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| Capital | Bandar Seri Bhagavan |
| Area | 5 765 km² |
| Population | 407 000 people |
| Official language | Malay |
| Currency | Brunei Dollar |
| Climate | throughout the year lasts +26°C |
| Recommended type of holiday | beach vacation |
About country
Brunei is a southeast Asian country consisting of two unconnected parts with the total area of 5,765 square kilometres (2,226 sq mi). It has 161 kilometres (100 mi) of coastline next to the South China sea, and it shares a 381 kilometre (237 mi) border with Malaysia. It has 500 square kilometres (193 sq mi) of territorial waters, and an 200 nm exclusive economic zone.
77% of the population lives in the eastern part of Brunei, while only about 10,000 live in the mountainous south eastern part (the district of Temburong). The total population of Brunei Darussalam is approximately 408,000 (July 2010) of which around 150,000 live in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan. Other major towns are the port town of 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.
Most of Brunei is within the Borneo lowland rain forests ecoregion that covers most of the island but there are areas of mountain rain forests inland.
Sightseeing
The Arts and Handicraft Centre is located next to the Brunei River on Jalan Residency, and it is where the traditional arts and crafts of Brunei Darussalam have been revived. Hand tooled silver jewellery and artifacts, such as ornamental cannon and the snake-like dagger known as the 'keris', can be bought from the handicrafts shop of the centre.
Brunei Museum is an architecturally distinctive building which features the Brunei Museum is about 6.5 km from Bandar Seri Begawan along the Brunei River. A large confidential collection of richly gilded Holy Korans are testament to the devotion and craftsmanship of ancient calligraphers and there are also treasures of ceramics, glassware and carpets.
The Malay Technology Museum is located near the Brunei Museum. It offers the visitor an fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the people of Brunei in bygone days. It focuses on the traditional techniques of house building and other aspects of Malay life, it shows the innovative ideas of earlier generations and their skillful use of locally available materials. Authentic, three-dimensional displays of boatmaking, fishing, metalworking and goldsmithing are there in the museum for displays.
Traditions
Brunei Traditions reflects the customs and rituals followed by the Muslim population of the country. People belonging to other religions are allowed to follow their own traditions in Brunei. The lifestyle of the people centers on the traditions of Brunei.
The Muslims of Brunei follow the Islamic law and the traditions of the Muslim population of Brunei are dictated by Islamic culture. The traditions of Brunei are also applicable to eating habits and it is customary for the people of Brunei to eat with their fingers rather than using fork and spoons. Food and Drink is generally accepted with right hand and while refusing anything when offered it is polite to touch the plate lightly with right hand. In any sort of social gathering, people of Brunei prefer to sit in floor with legs tucked to one side.
During the Islamic month of Ramzan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusks. Food habits of the Brunei people are also very different and they follow some traditional way of cooking certain foods. Rice, Mutton, Fish and sweets form the staple food of Brunei.
People in Brunei follow the traditional dressing. Women are dressed in bright colors and the attire usually covers them from head to toe. Men also prefer formal dressing both in workplace and in social gathering. Wedding ceremonies are also carried out by following true Brunei traditions. Thus the whole lifestyle of the Brunei people still rotates around the age-old Brunei traditions.
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Cuisine
Bruneian cuisine is similar to Malay food that can be found in Malaysia. The majority of the dishes are rich and spicy, and are eaten with rice or noodles.
The hawker stalls offer pretty much the same fare, like barbequed fish, chicken wings, satay, kueh melayu and so on. Chinese food such as chicken rice, laksa, noodle dishes and seafood are available at Chinese restaurants. Thosai, tandoori bread and vegetarian fare (occasionally) can be found at many Indian restaurants.
A local speciality is Ambuyat, otherwise known as 'edible glue'. This is accompanied by grilled fish, a spicy mango sauce and a selection of vegetables. Other local favourites include beef rendang, nasi lemak and puteri nanas.
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