10 things you didn’t know about Brunei that will fascinate you
Sept. 3, 2024, 8:19 a.m.
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Strengthening commercial and technology alliances will be a central focus of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei's capital, on Tuesday.
During his visit, he is scheduled to meet with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, who has ruled Brunei since 1967. India and Brunei are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on space cooperation, building upon their 2018 agreement on satellite tracking. This visit is particularly significant as it marks the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to Brunei and coincides with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Advertisement “Today, I am embarking on a first-ever bilateral visit to Brunei Darussalam. As we celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations, I look forward to my meetings with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other esteemed members of the Royal family to elevate our historic relationship to new heights,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated before departing on the trip.
Here are 10 unique things about Brunei:
1. Absolute monarchy: Brunei is one of the few remaining absolute monarchies in the world. The Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, holds complete executive authority and has been in power since 1967.
2. Oil wealth: Brunei’s economy is heavily dependent on oil and natural gas production, which accounts for a significant portion of its GDP. This wealth has made Brunei one of the richest nations in terms of GDP per capita.
3. Malay Islamic monarchy: The nation's official ideology centers around the concept of Melayu Islam Beraja (Malay Islamic Monarchy), emphasizing the significance of Malay culture, Islamic faith, and the monarchical system in Brunei's governance.
4. Sharia law implementation: In 2014, Brunei became the first East Asian nation to fully integrate Sharia law into its penal code, which includes stringent punishments such as stoning for adultery and amputation for theft.
5. World’s oldest reigning dynasty: The current Sultanate of Brunei is one of the oldest reigning dynasties in the world with a history that dates back over 600 years.
6. No income tax: Brunei's citizens enjoy a high standard of living, free from personal income tax, due to government revenue generated from oil and gas exports.
Advertisement 7. Temburong Bridge: The Temburong Bridge, inaugurated in 2020, is Southeast Asia's longest oversea bridge, linking the Brunei-Muara and Temburong districts, separated by Malaysian territory.
8. Lush Landscapes: Brunei boasts a remarkable diversity of life, with over 70 percent of its land blanketed by vibrant tropical rainforests. The Ulu Temburong National Park serves as a sanctuary, showcasing the untouched beauty of Borneo's natural wonders.
9. Malay Heritage: Malay is the official language, and the country strongly embraces its cultural roots, with traditional Malay customs, attire, and social practices deeply woven into everyday life.
10. Islamic Celebrations: Brunei celebrates Islamic festivals with great enthusiasm. The Sultan's birthday and Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr) are prominent events, often marked by elaborate ceremonies, communal feasts, and welcoming open houses hosted by the Sultan.
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