About (Brunei Darussalam)
Brunei Government
Brunei is an independent sovereign Sultanate, which is governed on the basis of a written Constitution. His Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan is the supreme executive authority in Brunei Darussalam. His Majesty has occupied the position of Prime Minister since resumption of independence in 1984. His Majesty is also the Minister of Defence and Finance.
(Further details at http://www.brunei.gov.bn)
Land and People
Located 443km north of the Equator, the country’s land area covers 5,765 sq km. It faces the South China Sea on Borneo’s north western shore and shares a common border with the East Malaysian state of Sarawak. There are four districts: Brunei-Muara, Temburong, Tutong and Belait. The Climate is equatorial: hot, humid and wet all year round.
Brunei Darussalam’s population grew at an annual average rate of 2.7% from 211,400 in 1984 to
330,700 in 1999. It comprises of two-thirds Malay and the rest are other indigenous peoples, Chinese and expatriates. Malay is the official language but English is widely used. Though the official religion is Islam, other faiths are also practiced.
Culture
Brunei Darussalam is richly endowed with cultural heritage steadfastly maintained until today. The setting up of the Arts and Handicraft Centre in 1975 in Bandar Seri Begawan is a living testimony as to the preservation and the proliferation of the arts and crafts of the bygone days which Brunei was renown for such as boat making, silver-smithing, bronze tooling, cloth weaving as well as mat and basket weaving. Relics and other various artistic heritage of Brunei Darussalam besides the ones mentioned above include Malay weaponry, woodcarvings, traditional games, traditional musical instruments, 'silat' (the traditional art of self defense) and decorative items for women.
(Further details at http://www.brunei.gov.bn/about_brunei/language.htm)
Foreign Policy
Foreign Policy
ASEAN remains as the cornerstone of Brunei Darussalam's
foreign policy.
Asia Pacific - APEC and relations among members of the
associations.
Bilateral relations with other countries.
The United Nations, Commonwealth, OIC and other international
organisations.
Relations between Brunei Darussalam and the United States of America
President George W. Bush meets with Sultan
Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei in the Oval Office Monday, Dec. 16. White House photo
by Tina Hager.
Brunei Darussalam’s relations with the United States can be traced back to
the 1850s, when Brunei Darussalam signed an agreement with the United States on the Treaty of Friendship and Commerce. In this Treaty, Brunei Darussalam has been recognized as an independent nation and in return, the United States has been given the status of a consular exequaturs.
Diplomatic relations between Brunei Darussalam and the United States was formalized on the 10th March 1984. Relations were further enhanced when both countries set up their embassies at the two capitals respectively. Relations between the two countries continue to strengthen and involve cooperation in many areas such as political, economic and defense either bilaterally or cooperation through international organisations.
Joint
Statement Between the United States of America and Negara Brunei
Darussalam
Education System
Trade and Investment
Brunei Darussalam welcomes foreign investment. Foreign investors are invited to actively participate in the current economic diversification programme of the country. The programme hinges on the development of the private sector. The Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, which was formed in 1989, has the responsibility of promoting and facilitating industrial development in Brunei Darussalam.
(Further details at http://www.industry.gov.bn and http://www.brunei.gov.bn/about_brunei/business.htm)
Brunei Tourism
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