Exploring The Size Of Brunei Darussalam

Brunei, officially Brunei Darussalam, is a small country located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It has a total area of 5,765 square kilometres (2,226 square miles) and is divided into two non-contiguous territories by the Malaysian state of Sarawak. The country has a coastline of about 161 kilometres (100 miles) along the South China Sea and shares two separate borders with Malaysia. The western segment of Brunei is the larger of the two and contains the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan, where about two-thirds of the country's population resides.

Brunei is divided into two non-contiguous territories

The annexation of the Baram, Trusan, and Limbang areas resulted in the current borders of Brunei, with the Limbang annexation in 1890 fragmenting the Sultanate into two non-contiguous territories. Malaysia inherited these borders when Sarawak joined Malaysia in 1963.

The larger western part of Brunei includes the Belait, Tutong, and Brunei-Muara districts, and is home to about 97% of the population. The smaller, mountainous eastern part is the Temburong district, where only about 10,000 people live. The Pandaruan River forms part of the land border between Malaysia and the Temburong district.

The total population of Brunei is approximately 408,000 as of July 2010, with around 150,000 people living in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, and the rest of the population distributed across the other districts.

It has a population of around 455,858

Brunei Darussalam, or simply Brunei, is a small country located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. As of 2023, it has a population of around 455,858, of whom approximately 180,000 reside in the capital and largest city, Bandar Seri Begawan. With a population of approximately 408,000 as of July 2010, Brunei is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, including Malays, Chinese, and other indigenous groups.

The country's population is relatively young, with over one-fifth under the age of 15 and about half under 30. The birth rate is around the global average, while the death rate is among the lowest globally due to the youthful age distribution. Life expectancy is around 77-78 years, higher than the global average.

Brunei's population is predominantly Sunni Muslim, with Islam playing a central role in the lives of its followers in the country. However, other faiths practised include Christianity and Buddhism. The official language of Brunei is Malay, and it is widely spoken throughout the country. English is also prevalent as a major second language, particularly in business and education.

The population is unevenly distributed across the country's four districts: Brunei-Muara, Belait, Tutong, and Temburong. The western segment of the country, including the district of Brunei-Muara, is the larger and more populous area, containing the capital city. About two-thirds of the country's population is concentrated in and around Bandar Seri Begawan.

The rural areas, particularly the forested uplands of Brunei's interior, are sparsely populated by indigenous peoples who practice shifting agriculture. The Iban and Belait ethnic groups primarily inhabit the westernmost region near the border with Sarawak, while the Kedayan are concentrated in the central and eastern areas. The Murut and Bisaya have mainly settled in the eastern segment of Brunei. The Malays are distributed throughout the riverine and coastal villages and towns, while the Chinese tend to reside in urban areas.

The country is situated on the island of Borneo

The country of Brunei is located on the northern coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It is the only sovereign state entirely on Borneo; the remainder of the island is divided between Malaysia and Indonesia. Brunei is bordered by the South China Sea to the north and Malaysia on all other sides.

Brunei is divided into two non-contiguous territories, separated by the Malaysian state of Sarawak. The country is mostly low-lying, with the flat coastal plain gradually sloping upwards to mountains in the east and undulating lowlands in the west. The highest point in the country is Bukit Pagon, at 1,850 metres (6,069 feet) above sea level, located in the eastern mountainous region along the border with Malaysia. The lowest point in Brunei is the South China Sea, at sea level.

The South China Sea borders the coastline of Brunei, which stretches for 161 kilometres (100 miles). Many large towns and cities in Brunei, including the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, are located along the coast. The country is divided into four districts: Belait, Brunei dan Muara, Temburong, and Tutong. About 97% of the population lives in the larger western part, while only about 10,000 people live in the mountainous eastern part (Temburong District).

Brunei has a tropical equatorial climate, with a distinct wet monsoonal period between October and March and a relatively drier and calmer period for the rest of the year. The average annual rainfall is around 3,800 millimetres (150 inches). The country is covered in dense rainforest, with extensive stands of teak, oak, conifers, and hardwoods. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the Bornean clouded leopard and the proboscis monkey.

It has a coastline of about 161km

The small Southeast Asian country of Brunei Darussalam has a coastline of about 161km (100 mi) along the South China Sea. The country is divided into two non-contiguous territories, separated by the Malaysian state of Sarawak, with the western segment being more populated than the eastern. The coastal plain gradually slopes upwards to mountains in the east and undulating lowlands in the west.

Brunei's coastline is characterised by flat, low-lying areas with swampy plains formed by numerous rivers, including the Belait, Pandaruan, and Tutong, draining the land. The coastal areas are home to many large towns and cities, including the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, which is located on the northern banks of the Brunei River. The coastal waters are rich in marine life, with an estimated 500 species of fish identified, providing a productive fishing ground for the country.

The country's territorial waters extend 22km (12 nautical miles) from the coastline, and it has a 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone. Brunei's coastline and maritime borders are shared with China and Malaysia.

The coastal areas of Brunei are not only ecologically important but also hold historical significance. The maritime state of Brunei was visited by the surviving crew of the Magellan Expedition in 1521, marking an early encounter with Europeans. Today, the country's main sea port is located at Muara, contributing to its international trade and connectivity.

The capital city is Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital and largest city of Brunei. It is located in the Brunei-Muara District, the smallest yet most populous district in the country. The city is home to around two-thirds of the country's population, with an estimated population of 100,700 as of 2007.

Bandar Seri Begawan has a long and rich history, dating back to the establishment of a Malay stilt settlement on the waters of the Brunei River. It became the capital of the Bruneian Sultanate in the 16th century and remained the capital when Brunei became a British protectorate in the 19th century. The city was formerly known as Brunei Town until it was renamed in 1970 to honour Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the 28th Sultan of Brunei.

The city is home to several important historical and religious sites, including the Ash-Shaliheen Mosque, Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, and Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. It is also home to Istana Nurul Iman, the largest residential palace in the world, and Kampong Ayer, the largest 'water village' in the world.

Bandar Seri Begawan is the country's largest urban centre and the focal point for commercial and cultural activities. It is well-connected by road, with a highway running through the city and a bridge connecting it to the exclave of Temburong. The city also has an international airport and ferry terminals offering service to neighbouring ports.

The economy of Bandar Seri Begawan includes the production of furniture, textiles, handicrafts, and timber. The city is also a popular shopping destination, with the Gadong commercial area offering a range of shops, restaurants, and cafes.

The capital city is home to several notable schools, including primary, secondary, and higher education institutions. It is also the location of the seat of government and has embassies, commissions, or consulates of several countries.

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