CAPITAL CITY OF Brunei: Bandar Seri Begawan
LANGUAGE OF Brunei: Malay
CURRENCY OF Brunei: Bruneian dollar (BND)
COMMENTS ABOUT Brunei:
The Sultanate of Brunei is a small but very rich country located in Southeast Asia
Cities : Bandar Seri Begawan (capital), Bangar, Kuala Belait, Muara, Seria
Electricity : 240V/50Hz (UK plug)
Calling Code : +673
Time Zone : UTC+8

CLIMATE OF Brunei: tropical; hot, humid, rainy
RELIGION OF Brunei: Muslim (official) 67%, Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%, indigenous beliefs and other 10%
POPULATION OF Brunei: 365,251 (July 2004 est.)>>
HISTORY OF Brunei: The Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15th and 17th centuries when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequently entered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in the developing world.
ECONOMY OVERVIEW OF Brunei: This small, wealthy economy encompasses a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation, welfare measures, and village tradition. Crude oil and natural gas production account for nearly half of GDP. Per capita GDP is far above most other Third World countries, and substantial income from overseas investment supplements income from domestic production. The government provides for all medical services and subsidizes rice and housing. Brunei's leaders are concerned that steadily increased integration in the world economy will undermine internal social cohesion, although it became a more prominent player by serving as chairman for the 2000 APEC (Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation) forum. Plans for the future include upgrading the labor force, reducing unemployment, strengthening the banking and tourist sectors, and, in general, further widening the economic base beyond oil and gas.