BRUNEI The Sultanate of Brunei (Full name: Negara Brunei Darussalam) [1] is a small but - thanks to natural gas and petroleum resources - very rich country located in Southeast Asia. It is surrounded by Malaysia and has two parts physically separated by Malaysia, almost being an enclave. Strategically located on the South China Sea, close to vital sea lanes linking Indian and Pacific Oceans, it has an exclusive economic fishing zone that extends as far as Louisa Reef in the southern Spratly Islands although it makes no public territorial claim to the offshore reefs. History The Sultanate of Bruneis heyday occurred 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. It was offered to join Malaysia as a state in 1963, but opted out of the Federation due to a disagreement on the amount of its oil income that would have to be given to the central government in Kuala Lumpur. Independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries. Independence 1 January 1984 (from UK) National holiday National Day, 23 February (1984); note - 1 January 1984 was the date of independence from the UK, 23 February 1984 was the date of independence from British protection Constitution 29 September 1959 (some provisions suspended under a State of Emergency since December 1962, others since independence on 1 January 1984) Economy The backbone of Bruneis economy is oil and gas and the Sultan of Brunei is, famously, one of the richest people in the world with an estimated personal wealth of around 40 billion dollars. Per capita GDP is far above most other developing countries, and substantial income from overseas investment supplements income from domestic production. The government provides for all medical services and subsidizes rice and housing. All sectors of economy are fairly heavily regulated and government policy is an odd mixture of subsidies, protectionism and encouragement of entrepreneurship. Bruneis leaders are attempting to balance the countrys steadily increasing integration into the world economy with internal social cohesion. It became a more prominent player in the world by serving as chairman for the 2005 APEC (Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation) forum. Plans for the future include upgrading the workforce, reducing unemployment, strengthening the banking and tourist sectors, and, in general, widening the economic base beyond oil and gas. Regions Brunei has four districts (Malay: daerah) Brunei regions map.png Brunei and Muara Heart of the country where the capital Bandar Seri Begawan is located. Tutong Lies under the coverage of the virgin forest, scattered small scale plantations. Belait Western-most district, also the centre of the countrys petroleum industry. Temburong Isolated eastern district, separated from the rest of country by the Sarawak district of Limbang. Cities Bandar Seri Begawan — the capital, sometimes known as Bandar or BSB for short. Bangar — the tiny district capital of Temburong district. Kuala Belait — town to catch transport to or from Miri, Sarawak. Muara — main port of Brunei with passenger ferries to Labuan and Sarawak. Seria — oil capital of Brunei, also known as Shelltown.
Posted on: Fri, 06 Jun 2014 04:36:30 +0000
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