Although a tiny state with a small population on the northern coast of Borneo in South-East Asia, Brunei has one of the highest standards of living in the world thanks to sizeable deposits of oil and gas.

Brunei is a heavily forested state, and most human activity is restricted either to coastal areas or estuaries. Visitors will encounter the grandeur of Islamic architecture and royal tradition in Brunei and cannot miss architectural treasures such as the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, with its gleaming gold dome.

The country only gained independence in 1984, but has the world’s oldest reigning monarchy and centuries of royal heritage. At the helm of the only remaining Malay Islamic monarchy in the world, the Sultan of Brunei comes from a family line that dates back over 600 years. The first sultan ascended the throne in 1405, founding a dynasty of which the current sultan, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, is the 29th ruler.

In 1984, the sultan declared Negara Brunei Darussalam (’Brunei, The Abode of Peace’) as a sovereign, democratic and independent Malay Muslim monarchy (Melayu Islam Beraja) which would be administered according to the teachings of Islam. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has been on the throne for 38 years and is one of the world’s richest individuals.

5,765 sq km (2,226 sq miles).

374,000 (UN estimate 2005).

59 per sq km.

Bandar Seri Begawan. Population: 27,285 (2001).

Traditional Islamic monarchy. Gained full independence from the UK in 1984.

Malay is the official language. English is widely used and Chinese dialects are also spoken.

Most of the Malay population are Sunni Muslims. There are also significant Buddhist, Confucianist, Daoist and Christian minorities. Large numbers of the indigenous groups practise traditional animist forms of religion.

GMT + 8.

Shoes should be removed when entering Muslim homes and institutions and visitors should not pass in front of a person at prayer or touch the Koran, the Muslim holy book. Traditionally, a Bruneian shakes hands lightly, bringing his hands to his chest. However, any physical contact between members of opposite sexes is avoided. Non-Muslims should not be found in the company of a Muslim member of the opposite sex in private: sexual contact, or even compromising behaviour, between non-Muslims and Muslims is punishable by deportation. There are many honorific titles in Brunei: Awang (abbreviated to Awg), for instance, is equivalent to ’Ms’ or ’Mrs’. Adat (customary law) governs many occasions and ceremonies. Food may be served without cutlery: eat using the right hand only. Avoid giving or receiving with the left hand or pointing the soles of one’s feet towards companions. Gifts (particularly food) should only be passed with the right hand, although it is acceptable to use the left hand under the right wrist for support. It is also considered impolite to point with the index finger (the right thumb should be used instead) or to beckon someone with your fingers (the whole hand should be waved instead, with the palm facing downwards). The right fist should never be smacked into the left palm, and children (or adults) should not be patted on the head. It is widely regarded as discourteous to refuse refreshment when it is offered by a host, or to eat or drink in public places, especially during Ramadan when Muslims are fasting. Visitors should note that there are severe penalties for all drug offences, and that the legal system in Brunei is partly based on Shariah law and can, occasionally, apply to non-Muslims, including visitors. Dress is informal except for special occasions. Women should ensure that their head, knees and arms are covered.

220/240 volts AC 50Hz. Plugs are either round or square three-pin.

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah since 1967.