Brunei
Capital
Bandar Seri Begawan
Population
~440,000
Currency
Brunei Dollar (BND)
Quick Facts
- Languages
- Malay
- Religion
- Islam (official)
- Climate
- Tropical rainforest; hot and humid year-round
Culture & History
Known for: oil wealth, absolute monarchy, and strict Islamic laws
Also famous for: Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, rainforest conservation, and no income tax
Food: Ambuyat (tapioca starch dish)
Brief History
Powerful sultanate (14th-16th century); British protectorate (1888-1984); gained independence in 1984; wealth from oil/gas reserves