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203

VISITOR INFORMATION

A tranquil nation, Brunei Darussalam’s modest

size of 5,765 square kilometres is contrasted

by its wealth. Situated along the northwest

coastline of Borneo, the nation is home to some

of the biggest oil elds 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

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.