The Abode of Peace
Situated along the northwest coastline of Borneo, Brunei Darussalam is a tranquil nation with a modest size of 5,765 square kilometres located on the northern side of Borneo Island. Brunei shares borders with the Malaysian state of Sarawak and is divided into two parts. The west enclave holds Brunei-Muara, Tutong and Belait districts, whereas the east enclave holds Temburong District.
As an equatorial country, Brunei has high rainfall and warm temperatures all year round. There is no distinct rainy season, though the period from November to March tends to bring heavier rainfall.
Brunei is governed according to the constitution and national ideology of the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB). The country’s official religion is Islam but other religions may be practised in peace and harmony by the persons professing them as stated in the Constitution of Brunei Darussalam.
The country’s population is ethnically diverse and has a reputation of being hospitable and accommodating among locals and to visitors alike. Most of the population are Malays, divided into seven ethnic groups: Melayu Brunei, Kedayan, Dusun, Tutong, Belait, Murut and Bisaya. The remaining population is made up of Chinese, Indians and various communities with diverse backgrounds and faiths that blend harmoniously into the Bruneian society.
The Abode of Peace is an apt name for Brunei as the country is embraced by the hands of peace, stability and security.