Brunei, officially Nation of Brunei, Abode of Peace (Malay, Negara Brunei Darussalam), sultanate on the northern coast of the island of Borneo, eastern Asia, bounded on the north by the South China Sea, and on all other sides by the Malaysian state of Sarawak, which also divides the country into two parts. The total area is 5,765 sq km (2,226 sq mi). The capital is Bandar Seri Begawan.
POPULATION
The population of Brunei is 365,251 (2004 estimate). The capital and chief town is Bandar Seri Begawan (population, 1995 estimate, 50,000). The overall population density is about 69 people per sq km (179 per sq mi). Brunei had an 8 per cent annual rate of population increase in the late 1980s, reflecting a trend of immigration to the country. The population growth rate in 2004 was 1.95 per cent. About two thirds of the population of Brunei are Malay. Minorities include Chinese, Indians, and various indigenous peoples, such as Dayaks, Ibans, and Belaits. Life expectancy in 2004 was 74.5 years.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Malay (an Austronesian Language), which is mainly a second language that is taught in schools and used only in formal domains. The majority of the population speaks Brunei as a mother tongue, which is also an Austronesian language, similar to Malay. Several other indigenous languages are spoken including Iban and Tutong (both Austronesian); Mandarin Chinese, Min Nan Chinese, and Min Dong Chinese (Sino-Tibetan languages); and English, a national language spoken widely as a second language, and a first language for a minority of Chinese people.
RELIGION
Islam is the state religion; 63 per cent of the people are Muslims; 14 per cent, Buddhists; 8 per cent, Christians; and 15 per cent follow indigenous beliefs.
POPULATION
The population of Brunei is 365,251 (2004 estimate). The capital and chief town is Bandar Seri Begawan (population, 1995 estimate, 50,000). The overall population density is about 69 people per sq km (179 per sq mi). Brunei had an 8 per cent annual rate of population increase in the late 1980s, reflecting a trend of immigration to the country. The population growth rate in 2004 was 1.95 per cent. About two thirds of the population of Brunei are Malay. Minorities include Chinese, Indians, and various indigenous peoples, such as Dayaks, Ibans, and Belaits. Life expectancy in 2004 was 74.5 years.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Malay (an Austronesian Language), which is mainly a second language that is taught in schools and used only in formal domains. The majority of the population speaks Brunei as a mother tongue, which is also an Austronesian language, similar to Malay. Several other indigenous languages are spoken including Iban and Tutong (both Austronesian); Mandarin Chinese, Min Nan Chinese, and Min Dong Chinese (Sino-Tibetan languages); and English, a national language spoken widely as a second language, and a first language for a minority of Chinese people.
RELIGION
Islam is the state religion; 63 per cent of the people are Muslims; 14 per cent, Buddhists; 8 per cent, Christians; and 15 per cent follow indigenous beliefs.
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