |publisher=Attorney General's Chambers, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref> Implementation of the code began in stages from 2014, with later provisions coming into effect in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |title=2019 Report on International Religious Freedom: Brunei |url=https://2021-2025.state.gov/reports/2019-report-on-international-religious-freedom/brunei/ |publisher=United States Department of State |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

== Foreign relations ==

Brunei joined ASEAN only days after independence, becoming a member on 7 January 1984.<ref>{{cite web |title=About ASEAN |url=https://asean.org/about-asean/ |publisher=Association of Southeast Asian Nations |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref> It was admitted to the United Nations on 21 September 1984.<ref>{{cite web |title=Member States |url=https://www.un.org/about-us/member-states |publisher=United Nations |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

Brunei also participates in a number of regional and international organisations and has developed close relations with other Southeast Asian states. Relations with [[Singapore]] include a long-standing Currency Interchangeability Agreement dating from 1967.<ref>{{cite web |title=Singapore: Agreements Signed |url=https://www.mfa.gov.bn/Pages/br_Singapore.aspx |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

== Economy ==

Brunei is a high-income, energy-exporting economy in which hydrocarbons have played a central role for decades. The Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam states that the oil and gas upstream and downstream sectors have dominated the economy for around 90 years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Oil and Gas in Brunei |url=https://www.pa.gov.bn/oil-and-gas-in-brunei/ |publisher=Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

Commercial oil was discovered at Seria in 1929, with exports beginning in 1932. Brunei Shell Petroleum became the country's largest oil producer and, according to the Petroleum Authority, contributes around 90% of national oil and gas revenues.<ref>{{cite web |title=Oil and Gas in Brunei |url=https://www.pa.gov.bn/oil-and-gas-in-brunei/ |publisher=Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

The [[World Bank]] recorded Brunei's gross domestic product at about US$15.03 billion in 2025, with GDP per capita of approximately US$32,235 and annual real GDP growth of 0.7%.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brunei Darussalam Data |url=https://data.worldbank.org/country/brunei-darussalam |publisher=World Bank |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

Economic policy has increasingly emphasised diversification. Investments have been made in downstream petroleum and petrochemical industries as well as other activities intended to broaden the productive base beyond crude oil and natural gas.<ref>{{cite web |title=Oil and Gas in Brunei |url=https://www.pa.gov.bn/oil-and-gas-in-brunei/ |publisher=Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

The national currency is the [[Brunei dollar]]. Brunei and Singapore have maintained a Currency Interchangeability Agreement since 12 June 1967. The arrangement supports the exchange of the Brunei and Singapore dollars at par under the agreed monetary framework.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pelaksanaan CBA, CIA dukung kestabilan monetari, kedayatahanan ekonomi negara |url=https://www.majlis-mesyuarat.gov.bn/15-03-26-pelaksanaan-cba-cia-dukung-kestabilan-monetari-kedayatahanan-ekonomi-negara/ |publisher=Department of Councils of State, Brunei Darussalam |date=15 March 2026 |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

== Demographics ==

The Department of Economic Planning and Statistics estimated Brunei's population at 458,600 in 2025, an increase of 0.7% from 455,500 in 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=Population Estimates 2025, Brunei Darussalam |url=https://deps.mofe.gov.bn/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/POP_2025_PR.pdf |publisher=Department of Economic Planning and Statistics, Ministry of Finance and Economy |date=2026 |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

In 2025, males represented 53.4% of the population and females 46.6%. Brunei citizens made up 76.7%, permanent residents 5.8% and temporary residents 17.5%. The median age was 32.8 years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Population Estimates 2025, Brunei Darussalam |url=https://deps.mofe.gov.bn/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/POP_2025_PR.pdf |publisher=Department of Economic Planning and Statistics, Ministry of Finance and Economy |date=2026 |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

People classified as Malay constituted 73.5% of the population in 2025, while Chinese residents accounted for 9.7% and other groups 16.8%.<ref>{{cite web |title=Population Estimates 2025, Brunei Darussalam |url=https://deps.mofe.gov.bn/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/POP_2025_PR.pdf |publisher=Department of Economic Planning and Statistics, Ministry of Finance and Economy |date=2026 |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

=== Language ===

[[Malay language|Malay]] is Brunei's official language. English and varieties of Chinese are also used.<ref>{{cite web |title=Country Facts |url=https://www.un.int/brunei/brunei/country-facts |publisher=Permanent Mission of Brunei Darussalam to the United Nations |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

Malay has an important role in public administration, national identity and the MIB philosophy. English is widely used in education, commerce and international communication.

=== Religion ===

Islam is Brunei's official religion under the constitution, and the Sultan is head of the Islamic faith in the country.<ref>{{cite web |title=Religion |url=https://www.jpa.gov.bn/SitePages/Religion.aspx |publisher=Public Service Department, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref> The constitution identifies the Shafi'i school of Sunni Islam in connection with the state's official religion while permitting other religions to be practised in peace and harmony.<ref>{{cite web |title=Constitution of Brunei Darussalam |url=https://www.agc.gov.bn/AGC%20Images/LAWS/ACT_PDF/constitution_i.pdf |publisher=Attorney General's Chambers, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

Christianity, Buddhism and other faiths are also practised in Brunei.<ref>{{cite web |title=Religion |url=https://www.jpa.gov.bn/SitePages/Religion.aspx |publisher=Public Service Department, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

== Education ==

Education is administered primarily through the Ministry of Education, alongside Islamic educational institutions and other specialised bodies.

[[Universiti Brunei Darussalam]] (UBD), established in 1985, is the country's oldest university.<ref>{{cite web |title=History |url=https://ubd.edu.bn/about/organisation/history/ |publisher=Universiti Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref> Its academic and research activities cover subjects including arts and social sciences, business, science, health sciences, education, Asian studies, biodiversity and technology.<ref>{{cite web |title=Universiti Brunei Darussalam |url=https://www.moe.gov.bn/universiti-brunei-darussalam/ |publisher=Ministry of Education, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

The Ministry of Education's Department of Higher Education is responsible for functions including the governance and quality development of higher-education institutions, research capacity and internationalisation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Department of Higher Education |url=https://www.moe.gov.bn/department-of-higher-education/ |publisher=Ministry of Education, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

== Health ==

Brunei has a national public-health system overseen by the Ministry of Health. The country became a member of the [[World Health Organization]] on 25 March 1985.<ref>{{cite web |title=About WHO in Brunei Darussalam |url=https://www.who.int/brunei/about-us |publisher=World Health Organization |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

World Bank data placed life expectancy at birth at about 76 years in 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brunei Darussalam Data |url=https://data.worldbank.org/country/brunei-darussalam |publisher=World Bank |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref> WHO data indicate that healthy life expectancy at birth was approximately 67.1 years in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brunei Darussalam |url=https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/countries/country-details/GHO/brunei-darussalam |publisher=World Health Organization |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

== Culture ==

Bruneian culture developed within the wider Malay cultural world and has also been shaped by Islam, regional trade and contact with Asian and European societies. The Permanent Mission of Brunei to the United Nations identifies Malay civilisation and Islam as major influences on the country's cultural identity.<ref>{{cite web |title=Country Facts |url=https://www.un.int/brunei/brunei/country-facts |publisher=Permanent Mission of Brunei Darussalam to the United Nations |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

The state philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy places particular emphasis on Malay language and customs, Islam and the monarchy.<ref>{{cite web |title=About the national philosophy, Malay Muslim Monarchy (MIB) |url=https://www.information.gov.bn/Publication%20listsPDF/Annual_Report_BruneiDarussalam_2005-2009%28Part_One%29.pdf |publisher=Information Department, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

One of the country's best-known cultural landscapes is [[Kampong Ayer]], a large group of settlements built on stilts along the [[Brunei River]] at Bandar Seri Begawan. The settlement is connected by waterways, wooden paths and bridges and remains a prominent part of the capital's historical identity.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kampong Ayer |url=https://www.bruneitourism.com/places/kampong-ayer/ |publisher=Brunei Tourism |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

Major architectural landmarks include the [[Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque]] in Bandar Seri Begawan and the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque.

== Tourism ==

Brunei's tourism sector centres on cultural heritage, Islamic architecture, rainforest environments and river communities. Prominent attractions include the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Kampong Ayer and Ulu Temburong National Park.<ref>{{cite web |title=Explore Brunei |url=https://www.explorebrunei.gov.bn/ |publisher=Tourism Development Department, Government of Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

The Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery was opened in 2009 to present the history and traditions of the water-village communities and to support preservation and sustainable tourism.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery |url=https://www.tourism.gov.bn/v2-11-kactg/ |publisher=Tourism Development Department, Brunei Darussalam |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

== International development indicators ==

The United Nations Development Programme reported a Human Development Index value of 0.837 for Brunei in its Human Development Report data, placing the country in the very-high-human-development group.<ref>{{cite web |title=Human Development Insights |url=https://hdr.undp.org/data-center/country-insights |publisher=United Nations Development Programme |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

In the 2025 Global Knowledge Index, Brunei was ranked 53rd among 195 economies assessed, with comparatively strong performance in areas including pre-university education and institutional enablers for information and communications technology.<ref>{{cite web |title=Global Knowledge Index 2025: Brunei Darussalam |url=https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2026-02/59082-gki2025_report_en_long-web_compressed_compressed-compressed_1.pdf |publisher=United Nations Development Programme |date=2025 |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

== See also ==

* [[Bandar Seri Begawan]]
* [[Borneo]]
* [[Sultan of Brunei]]
* [[History of Brunei]]
* [[Economy of Brunei]]
* [[Culture of Brunei]]
* [[ASEAN]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

* [https://www.gov.bn/ Government of Brunei Darussalam]
* [https://www.information.gov.bn/ Information Department of Brunei Darussalam]
* [https://www.mfa.gov.bn/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
* [https://www.tourism.gov.bn/ Tourism Development Department]
* [https://deps.mofe.gov.bn/ Department of Economic Planning and Statistics]

[[Category:Brunei]]
[[Category:Countries in Southeast Asia]]
[[Category:Countries in Asia]]
[[Category:Borneo]]
[[Category:ASEAN member states]]
[[Category:United Nations member states]]
[[Category:Sultanates]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1984]]

Brunei - Revision history

WikiPartner: WikiPartner moved page Draft:Brunei to Brunei without leaving a redirect: Published approved WikiPartner draft

HumptyDumpty: Creating Draft:Brunei

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