• Brunei Darussalam is in Southeast Asia on Borneo's northern coast.
• Surrounded by Malaysia’s Sarawak, it has a coastline on the South China Sea.
• Population: 466,330 (2025), with 64,409 in Bandar Seri Begawan.
• Official language: Malay; state religion: Sunni Islam.

• At its peak under Sultan Bolkiah (1485-1528), Brunei controlled much of Borneo.
• The state engaged in notable events, including the Castilian War against Spain in 1578.
• Decline began in the 19th century with land cessions to James Brooke and British entities.
• Became a British protectorate in 1888; gained full sovereignty on January 1, 1984.

• Ruled by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah since 1967, with a consultative legislative council.
• Wealth from petroleum and natural gas; GDP grew 56% (1999-2008).
• High ranking on the Human Development Index; economic stability supported by social welfare.
• Member of various international organizations, including the UN and ASEAN.

List of newspapers published in Brunei.