| Land Area |
5,765 |
| Population |
Approx. 360,000 (2004 Provisional) |
| Capital |
Bandar Seri Begawan |
| Political System |
Constitutional Monarchy |
| Major Languages |
Malay, English |
| Major Religion |
Islam(Approx. 75%) |
| Currency |
Brunei Dollar |
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Flag Description:
The National Crest in the midst is inscribed with the words for prosperity and peace in Islam. The hands on either side signify the government.
Diversification of its economy from an energy-based model
Located in the northwest coast of island of Borneo and size of about Mie Prefecture of Japan, Brunei Darussalam possesses sizable resources of oil and natural gas and a population comprised primarily of devout Muslims. Since achieving independence from the U.K. in 1984, Brunei Darussalam has maintained stability in its domestic affairs through monarchal rule and high economic growth fueled by its economic base of energy resources. Today, it is weaning itself from dependence on oil and natural gas production, which has been the mainstay of the nation, and is promoting policies with fundamental objectives such as the diversification of economy, improvement of social infrastructures, and development of human resources. Brunei Darussalam is an important source of energy for Japan and conducts active exchanges in the fields of technical cooperation, education and culture. |
