Country Info:
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Brunei Darussalam Location:
4°552 N, 114°552 E
Brunei Darussalam Geography:
Brunei consists of two unconnected parts. 97% of the population lives in the larger western part, while only about 10,000 live in the mountainous eastern part (the district of Temburong). The total population of Brunei is 383,000, of which around 46,000 live in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan. Some major towns are the capital Bandar Seri Begawan, the port town Muara, the oil producing town of Seria and its neighboring town, Kuala Belait. In the Belait district, the Panaga area is home to large numbers of expatriates due to Royal Dutch Shell and British Army housing and recreational facilities. The well-known Panaga Club is situated here.
The climate in Brunei is equatorial tropical, with high temperatures, high humidity, sunshine and heavy rainfall throughout the year.
Brunei claims Louisa Reef (Terumbu Samarang Barat Kecil, coral reef 1 meter high, controlled by Malaysia, with lighthouse) and Rifleman Bank (claimed by Vietnam, submerged with a least depth of 3 meters at Bombay Castle) in the Spratly Islands [1]. These two reefs are located 230 km and 460 km northwest of Brunei's capital Bandar Seri Begawan, respectively. According to [2], also Owen Shoal, about 20 km northeast of the northern tip of Rifleman Bank, falls within the maritime area claimed by Brunei.
Brunei Darussalam People:
Population
- may 2007 estimate 383,990 (177th)
- 2001 census 332,844
- Density 65 /km2 (127th)
168 /sq mi
Brunei Darussalam Government:
Government Absolute monarchy
- Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah
Brunei Darussalam Economy:
This small, wealthy economy is a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation, welfare measures, and village tradition. Crude oil and natural gas production account for nearly half of its GDP. Substantial income from overseas investment supplements income from domestic production. The government provides for all medical services and subsidizes rice and housing. Brunei's leaders are concerned that steadily increased integration in the world economy will undermine internal social cohesion although it became a more prominent player by serving as chairman for the 2000 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Stated plans for the future include upgrading the labour force, reducing unemployment, strengthening the banking and tourism sectors, and, in general, further widening the economic base. The national airline, Royal Brunei Airlines is trying to make Brunei a hub for international travel between Europe and Australia/New Zealand. It also has services to major Asian destinations.
Brunei Darussalam More Information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brunei_Darussalam |
