The Hidden Gem: Brunei's Unique Charm And Character

Brunei is a small but wealthy country located in Southeast Asia, on the northern coast of the island of Borneo. It is officially known as Brunei Darussalam, meaning 'abode of peace' in Arabic. The country is surrounded by Malaysia and consists of two parts physically separated by the Malaysian state of Sarawak.

Brunei has a population of just under half a million and is a mixture of Malay, Chinese and indigenous peoples. The official language is Malay, and the state religion is Islam, although other religions are tolerated. The country is ruled by a Sultan, and its people benefit from free healthcare, education and social housing.

Brunei has extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, making it one of the richest countries in the world in terms of GDP per capita. However, despite its wealth, the country has been described as boring and lacking in tourist attractions.

Geography and climate

Brunei is a small but wealthy country located in Southeast Asia, on the northern coast of the island of Borneo. It is bordered by the South China Sea to the north and by the East Malaysian state of Sarawak on all other sides. The country is divided into two non-contiguous parts by a portion of Sarawak. Brunei has a coastline of 161 kilometres (100 mi) and a territorial claim of 200 nautical miles (370 km; 230 mi) from its coast. It has an exclusive economic zone that extends as far as Louisa Reef in the southern Spratly Islands, although it makes no public territorial claim to the offshore reefs.

The country's terrain consists of a narrow coastal plain in the north, which rises to rugged hills in the south. The highest point is Pagon Peak (6,070 feet or 1,850 metres), in the southeast. Brunei is drained by several rivers, the largest of which is the Belait. The soils are generally infertile, although richer alluvial soils can be found along the rivers and in parts of the coastal floodplain.

The climate of Brunei is tropical equatorial and governed by the equatorial monsoon winds. The average annual temperature is 26.1°C (79.0°F), with the April–May average of 24.7°C (76.5°F) and the October–December average of 23.8°C (74.8°F). Temperatures are warm throughout the year, typically dropping to the mid-70s F (about 23 °C) and rising to about 90 °F (32 °C) daily. Precipitation is high, averaging about 115 inches (2,900 mm) annually in the coastal areas and exceeding 150 inches (3,800 mm) farther inland. Rainfall is generally heavier from October to January and lighter from March to August. Brunei does not experience typhoons, earthquakes, severe flooding, or other forms of natural disasters.

Religion and culture

Brunei is an Islamic country, with hundreds of large, beautiful mosques across the country. The official religion of Brunei is Sunni Islam, and the Shafi'i school of Islamic jurisprudence. More than 82% of the population, including the majority of Bruneian Malays and Kedayans identify as Muslim.

The sale and public consumption of alcohol are banned in Brunei. However, non-Muslims are allowed to bring in a limited amount of alcohol from their point of embarkation overseas for their own private consumption.

During the fasting month of Ramadan, many shops and restaurants remain open, but eating, drinking, or smoking in front of people who are fasting is considered rude. In 2014, a new law was passed by the government, requiring non-fasting people to take away food from restaurants and eat in private.

Brunei is officially known as Negara Brunei Darussalam, which means "Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace" in Malay. The country has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by Malay, Hindu, Islamic, and Western cultures. Four distinct periods of cultural influence have occurred in Brunei's history: animist, Hindu, Islamic, and Western.

The culture of Brunei is predominantly Malay, reflecting its ethnicity, with heavy influences from Islam. However, it is seen as more conservative than Indonesia and Malaysia. Influences on Bruneian culture come from the Malay cultures of the Malay Archipelago.

The official language of Brunei is Standard Malay, and the official script is the Latin alphabet (Rumi). Initially, Malay was written in the Jawi script before switching to the Latin alphabet around 1941. English is widely used as a business and official language and is spoken by a majority of the population.

Arabic is the religious language of Muslims and is taught in schools, particularly religious schools, and also in institutes of higher learning. All adherents of the Islamic faith, especially the more devout, possess some proficiency in reading and speaking Arabic.

Brunei has a rich cultural heritage, with many unique traditions and customs. One notable aspect is the strong emphasis on respect and courtesy. Bruneians are generally courteous and tolerant, but it is advisable to be aware of sensitivities surrounding certain topics, such as politics and religion.

The Sultanate of Brunei's heyday occurred between the 15th and 17th centuries, when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. This period left a significant cultural impact on the country, with the Sultanate's legacy still evident today.

Brunei has a diverse population, with a mix of Malay, Chinese, and indigenous ethnic groups, each contributing to the country's cultural landscape. The bulk of the population is Malay (approximately 67%), with a significant Chinese minority (around 10-15%) and several indigenous groups, including the Dusun tribes, who inhabit the jungle upriver and the Temburong district.

The food culture in Brunei is diverse and reflects the country's multicultural nature. Visitors can find a variety of cuisines, including Malay, Chinese, and Indian dishes, as well as local specialties such as ambuyat, a culinary experience unique to Borneo made from the interior of a sago palm.

Brunei also has a vibrant arts scene, with traditional crafts, music, and performing arts. The country boasts hundreds of beautiful mosques, such as the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the Asia Pacific region.

Overall, Brunei's culture is a fascinating blend of Malay, Islamic, and Western influences, with a strong emphasis on respect and courtesy. The country's rich history and diverse population contribute to its unique cultural landscape.

History

The history of Brunei is closely tied to the settlements and societies on the northern coast of Borneo, which has been influenced by Indianised kingdoms and empires throughout history.

Pre-15th Century

Local scholars believe that the Islamisation of Brunei began in the 15th century, but the earliest record of the Bruneian people dates back to around 40,000 B.C.E. in Niah Cave, Sarawak. During the ice age, Borneo was connected to Palawan, and the population began to migrate for various reasons.

The Hoabinhians, or Proto-Melanesians, moved to Borneo and lived in Niah Cave until around 8,000 B.C.E. A migration wave then moved towards Taiwan and the Philippines, eventually reaching Borneo, Sulawesi, and Java over a thousand years. This migration signalled the end of the bacsonian period, and the start of the Neolithic, with the Austronesians adopting pottery and rice cultivation around 2,500 B.C.E.

15th Century to 19th Century

In the 15th century, the Bruneian Empire, a thalassocracy that covered the northern part of Borneo and the Sulu Archipelago, became a Muslim state. This was brought about by trade with Muslim Indians and Arab merchants from other parts of Maritime Southeast Asia. During the rule of Bolkiah, the fifth Sultan, the empire controlled the coastal areas of northwest Borneo and reached the Philippines.

Brunei's relations with European powers varied. The Portuguese were mostly interested in economic relations and did little to interfere with Brunei's development. However, relations with Spain were far more hostile, with several naval skirmishes taking place from 1565 onwards. In 1578, the Spanish captured Brunei's capital, but were forced to withdraw due to a cholera or dysentery outbreak.

In the 19th century, the Bruneian Empire began to decline rapidly. The Sultanate ceded territory to James Brooke, who became known as the White Rajah of Sarawak, and to the British North Borneo Chartered Company. This resulted in Brunei's current small landmass and separation into two parts.

20th Century to Today

In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate, and in 1906, a British Resident was appointed to advise the Sultan. In 1959, a written constitution was established, giving Brunei internal self-government. Brunei gained its independence from the United Kingdom on 1 January 1984, and an Islamic sultanate was proclaimed.

Since independence, Brunei has experienced both political and economic stability, despite a brief period of unrest in the 1990s due to the Asian financial crisis. The country has one of the world's highest standards of living, thanks to its extensive petroleum and natural gas fields. However, the government has pursued economic diversification to reduce reliance on these non-renewable energy sources.

In recent years, Brunei has moved towards stricter Islamic practices, including the implementation of Syariah Penal Code in 2019, which covers criminal offences by Muslims.

Economy

The economy of Brunei is heavily dependent on its petroleum and natural gas industries, which account for roughly 90% of its GDP and almost all of its exports. Brunei is the third-largest oil producer in Southeast Asia and the ninth-largest producer of liquefied natural gas in the world. The country's vast reserves of oil and gas have made it a very wealthy country, with a high per capita GDP and one of the highest incomes in Asia.

However, this reliance on a single commodity has also made Brunei vulnerable to market fluctuations. The government has recognised this and has been attempting to diversify the economy by developing other sectors, such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and financial services. Brunei's non-petroleum industries include agriculture, forestry, fishing, and banking.

The government plays a significant role in the economy, providing for all medical services and subsidising food, housing, and education. The country also has a high degree of foreign investment, with substantial income from overseas investments supplementing income from domestic production. The Brunei Investment Agency, an arm of the Ministry of Finance, manages these foreign reserves and investments.

Brunei has a small but highly regulated private sector, with a mix of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship. The country encourages foreign investment and offers tax incentives to new enterprises that meet certain criteria. The normal corporate income tax rate is 10%, while personal income tax is levied at a flat rate of 40%, the highest in Asia.

The country's main trading partners are in Asia and include Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, China, South Korea, and India. Brunei is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and has served as its chairman in 2000 and 2013. It is also a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

While Brunei has a high standard of living, it faces challenges such as a small domestic market, a lack of developed infrastructure, and a largely unskilled workforce. The government has implemented policies to address these issues, including upgrading the workforce, reducing unemployment, and strengthening the banking and tourism sectors.

Politics

Brunei is an absolute monarchy, or sultanate, and the Sultan of Brunei is both the head of state and the head of government. The country gained independence from British rule in 1984 and has since operated as a constitutional monarchy under the Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) state philosophy, which combines Islamic law, Malay culture, and monarchical rule. The Sultan holds absolute power and authority in the state for administrative purposes and is the official 'guardian and protector' of Islam and tradition in Brunei. He is also the King, Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, Finance, and Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The Sultan's role is enshrined in the national philosophy of the MIB, or Malay Islamic Monarchy. The country has been under hypothetical martial law since a rebellion in the early 1960s, which was put down by British troops from Singapore. Since 1962, Brunei has been ruled under a continuously renewed state of emergency, during which the Sultan retains absolute authority and can pass any legislation he deems necessary without judicial review.

The Government of Brunei was created by the 1959 Constitution, which eliminated the need for elections. The Sultan has the power to appoint members of the Legislative Council, which currently has 33 members, and the Supreme Court. The Legislative Council advises the Sultan and has a consultative role, while the Supreme Court is the highest court in the land. Brunei has a dual judicial system of secular and Shariah (religious) courts, with the latter dealing with Islamic law matters. The Shariah courts have jurisdiction over Muslim divorce, adultery, and close proximity cases, and since 2014, they have also handled serious criminal cases that were previously handled by civil courts.

Brunei is one of the few remaining absolute monarchies in the world and the only ruling monarchy in Southeast Asia. The country has a history of monarchical rule, having been ruled by the same family for over six centuries. The Sultan and Prime Minister, Hassanal Bolkiah, has been in power since 1967, and the monarchy is hereditary. The National Development Party (NDP) is Brunei's only registered political party, and it has pledged allegiance to the monarch.

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