Exploring Brunei's Administrative Divisions: District Count And More

Brunei, officially known as Brunei Darussalam, is a small country located in Southeast Asia on the island of Borneo. It is divided into four districts: Brunei-Muara, Belait, Tutong, and Temburong. Each district has a town that serves as its administrative and economic centre, except for Brunei-Muara, where the country's capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is located. These districts were formed in 1938 from the restructuring of the previous six districts: Brunei, Muara, Limau Manis (Ulu Brunei), Tutong, Belait, and Temburong.

Brunei-Muara is the smallest district but has the largest population

Brunei is divided into four districts: Brunei-Muara, Belait, Tutong, and Temburong. Brunei-Muara is the smallest district by area but has the largest population. The district's administrative centre is Bandar Seri Begawan, which is also the capital and largest city of Brunei. As of 2023, the country had a population of 455,858, of whom approximately 180,000 resided in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Brunei-Muara is a contrast to the other districts in terms of size and population. Belait, the largest district by area, is known for its oil and gas production, while Temburong, an exclave separated from the rest of Brunei by the Brunei Bay and Malaysian state of Sarawak, is less populated and known for its natural attractions. Tutong, located west of Brunei-Muara, is home to the country's largest natural lake, Tasek Merimbun.

Brunei-Muara's small size and high population can be attributed to its urban centres, including Bandar Seri Begawan and the port town of Muara. The district also includes small islands off the east coast and a bay located just south of Bandar Seri Begawan, offering beautiful nature and water sports. The district has a humid tropical climate along the coast and a humid subtropical climate inland.

The history of Brunei-Muara is also significant. Bandar Seri Begawan, formerly known as Brunei Town, has been the country's capital since 1970. The city is one of the oldest in Brunei and is often one of the most visited districts by tourists. It is home to the iconic Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, named after the current Sultan's father and the largest and oldest mosque in the country.

Belait is the largest district and centre for oil and gas production

Brunei is divided into four districts: Brunei-Muara, Belait, Tutong, and Temburong. Belait is the largest district by area and is the centre for the production of oil and gas in the country. The Seria field in the Belait District was discovered in 1929, and Brunei's first oil export took place in 1932. Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP), the country's largest oil producer, contributes around 90% of Brunei's oil and gas revenues. The Seria oil field continues to produce oil to this day. Brunei LNG (BLNG), located in Lumut, Belait District, is the largest oil and gas producer in Brunei and has been a key player in the country's energy sector since 1969. It is the fourth-largest oil producer in Southeast Asia and the ninth-largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) producer globally.

The discovery of oil and gas fields in Belait has played a significant role in the country's development and wealth. Oil and gas have been the foundation of Brunei's growth since the late 20th century, and they continue to be the primary contributors to the country's economy. The energy sector, including oil and gas, accounted for 64.7% of the country's GDP in 2022. Brunei's crude oil output has been declining since 2006 due to ageing oil wells and platforms, and the country is facing challenges to increase production. However, advancements in oil extraction technology and the current commodity price make oil production from established fields and new forays into deep oceans economically feasible.

The government of Brunei has made substantial investments in expanding downstream industries related to oil and gas to diversify its product portfolio. The Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam, established in 2019, is the regulatory body for the oil and gas industry in the country. It aims to establish a progressive and resilient industry that can adapt to the changing market and secure the country's future. Brunei's long-term vision for the energy sector includes eight strategic objectives centred on expansion and improvement, with a focus on maximising the potential of mature oil and gas fields and ensuring a skilled local workforce to meet industry needs.

Belait's position as the largest district and centre for oil and gas production in Brunei is significant for the country's economy and development. The discovery and production of oil and gas in the district have had a lasting impact on Brunei, and the country continues to focus on this sector to sustain its growth and explore new opportunities.

Temburong is an exclave separated from the other districts by the Brunei Bay and Malaysian state of Sarawak

Brunei is divided into four districts: Brunei-Muara, Belait, Tutong, and Temburong. Temburong is an exclave, separated from the other three districts by the Brunei Bay and the Malaysian state of Sarawak. This means that it is a piece of land that is part of Brunei but is separated from the main part of the country by the territory of another country.

Temburong is the smallest district in landmass but comprises rugged mountains and a tropical coastal region in the north. It is less populated than the other districts, making up only 10% of the total population of Brunei. Bangar is the focal town of Temburong, but it has not yet achieved municipal status. The district is accessible via a bridge and is just across the bay from the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan.

Temburong is a popular vacation district for locals, hosting the country's first national park, Ulu Temburong National Park, and a scientific research facility to study the rainforests of Oceania. The national park is part of a joint research centre known as the Kuala Belalong Rainforest Field Studies Centre. It is only accessible by boat and is a famous district for ecotourism and outdoor experiences like hiking.

While Temburong is separated from the rest of Brunei by the Sarawak district of Limbang, it is possible to travel between the two by boat without leaving Brunei's territorial waters, as the country claims a 12-mile limit from its coast.

Tutong is home to Brunei's largest natural lake, Tasek Merimbun

The country of Brunei is divided into four districts: Brunei-Muara, Belait, Tutong, and Temburong. Each district has a town that serves as its administrative and economic centre, except for Brunei-Muara, where the principal centre is Bandar Seri Begawan, the country's capital and largest city.

Tutong is the third-largest and most populated district in Brunei, covering an area of 1,166 square kilometres (450 sq mi) and home to 47,210 people as of 2021. The district is also home to its administrative centre, Tutong Town, as well as the Tutong River and Tasek Merimbun, the country's second-longest river and largest natural lake, respectively.

Tasek Merimbun, also known as Merimbun Lake, is located near Mukim Rambai in the Tutong District, about 70 km from Bandar Seri Begawan. The S-shaped lake is approximately 27 km from Tutong Town and is surrounded by the 7800-hectare Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park. The lake is known for its dark colour, which is caused by tannin from leaves falling into the water.

Tasek Merimbun is an important natural site, designated as an ASEAN Heritage Park since 29 November 1984, due to its extensive biodiversity and rare flora and fauna. The lake supports a rich variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles, and visitors can explore the lake and its two islands by boat. The park has also been identified as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International as its forest and freshwater wetland habitats support endangered Storm's storks.

The history of Tasek Merimbun is closely linked to the Dusun Brunei people, who are believed to have lived in the area for hundreds of years. According to legend, the lake was discovered by Imbun, the son of a village head, while he was out hunting. Imbun and his family settled near the lake, and the place came to be known as Tasek Merimbun in his honour. The name "Merimbun" is also believed to be derived from the middle name of Eng Boon, a Chinese merchant who traded with the Dusun people.

Each district has a town as its administrative and economic centre

Brunei is divided into four districts: Brunei-Muara, Belait, Tutong, and Temburong. Each district has a town that serves as its administrative and economic centre, except for Brunei-Muara, which has Bandar Seri Begawan, the country's capital, as its principal centre.

The district of Belait, the largest by area, is known for its oil and gas production, with the town of Seria at its centre. Seria is flanked by the Belait River and is surrounded by lowland forests and peat swamps. Kuala Belait, the administrative town of the district, is also located here.

The Brunei-Muara district is the smallest by area but has the highest population. It is home to the country's capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, which is also its administrative centre. Bandar Seri Begawan is one of the oldest cities in Brunei and a popular tourist destination. The town of Muara, located about 41 kilometres northeast of the capital, is another old settlement known for its port and beaches.

The district of Tutong is located west of the capital and is known for its religious traditions and education. The administrative capital, Pekan Tutong, is surrounded by rolling hills and rainforests. The district is also home to the Tasek Merimbun lake, the largest natural lake in Brunei.

The Temburong district is an exclave, separated from the rest of Brunei by the Brunei Bay and the Malaysian state of Sarawak. Bangar is the focal town of this district, which is primarily a vacation destination for locals. The district is home to the Ulu Temburong National Park, the first national park in Brunei, and a scientific research facility studying the rainforests of Oceania.

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