Brunei

Overview

Brunei lies in Southeast Asia on the northern coast of the island of Borneo, its territory divided into two parts by Malaysia's Sarawak state. The country is a hereditary sultanate, currently ruled by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who has been in power since 1967. Brunei's economy relies heavily on oil and gas extraction, which funds a high standard of living for its population, and the country levies no income tax. The official language is Malay, and the country officially applies certain elements of Islamic sharia law within its legal system.

Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital, is home to the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, built in 1958 with a gold dome and marble, one of the city's most recognizable buildings. The Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, built to mark the 25th anniversary of the current sultan's reign, is the country's largest mosque, featuring 29 gilded domes. Kampong Ayer, a stilt village within the capital on the Brunei River, is known as one of the largest continuously inhabited stilt settlements in the world, with its own schools and police force. The Istana Nurul Iman, the sultan's residence, is recognized as one of the largest private residences in the world, though public access is limited.

About three-quarters of Brunei's territory is covered by rainforest, much of it left undeveloped due to the country's oil revenue, making it one of the least disturbed rainforest areas in the region. In the dense jungle of Ulu Temburong National Park, canopy walkways lead above the treetops, offering views over the full structure of the rainforest. Local cuisine blends Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, with ambuyat, a thick paste made from sago palm starch, as a signature dish, served with a fish or meat-based sauce, along with nasi katok, a simple rice dish served with chicken.