The Ever-Changing Coastline Of Brunei: How Long?

Brunei is a small country in Southeast Asia with a coastline of 161 kilometres (100 miles) along the South China Sea. The country 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 western segment of Brunei is more populated and consists of flat coastal plains that gradually slope upwards to mountains in the east and hilly lowlands in the west. The eastern segment, the Temburong District, is less populated and is known for its steep, muddy banks that form a major wildlife habitat.

The coastline is 161km (100 mi) long

The coastline of Brunei is 161km (100 mi) long. This Southeast Asian country, officially known as Brunei Darussalam, boasts a coastline along the South China Sea. With a total area of 5,765 sq. km (2,226 sq mi), Brunei is a small country, yet its coastline stretches over a considerable distance.

The country's terrain comprises a flat coastal plain that gradually rises to mountainous regions in the east and hilly lowlands in the west. The western segment of Brunei, which includes the Belait, Tutong, and Brunei districts, features three river estuaries and significant mangrove forests. The eastern segment, known as the Temburong District, is home to the steep, muddy banks of Brunei Bay and its inlets, forming a vital wildlife habitat.

Brunei's coastline is a valuable asset, not just for its natural beauty but also for its strategic location. The country is situated on vital sea lanes connecting the Indian and Pacific Oceans through the South China Sea. This positioning has significantly contributed to Brunei's petroleum export boom, as the valuable hydrocarbon deposits lie mainly under the sea off the country's coast.

The coastal waters of Brunei teem with marine life, thanks to the nutrients carried by the rivers. An estimated 500 species of fish have been identified in these waters, making the area highly productive for fishing. The country's 33 islands, two of which are in the South China Sea, also contribute to its coastline and provide essential wildlife habitats.

The capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan and many other large towns in Brunei are located along the coastline, making it a vibrant and bustling area. With its flat coastal plain gradually rising to mountains and lowlands, Brunei's 161km (100 mi) coastline offers a diverse landscape and contributes to the country's geographic uniqueness.

Brunei's maritime borders

Brunei, located in Southeast Asia on the northwestern coast of the island of Borneo, has a coastline of 161 kilometres (100 miles). The country shares a 266-kilometre (165-mile) land border with Malaysia and has a territorial sea claim of 12 nautical miles (13.8 miles; 22.2 kilometres). Brunei also claims an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of 200 nautical miles (370.4 kilometres; 230.2 miles) or to the median line.

Louisa Reef, located within Brunei's EEZ, is also claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Brunei's claim to Louisa Reef stems from its history as a British colony, which forms the basis for many of its maritime border demarcations. Brunei released maps detailing its maritime claims upon gaining independence in 1984.

Brunei may also claim sovereignty over part of the area known as Rifleman Bank, a fully submerged feature, as an extension of its continental shelf. Brunei's continental shelf claim was first published in a map in 1988, and the country has submitted documents to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf to support its claims.

In addition to its maritime border disputes, Brunei has also faced challenges in enforcing its claims due to its heavy dependence on exporting hydrocarbon resources. Unclear maritime boundaries have impacted the development of offshore oil and gas sites, with conflicting awards to separate companies stalling progress.

The South China Sea

Brunei is a small country in Southeast Asia, with a coastline that borders the South China Sea. The South China Sea is a vital trade route, connecting the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is an important shipping lane, particularly for the transportation of oil and natural gas, which are key exports for Brunei.

The country's two non-contiguous territories

The country of Brunei is divided into two non-contiguous territories, separated by the Malaysian state of Sarawak. The Limbang River valley, which belongs to Sarawak, bifurcates the territory of Brunei, with the more populated western segment comprising the Belait, Tutong, and Brunei-Muara districts, and the eastern segment consisting of the Temburong District. The western section has a coastline on the South China Sea, where sandbars lie between estuaries and the open ocean, while the eastern segment has steep, muddy banks along Brunei Bay and its inlets, forming a major wildlife habitat.

The western segment of Brunei is characterised by a coastal plain that gradually rises to hilly lowlands in the west and mountains in the east. The Belait, Tutong, and Brunei districts in the west feature three river estuaries and significant mangrove forests. The western section is also home to ecologically intact peat swamps, which are rare in north Borneo. The eastern segment, Temburong, is similarly composed of a coastal plain that rises to hills, cut through by the Temburong River, which provides drainage for the entire district.

The two non-contiguous territories of Brunei are united by the waters of the Brunei Bay. The country's coastline stretches for 161 kilometres (100 miles) along the South China Sea and is bordered by the Malaysian state of Sarawak and Indonesia. The coastal areas along the South China Sea are a wide swampy plain due to the numerous rivers that drain the land, including the Belait, Pandaruan, and Tutong rivers.

The strategic location of Brunei along vital sea lanes through the South China Sea places it at the crossroads of trade routes connecting the Indian and Pacific Oceans. This position has contributed to the country's wealth, with valuable hydrocarbon deposits located off its coast in the South China Sea, driving its petroleum export boom.

Brunei's islands

Brunei is a small country in Southeast Asia, with a total land area of 5,765 square kilometres (2,226 square miles). It is situated on the northern coast of the island of Borneo and has a coastline of 161 kilometres (100 miles) along the South China Sea. Brunei is the only sovereign state entirely on Borneo, with the remainder of the island divided between Malaysia and Indonesia.

The country consists of two main parts: the larger western segment and the smaller eastern segment, which are separated by the Malaysian state of Sarawak. The western segment is home to the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan and accounts for about 97% of the population. The eastern segment, known as the Temburong District, is mountainous and sparsely populated, with only about 10,000 residents.

Brunei's coastline is an important feature of its geography, providing access to the sea for trade and transportation. The country has a maritime claim of 12 nautical miles (13.8 miles or 22.2 kilometres) and an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles (370.4 kilometres or 230.2 miles).

The western segment of Brunei is bordered by the South China Sea to the north and Sarawak to the south and east. It is home to several towns and cities, including the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, as well as the port town of Muara and the oil-producing towns of Seria and Kuala Belait. The western segment also includes the Belait District, which is the centre of the country's oil and gas industry, and the Tutong District, home to the country's largest natural lake, Tasek Merimbun.

The eastern segment of Brunei, the Temburong District, is separated from the western segment by the Brunei Bay and the Sarawak state. It is a mountainous region with a much smaller population, estimated at around 10,000 people. The district is known for its lush rainforests and natural attractions, such as the Ulu Ulu National Park Resort and the Labu Forest Reserve.

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