Rina Borneo blog: About Brunei

"Melayu Islam Beraja"

NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

Official Name

Negara Brunei Darussalam

Capital

Bandar Seri Begawan

Location

Brunei Darussalam is situated on the north tip of Borneo island, Asia Region. Its coastal is next to South China Sea. Located on northern shore of the island of Borneo, Brunei is the only sovereign country on the island, which it shares with the Indonesian provinces of West, East, South and Central Kalimantan and the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak.

Government

Brunei Darussalam is an independent sovereign Sultanate governed on the basis of a written constitution. His Majesty Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam is the country's Prime Minister as well as the Defence and Finance Minister and Head of Religion of Brunei.

State Philosophy

Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB)

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the 29th ruler of Brunei Darussalam

Independance Day

1st January 1984

National Day

Every 23 February (since 1984)

Official Language

Bahasa Melayu and English. Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the official language, but English is widely spoken. Mandarin, Chinese dialects and native languages of Borneo are also spoken by segments of the population.

Official Religion

Islam

Races /puak

Belait, Bisaya ,Brunei, Dusun, Kedayan, Murut, Tutong.

Population / Size

390,000 / 5,675 sq. km

Climate
Tropical equatorial climate year round, characterized by temperatures ranging between 23 to 34 degress celsius. Rainfall occurs heaviest in September to January and May to July with March and April being the warmest months.

Currency

The local currency is the Brunei Dollar (BND). Singapore currency can be used in Brunei.

Business Hours:

Government offices

0745 - 1215 , 1330 - 1630 everyday

except Fridays, Sundays and Public Holidays

Private offices

0800-1700

0800-1200 Saturdays *

Shopping Centres

1000-2200 daily *

* Time varies