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With a total land area of 5,765 square kilometers,
Brunei, the smallest in land size, is one of the three
countries that makes up Borneo. Existing along the northeastern
shore of Borneo and flank between the 2 Malaysian states
of Sarawak and Sabah, Brunei is a developing country
where its rich cultural heritage, glorious past, colourful
traditions and natural beauty harmoniously coexist with
a modern and more contemporary side.
About 70% of Brunei total land area is covered by unspoiled
rainforest, home to many varieties of flora and fauna
endemic only to the island of Borneo.
Out of the total population of 280,000, about 60,000
live in the capital of Bandar Seri Begawan of which
more than half live in Kampung Ayer, the world’s
largest water village. The population is mainly composed
of Malays with a mixture of Chinese and Indian communities.
Expatriates and a few indigenous groups comprise a minority
of the population.
Bahasa Melayu is the official language but English
is widely spoken. The country is ruled according to
established Islamic values and traditions by the present
monarch, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzadin
Waddaulah.
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