Fun Easy English - Travel abroad Brunei Darussalam.

OFFICIAL NAME: Negara Brunei Darussalam

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION

Brunei Darussalam is a small Islamic Sultanate on the northwest coast of the Island of Borneo . It is divided into four districts, namely Brunei/Muara, Tutong, Belait and Temburong. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan , is its only major city. Brunei ’s official language is Malay but English is widely understood and used in business. Tourist facilities and services are generally available throughout the country. For more information concerning Brunei , please see the Government of Brunei website at http://www.brunei.gov.bn.

PEOPLE

Many cultural and linguistic differences make Brunei Malays distinct from the larger Malay populations in nearby Malaysia and Indonesia, even though they are ethnically related and share the Muslim religion.

Brunei has hereditary nobility, carrying the title Pengiran. The Sultan can award to commoners the title Pehin, the equivalent of a life peerage awarded in the United Kingdom. The Sultan also can award his subjects the Dato, the equivalent of a knighthood in the United Kingdom, and Datin, the equivalent of damehood.

Bruneians adhere to the practice of using complete full names with all titles, including the title Haji (for men) or Hajah (for women) for those who have made the Haj pilgrimage to Mecca. Many Brunei Malay women wear the tudong, a traditional head covering. Men wear the songkok, a traditional Malay cap. Men who have completed the Haj can wear a white songkok.

The requirements to attain Brunei citizenship include passing tests in Malay culture, customs, and language. Stateless permanent residents of Brunei are given International Certificates of Identity, which allow them to travel overseas. The majority of Brunei's Chinese are permanent residents, and many are stateless. An amendment to the National Registration and Immigration Act of 2002 allowed female Bruneian citizens for the first time to transfer their nationality to their children.

Oil wealth allows the Brunei Government to provide the population with one of Asia's finest health care systems. Malaria has been eradicated, and cholera is virtually nonexistent. There are five general hospitals--in Bandar Seri Begawan, Tutong, Kuala Belait, Bangar, and Seria--and there are numerous health clinics throughout the country.

Education starts with preschool, followed by 6 years of primary education and up to 7 years of secondary education. Nine years of education are mandatory. Most of Brunei's college students attend universities and other institutions abroad, but approximately 3,674 (2005) study at the University of Brunei Darussalam. Opened in 1985, the university has a faculty of more than 300 instructors and is located on a sprawling campus overlooking the South China Sea.

The official language is Malay, but English is widely understood and used in business. Other languages spoken are several Chinese dialects, Iban, and a number of native dialects. Islam is the official religion, but religious freedom is guaranteed under the constitution.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

U.S. passport-holders must have at least six months validity remaining on their passport before entering or visiting Brunei for business or pleasure may obtain visas upon arrival for up to 90 days at no charge. There is an airport departure tax. For further information about entry requirements, travelers may consult the Consular Section of the Embassy of Brunei, 3520 International Court, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 , tel. (202) 237-1838, or visit the Embassy of Brunei website at http://www.bruneiembassy.orgfor the most current visa information.

Effective June 12, 2004, Immigration offenders will be punishable by caning. Workers who overstay their visas can face jail sentences and three strokes of the cane. Those associated with violators, such as contractors or employers, are subject to the same penalties if found guilty.

QUICK FACTS

Geography
Area: 5,765 sq. km. (2,226 sq. mi.), slightly larger than Delaware.
Cities: Capital--Bandar Seri Begawan.
Terrain: East--flat coastal plain rises to mountains; west--hilly lowland with a few mountain ridges.
Climate: Equatorial; high temperatures, humidity, and rainfall.

People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Bruneian(s).
Population (2006 est.): 383,000.
Annual growth rate: 3.5%.
Ethnic groups: Malay, Chinese, other indigenous groups.
Religion: Islam.
Languages: Malay, English, Chinese; Iban and other indigenous dialects.
Education: Years compulsory--9. Literacy (2006)--94.7%.
Health: Life expectancy (years)--74.4 (men), 77.4 (women) yrs. Infant mortality rate (2006 est.)--12.25/1,000.

Government
Type: Malay Islamic Monarchy.
Independence: January 1, 1984.
Constitution: 1959.
Branches: Executive--Sultan is both head of state and Prime Minister, presiding over a fourteen-member cabinet. Legislative--a Legislative Council has been reactivated after a 20-year suspension to play an advisory role for the Sultan. Judicial (based on Indian penal code and English common law)--magistrate's courts, High Court, Court of Appeals, Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (sits in London).
Subdivisions: Four districts--Brunei-Muara, Belait, Tutong, and Temburong.

Economy
GDP (2006 est.): U.S. $12.582 billion.
Growth rate (2006 est.): 3.7%.
Natural resources: Oil and natural gas.
Trade: Exports--oil, liquefied natural gas, petroleum products, garments. Major markets--Japan, Korea, ASEAN, U.S. Imports--machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods. Major suppliers--ASEAN, Japan, U.S., EU.

USEFUL LINKS

U.S. Government