Brunei
Darussalam is a small Islamic sultanate on the northwest coast of Borneo,
bound by the Malaysian states of Sabah to the north, and Sarawak to the
south. It was under British protection from 1888 to 1994.
LAND, PEOPLE, AND
ECONOMY
The country is
divided into two enclaves, and most of the land is covered by tropical
forests. With only only 5% of the land cultivated, Brunei imports more
than 90% of its food requirements. The petroleum and natural-gas industry,
concentrated along the northwest coast and offshore, accounts for 85% of
the gross domestic product. The population is 75.8% Malay, 15.2% Chinese,
12% others. Malays are concentrated in public services, while Chinese
dominate commerce. Petroleum has given Brunei a high per capita income of
$25,200 (1996); citizens pay no income tax and enjoy free education,
health care, and other benefits.
HISTORY AND
GOVERNMENT
Brunei may have
existed as a commercial center as early as the 6th century. It emerged as
a powerful independent sultanate after its ruler converted to Islam in the
15th century, collecting tribute from northern Borneo and the southern
Philippines. After Malacca fell to the Portuguese in 1511, Brunei
flourished as the most powerful Muslim state in Southeast Asia until the
17th century. After the secession of Sarawak to Malaysia, and to avoid
extinction as a state, it sought and received British protection from 1888
until its independence in 1984.
Brunei is a Malay
Muslim monarchy ruled by His Majesty the Sultan, the 29th in succession to
the throne. The Sultan is assisted, advised, and consulted on state
affairs by a team of Cabinet Ministers, as wells as members of the
Religious and Legislative Councils.
