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VISITOR INFORMATION
A tranquil nation, Brunei’s modest size 5,765
square kilometres is contrasted by its wealth.
Situated along the northwest coastline of
Borneo, the nation is home to some of the
vastest oilfields and natural gas reserves in
Southeast Asia.
Brunei’s economic success was driven by its
petroleum industry, which accounts for over half
of its gross domestic product (GDP) and 90 per
cent of its exports. To reduce sole dependency
on the petroleum industry for its economic
growth, the government has introduced policies
and initiatives to nurture other industries and
diversify the economic growth.
Its population is ethnically diverse and
has a reputation of being hospitable and
accommodating among locals and to visitors
alike. The country has an abundance of lush
rainforests and forest reserve parks, boasts of
kilometres of sand beaches and its diving scene
has continuously garnered growing interest from
both local and international divers.
Brunei is governed by His Majesty Sultan Haji
Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni
Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien
Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-
Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the country’s 29
th
ruler, and follows the Malay Islamic Monarchy
(MIB), the national philosophy which underscores
the Malay and Islamic values and traditions as
the citizens’ way of life.