Exploring Brunei's Total Land Area: X Km²

Brunei is a small country in Southeast Asia, covering an area of 5,765 square kilometres (2,226 square miles) on the island of Borneo. It has a coastline of 161 kilometres (100 miles) along the South China Sea and is bordered by Malaysia. The country consists of two non-contiguous territories, with the majority of the population living in the western segment, where the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan is located. Brunei is an Islamic sultanate and gained independence from British rule in 1984. It has a tropical climate and is known for its diverse rainforest, which covers about three-fifths of the country.

Brunei is divided into two non-contiguous territories by Malaysia

Brunei is a small country in Southeast Asia, with a total size of 5,765 km2 (2,226 sq mi). It is located on the northern coast of the island of Borneo and is completely surrounded by the Malaysian state of Sarawak, apart from its coastline on the South China Sea.

The land border between Malaysia and Brunei's Temburong district starts at the estuary of the Pandaruan River and runs the entire length of the river to its source. It then follows the watershed principle, running along the Temburong River on one side and the Limbang and Trusan rivers on the other until it reaches Brunei Bay.

The two parts of Brunei are connected by a 30-kilometre roadway, completed in 2020, which crosses the Brunei Bay.

The country's highest point is Bukit Pagon

The country of Brunei is a small Southeast Asian country with a total size of 5,765 km squared (2,226 sq mi). It is larger in size than Trinidad and Tobago and is situated on the northern coast of the island of Borneo. The country's highest point is Bukit Pagon, which rises to 1,850 meters (6,070 ft) above sea level.

Bukit Pagon, or 'Pagon Hill', is located in the southern tip of Brunei, on the border with Malaysia. The peak consists of two summits, a northern one on the border with Malaysia, and a southern one entirely within Malaysia. The northern summit, with an elevation of 1,850 meters, is the highest point in Brunei and has been the target of most hikers, especially those aiming to reach the highest point in every country. It features a summit pillar and a metal 'beirut', which are commonly seen in Peninsular Malaysia.

Accessing Bukit Pagon can be challenging, especially for ordinary hikers. The Brunei side is surrounded by protected forest, making it inaccessible. In contrast, the Malaysian side has been open for logging, with roads reaching close to the summit. Historically, hikers would access the northern summit via logging roads from the town of Limbang in Malaysia. However, these roads have fallen into disrepair in recent years, making the climb more difficult.

The southern summit, entirely within Malaysia, is actually higher, reaching 1,875 meters according to GPS readings. This summit is relatively unknown and rarely visited. It is estimated to take around one hour to travel between the two summits, as there is no clear trail connecting them.

The naming of the peaks has been a subject of discussion. Traditionally, Bukit Pagon refers to the lower, northern peak on the border with Brunei. However, given that the southern peak is higher, it has been suggested that Bukit Pagon should refer to the higher southern summit, with the northern peak being named Bukit Pagon North or Utara.

Climbing Bukit Pagon can be a challenging and expensive endeavour. It requires an experienced local driver with a 4x4 vehicle, and possibly rented bicycles to navigate any impassable sections of the logging roads. Additionally, advance research is crucial, as local logging operations may require permits in the future. The recent weather conditions can also significantly impact the accessibility of the area.

In summary, Bukit Pagon, the country's highest point, presents a unique challenge for hikers and adventurers, with the northern summit being the target of those aiming to reach the highest point in every country. The southern summit, although higher, is relatively unknown and less frequently climbed. The naming of the peaks and the accessibility of the area continue to be subjects of discussion and evolution.

Brunei is bordered by the South China Sea

Brunei is a small country in Southeast Asia with a total area of 5,765 square kilometres (2,226 square miles). It is located on the northern coast of the island of Borneo and is bordered by the South China Sea and East Malaysia. Brunei has a coastline of 161 kilometres (100 miles) along the South China Sea and a 266-kilometre (165-mile) border with Malaysia.

The country's geographical coordinates are 4°30′N 114°40′E, and it falls within the equatorial tropics, resulting in a tropical climate with high humidity. The terrain consists of a flat coastal plain that rises to mountainous regions in the east and hilly lowlands in the west. Brunei's close proximity to the South China Sea is significant for several reasons.

Firstly, the South China Sea provides vital sea lanes that link the Indian and Pacific Oceans. This strategic location has economic and trade implications for Brunei and the surrounding region. The sea lanes facilitate maritime trade and contribute to the country's economic development.

Secondly, the South China Sea plays a crucial role in shaping the climate of Brunei. The monsoon winds and wind systems in the area, influenced by the distribution of air pressure in Southeast Asia, have a significant impact on the local weather patterns. The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a low-pressure trough near the equator, results in major climate shifts as air masses from the southern and northern hemispheres converge in this region. The position of the ITCZ oscillates based on the sun's zenithal position, affecting the seasons in Brunei.

Additionally, the South China Sea is important for natural resources. Hydrocarbon products extracted from offshore blocks contribute significantly to Brunei's economy, with the oil and gas sector accounting for a large portion of the country's GDP, export revenues, and government revenues.

Brunei has historically had maritime boundary disputes with neighbouring countries, including Malaysia and China, due to overlapping claims in the South China Sea. However, in 2009, Brunei and Malaysia amicably resolved their disputes through an exchange of letters, settling issues related to maritime boundaries, territorial seas, and exclusive economic zones.

In summary, Brunei's border along the South China Sea has significant implications for its economy, trade, climate, and natural resources. The sea lanes provide strategic connections between oceans, while the monsoon winds impacting the region contribute to the country's tropical climate. Additionally, the South China Sea is a source of natural resources, particularly hydrocarbons, that play a vital role in Brunei's economic development.

It is one of the smallest countries in Asia

Brunei is a small country in Southeast Asia, covering an area of 5,765 square kilometres (2,226 square miles) on the island of Borneo. It is one of the smallest countries in Asia by area, ranked 173rd worldwide. The country is divided into two non-contiguous territories separated by the Malaysian state of Sarawak, with a coastline of 161 kilometres (100 miles) along the South China Sea.

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. The eastern part, on the other hand, is mountainous and less populated, with only about 10,000 people living there. The total population of Brunei is approximately 455,858 as of 2023, with a high urban population percentage of 79%.

In terms of elevation, Brunei is comparatively low, with an average elevation of 478 meters above sea level. Its highest peak, Bukit Pagon, reaches 1,850 meters (6,069 feet). The country consists mostly of flat coastal plains, with some mountainous regions in the east and hilly lowlands in the west.

Brunei's small size and geographical features contribute to its tropical climate, with high humidity and minimal seasonal changes. The entire nation typically experiences the same climate, with a hot dry season and a warm wet season. The country's terrain and climate make it suitable for outdoor activities and water sports.

Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital and largest city

Bandar Seri Begawan is located along the Brunei River near its mouth on Brunei Bay, an inlet of the South China Sea. The city has a long history, dating back to the establishment of a Malay stilt settlement on the waters of the Brunei River, which became the predecessor of the modern-day Kampong Ayer, the largest 'water village' in the world.

The city is the country's commercial and cultural centre and is home to several important historical and religious sites, including the Istana Nurul Iman, the largest residential palace in the world, and the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia. It is also home to the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium and the Pro-Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption.

Bandar Seri Begawan has a tropical equatorial climate with two seasons: a dry season that is extremely hot, and a wet or rainy season that is generally warm and wet. The city experiences heavy precipitation throughout the year, with monsoons bringing northeast monsoon winds from December to March and southeast monsoon winds from around June to October.

The city is well-connected, with an international airport, ferry terminals, and road access to the rest of the country. It is a hub for international travel between Europe and Australia/New Zealand, with the national airline, Royal Brunei Airlines, providing daily flights to London Heathrow Airport.

Bandar Seri Begawan is also an educational centre, with several notable schools and universities, including the historic Raja Isteri Girls High School and the Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University. The city has a diverse population, with Malays as the majority and Chinese as the most significant minority group.

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