Brunei Hotel Accommodation - Travel and Hotels Guide

Brunei is located in the northwestern coast of the island of Borneo. It covers a land area of 5,765 kilometers. Its nearest neighbor is Sarawak, the eastern state of Malaysia. The districts of Brunei-Muara, Tutong and Belait make up the larger western portion and are dominated by hilly lowlands, swampy plains and valleys. The eastern district of Temburong is more mountainous and has a land area of 1,288 sq. kilometers.

Brunei Government
Brunei is an independent sovereign Sultanate, which is governed on the basis of a written Constitution. His Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan is the supreme executive authority in Brunei Darussalam. His Majesty has occupied the position of Prime Minister since resumption of independence in 1984. His Majesty is also the Minister of Defence and Finance.

Land and People
Located 443km north of the Equator, the country’s land area covers 5,765 sq km. It faces the South China Sea on Borneo’s north western shore and shares a common border with the East Malaysian state of Sarawak. There are four districts: Brunei-Muara, Temburong, Tutong and Belait. The Climate is equatorial: hot, humid and wet all year round.

Brunei Darussalam’s population grew at an annual average rate of 2.7% from 211,400 in 1984 to 330,700 in 1999. It comprises of two-thirds Malay and the rest are other indigenous peoples, Chinese and expatriates. Malay is the official language but English is widely used. Though the official religion is Islam, other faiths are also practiced.

Culture
Brunei Darussalam is richly endowed with cultural heritage steadfastly maintained until today. The setting up of the Arts and Handicraft Centre in 1975 in Bandar Seri Begawan is a living testimony as to the preservation and the proliferation of the arts and crafts of the bygone days which Brunei was renown for such as boat making, silver-smithing, bronze tooling, cloth weaving as well as mat and basket weaving. Relics and other various artistic heritage of Brunei Darussalam besides the ones mentioned above include Malay weaponry, woodcarvings, traditional games, traditional musical instruments, 'silat' (the traditional art of self defense) and decorative items for women.

Economy
Brunei is practically dependent on the oil industry and it is said that the pumps are not likely to run dry until the year 2020. In anticipation of this day, Brunei is currently diversifying their economy to other industry such as rice farming, forestry and beef production. However, oil production has been increased during the 1990s and new fields have been discovered. Brunei also exports some rubber. It is no doubt one of the world's largest exporters of liquefied natural gas.