Brunei 2006

Brunei 2006

In 2006, Brunei was a small country of approximately 400,000 people located in Southeast Asia. It was a monarchy led by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who had been ruling since 1967. Brunei had made considerable progress in rebuilding its economy and infrastructure following the end of the British protectorate in 1984. According to constructmaterials, the country’s primary source of income was still based on oil and gas exports, but industry and tourism were growing steadily due to increased foreign investment from neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore. Poverty and inequality were still prevalent, with nearly 10% of the population living below the poverty line. Despite this, access to education had improved since 2000 with primary school attendance rate increasing from approximately 85% to over 95% by 2006. Additionally, economic growth had been steady since 2000 due to increased foreign investment from around the world. Tourism was also increasing as more people became aware of Brunei’s unique culture and landscapes including Kampong Ayer Water Village, Ulu Temburong National Park, and Jerudong Park Playground.

Yearbook 2006

Brunei. In May, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah decided to make it easier for foreigners to gain citizenship in Brunei, which was previously very difficult due to the country’s strict immigration policy. According to CountryAAH, major public holidays in Brunei include Independence Day (February 23) and New Year (January 1). The rule changes apply to foreign nationals who have permanent residence permits in the country or who are married to Brunei women. In order to benefit from citizenship, foreigners must also prove that they have contributed to the country’s growth and have assets worth the equivalent of SEK 2.3 million. or to prove that their professional work benefits the country. Foreign men who were born in Brunei and have been married to Brunei women for at least fifteen years as well as men born abroad who have been married to Brunei women for at least twenty years can now also apply for citizenship.

On July 15, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah celebrated his 60th birthday, which was celebrated for several weeks, including parades and a lavish banquet with foreign guests. In connection with the celebration, the Sultan, who has ruled the country single-handedly since 1967, promised to raise the salaries of civil servants for the first time in 22 years.

Brunei Map with Surrounding Countries

Brunei Overview

The Sultanate of Brunei was once a great empire that even ruled some of the islands that now belong to the Philippines. English “adventurer” James Brooke was negotiated with the Sultan of Brunei through security talks in his area which became the state of Sarawak ruled by the Brook family. Brunei has been important in British protection due to its location and trade relations. Since the discovery of oil in 1929, the citizens of the country have enjoyed e.g. tax exemption and pensions. In 1991, the sale of alcohol was banned and devout Islam became a general trend and the religious committee was placed in a high position in the country’s politics.

Area: 5,770 km²

Population: 464,478 (estimate 7/2020)

Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan

Population: 67% of Brunei’s population is Muslim, 15% Buddhist and tenth Christian. Most Brunei are Malay. About one-fifth of the population is Chinese. There are also some indigenous people on the island of Borneo, the Ibanes, who live in small communities.

Language: Malay

Main products: Oil, timber, natural gas

Form of government: Constitutional Sultanate.

Sultan Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah.

Demography and economic geography. – State of Southeast Asia, located in the northern sector of the island of Borneo. The country, which has 423,205 residents (according to an estimate from UNDESA, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, from 2014), it has a high GDP per capita at purchasing power parity (PPA) of $ 77,824 (2014). Brunei also boasts a very high Human Development Index (0.852 in 2013), having shown progress in all components and reached 78.5 years of life expectancy at birth (2013) and 8.6 average years of schooling ( 2012). Wealth is concentrated in the capital, while the country as a whole appears less developed. Although oil and natural gas continue to represent fundamental resources, the Brunei tries to establish itself as a financial center and a destination for luxury travel and ecotourism. The accession (2007, with Indonesia and Malaysia) to the Rainforest declaration for the conservation of rare species in Borneo goes in this direction.