• HISTORY/ORIGIN AND

BACKGROUND
• POLITICS, GOVERNANCE AND
ADMINISTRATION

BRUNEI • STABILITY IN THREE ASPECT:

POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND
SOCIOCULTURAL
• CULTURE
• TOURIST ATTRACTION
 • Officially known as Negara Brunei
Darusalam
• A small, oil-rich country located on the
northern coast of the island of Borneo in
southeast asia.
HISTORY/ • It is intertwined with the Sultate of
kedah, which ruled over the region in the
ORIGIN AND 15th century.
BACKGROUN • In 16th century it became a vassal state
of the Spanish Empire.
D • 17th century when it gained its
independence under the leadership of
Sultan Muhammad Shah.
• In 1988, it became a British protectorate,
and it gained independence from Britain
in 1984.
FLAG’S SYMBOL
● Yellow Background: The bright yellow
background symbolizes royalty and
sovereignty. It is a color often associated with
the monarchy and represents Brunei's status
as a sultanate.

● Black Stripes: The two black stripes, one on

the left side and the other on the right, are
symbolic of the oil industry, which is a major
contributor to Brunei's economy. These
stripes also signify the country's commitment
to progress and development.

● White Diagonal Band: The white diagonal

band running from the top left corner to the
bottom right corner represents the peace and
prosperity enjoyed by the people of Brunei. It
also symbolizes the country's commitment to
justice and equality.
CAPITAL
CITY: Bandar
Seri Begawan
• The capital city of
Brunei is Bandar
Seri Begawan. It is
located on the Brunei
River and is the
country's largest city.
• Languages: Malay, English
• Exact Population

•According to the latest estimates, Brunei has a population of approximately 491,000

people. 239,900 MALE, 252,769 FEMALE (based on 2024 survey).
• Nationality: Brunein
• Ethnic Groups: Malay (67.4%), Chinese (9.6%), other (23%) based on 2021
survey
• Religion: Muslim (official) 82.1%, Christian 6.7%, Buddhist 6.3%, other 4.9% (2021 est.)
• Currency: B$ (Brunei Dollar)
•As of September 5, 2024, the exchange rate between the Brunei Dollar and the Philippine
Peso (PHP) is approximately 1 BND = 38.00 PHP. This means that one Brunei Dollar is
equivalent to around 38 Philippine Pesos.
POLITICS,
GOVERNANCE •Government:
AND Unitary Islamic Absolute Monarchy
ADMINISTRATIO
N
 •Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah:
The reigning Sultan of Brunei
and head of state.

•Crown Prince Al-

Cabinet Ministers: A group
Muhtadee Billah: The heir
of ministers appointed by the
apparent to the throne.
Sultan to head various
Eldest son of the reigning
government departments
Sultan

•Pehin Dato Perdana

Menteri: The Prime Minister,
who is appointed by the Sultan
and oversees the day-to-day
operations of the government.
Brunei's Government:

• Sultan as Supreme Ruler: The Sultan has the

ultimate authority in all matters of state. He
makes laws, appoints ministers, and oversees the
judiciary.
• Cabinet: The Sultan appoints a Cabinet of
ministers to assist him in governing the country.
The Cabinet members are typically members of
the royal family or close associates of the Sultan.
• Legislative Body: While there is no formal
legislature in Brunei, the Sultan can consult with
various councils and committees to gather advice
and input on policy matters.
• Sharia Law: Brunei's legal system is based on
Islamic Sharia law. This means that religious law
plays a significant role in the country's legal
framework.
• Limited Political Parties: There are no formal
political parties in Brunei. The Sultan's
government is the sole political authority in the
country.
Challenges and Reforms:

Despite its absolute monarchy system, Brunei has made some

efforts to modernize its government and economy. However, the
country still faces challenges, including:

• Economic Diversification: Brunei's economy is heavily reliant

on oil and gas. The government has been working to diversify the
economy to reduce its dependence on these resources.
• Social Issues: Brunei, like many other countries, faces social
issues such as poverty, inequality, and unemployment. The
government has implemented various social programs to address
these challenges.
• Human Rights: Brunei's human rights record has been a subject
of international concern. The government has taken steps to
improve its human rights practices, but there is still room for
improvement.
 ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION: Brunei is divided
into four administrative districts:

• Belait: Located in the northwestern part of

the country, Belait is known for its oil and gas
industry. It is home to the town of Kuala Belait,
which is the second-largest city in Brunei.
• Brunei-Muara: This is the most populous
district in Brunei, encompassing the capital
ADMINISTRATIV city of Bandar Seri Begawan and its
E DIVISION surrounding areas. It is the economic and
cultural center of the country.
• Temburong: Situated in the northeastern part
of Brunei, Temburong is the smallest and least
populated district. It is known for its lush
forests and wildlife.
• Tutong: Located in the central part of Brunei,
Tutong is a relatively small district with a mix
of urban and rural areas. It is home to the
town of Tutong Town.
 LEGAL SYSTEM
● Sharia Law: Islamic Sharia law is the primary source of law in Brunei.
This means that religious law plays a significant role in the country's
legal framework. Sharia law covers a wide range of matters, including
criminal law, family law, and inheritance law.

● Common Law Influence: Brunei's legal system also incorporates

elements of common law, which is the legal system used in many
English-speaking countries. Common law principles are often applied
in areas such as contract law, tort law, and property law.

• Dual Court System: Brunei has a dual court system, consisting of

Sharia courts and civil courts. Sharia courts handle cases involving
Islamic law, while civil courts deal with matters governed by common
law
• Supreme Court: The Supreme Court is the highest court in Brunei. It
has the power to review decisions made by lower courts and to
interpret the law.
 • unicameral Legislative Council or Majlis
Mesyuarat Negara Brunei (up to 45
seats; up to 30 appointed;
LEGISLATI • up to 15 representatives from the
country's four districts: Brunei and Muara
VE (up to seven members), Belait (up to
three), Tutong (up to three), and

BRANCH Temburong (up to two)); members serve

5-year terms

elections: January 2023 - appointed by

the sultan
 chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir
HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967)

head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister

Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed and

EXECUTIV presided over by the monarch; note - 4 additional

advisory councils appointed by the monarch are the
Religious Council, Privy Council for constitutional

E issues, Council of Succession, and Legislative

Council; Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL
Bolkiah is also Minister of Finance, Defense, and

BRANCH Foreign Affairs and Trade

elections/appointments: none; the monarchy is

hereditary

note - the monarch is both chief of state and head

of government
 • Highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists
of the Court of Appeal and the High Court,
each with a chief justice and 2 judges);
Sharia Court (consists the Court of Appeals
and the High Court); note - Brunei has a dual
judicial system of secular and sharia

JUDICIAR (religious) courts; the Judicial Committee of

Privy Council (in London) serves as the final
appellate court for civil cases only
Y • Judge selection and term of
office: Supreme Court judges appointed by

BRANCH the monarch to serve until age 65, and older

if approved by the monarch; Sharia Court
judges appointed by the monarch for life
• Subordinate courts: Intermediate Court;
Magistrates' Courts; Juvenile Court; small
claims courts; lower sharia courts.
STABILITY IN THE THREE ASPECTS: POLITICAL,
ECONOMIC AND SOCIOCULTURAL
 Brunei's Political Stability: A Strong Monarchy

• Brunei has a long-standing reputation for political stability. This stability is

largely attributed to its absolute monarchy, which has been in place for centuries. The
Sultan of Brunei holds significant power and authority, and there is no formal political
opposition.

Key factors contributing to Brunei's political stability include:

Absolute Monarchy: The Sultan's rule is unquestioned, providing a strong and

consistent leadership.

Limited Political Participation: There is no formal political party system, and

POLITICAL
elections are not held.

Economic Prosperity: Brunei's wealth from oil and gas resources has helped to
maintain social stability.

Cultural Homogeneity: The predominantly Muslim population shares a common

cultural and religious background, reducing the potential for social and political
divisions.

However, it's important to note that:

Human Rights Concerns: Brunei has faced criticism for its strict Islamic laws,
particularly those related to LGBTQ+ rights and corporal punishment.

Economic Diversification: While oil and gas have been crucial to Brunei's prosperity,
the country is working to diversify its economy to reduce its dependence on these
resources.
 Brunei's Economic l Stability: Oil and Gas
Brunei's economy is highly dependent on oil and
gas, which account for a significant portion of its GDP
and government revenue. While this has led to a high
standard of living for its citizens, it also makes the
economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices.
To mitigate these risks, Brunei has been actively
ECONOMI working to diversify its economy. It has invested in
sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and
C manufacturing. However, these sectors still play a
relatively small role in the overall economy.
Despite its dependence on oil and gas, Brunei has
maintained a relatively stable economy. It has a strong
fiscal position and a low national debt. Additionally,
the government has implemented various policies to
support economic growth and development. And this
are;
• Diversification: The government has been actively working
to diversify the economy away from its reliance on oil and gas.
•Infrastructure Development: The government has
invested heavily in infrastructure projects, such as roads,
bridges, and ports, to improve connectivity and attract foreign
investment.
• Education and Skills Development: The government has
focused on improving education and training programs to
develop a skilled workforce and enhance human capital.
•Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Promotion: The
government has implemented policies to attract FDI, including
offering tax incentives, streamlined approval processes, and
investment guarantees.
• Entrepreneurship Support: The government has provided
support for entrepreneurship, including funding, training, and
mentorship programs.
• Public-Private Partnerships: The government has
encouraged public-private partnerships to leverage private
sector resources and expertise for economic development .
 Brunei's sociocultural stability is generally considered strong.
The country's adherence to Islamic principles and the Malay
Islamic Monarchy (MIB) framework provides a foundation for social
cohesion and stability.
 Religious Harmony: Brunei is predominantly Muslim, with Islam
playing a significant role in shaping the country's culture and
values. The government actively promotes religious tolerance and
harmony among different religious groups.
SOCIOCULTURA  Strong Family Ties: Family is a central institution in Brunei, and
L strong family ties contribute to social stability and support.
 Limited Political Dissent: Brunei has a relatively authoritarian
political system, with limited political dissent and a focus on
maintaining social order.
 Government Support for Education and Welfare: The
government provides education and welfare services to its
citizens, helping to reduce social inequality and improve living
standards.
• Low Crime Rates: Brunei generally has low crime rates,
contributing to a sense of safety and security.
Brunei's Culture: A
Blend of Malay,
Islamic, and
Indigenous
Influences
• Malay Heritage: As a predominantly
Malay nation, Brunei's culture is
deeply rooted in Malay traditions,
customs, and language. Malay arts,
music, dance, and cuisine are integral
parts of the country's cultural identity.
• Islamic Influence: Islam has played
a significant role in shaping Brunei's
culture, values, and way of life. Islamic
customs, traditions, and architecture
are prevalent throughout the country.
• Indigenous Traditions: Brunei's
indigenous groups, such as the Iban
and Melanau, have contributed to the
country's cultural diversity. Their
traditional customs, beliefs, and
practices continue to be preserved.
• Royal Culture: The monarchy plays a
central role in Brunei's culture. The
royal family's traditions, ceremonies,
and patronage of the arts have a
significant influence on the country's
cultural landscape.
Cultural Expressions:

• Arts and Crafts: Brunei has a thriving arts

and crafts scene, with traditional crafts such
as weaving, pottery, and metalwork being
passed down through generations.
• Music and Dance: Malay music and dance
are popular forms of cultural expression in
Brunei. Traditional instruments like the rebab,
gendang, and sape are used in various
musical performances.
• Cuisine: Brunei's cuisine is a delicious blend
of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences.
Popular dishes include nasi lemak, satay, and
laksa.
• Festivals and Celebrations: Brunei
celebrates various festivals and celebrations
throughout the year, including Hari Raya
Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr), Hari Raya Aidiladha (Eid
al-Adha), and Brunei National Day.
• Religion: Islam is the official religion of
Brunei, and it has a profound influence on the
country's culture. Religious festivals and
practices are an integral part of daily life.
 Tourist
Attractions in
Brunei

Brunei is a hidden gem in Southeast Asia, offering

a unique blend of Islamic culture, pristine
rainforests, and stunning coastal landscapes. Here
are some of its top tourist attractions:
Sultan Omar Ali
Saifuddien
Mosque
This iconic mosque is a
masterpiece of Islamic
architecture, featuring a golden
dome and minarets. Its grand
interior is adorned with intricate
carvings and stained glass.
. Kampong
Ayer
Known as the "Venice of the East,"
Kampong Ayer is a water village
built on stilts, offering a glimpse
into traditional Bruneian life.
Explore the narrow canals by boat
and interact with friendly locals.
Royal Regalia
Museum

This museum showcases the royal

heritage of Brunei, featuring a
collection of artifacts, gifts, and
memorabilia from the
 Presented by:
Cabagbag, Czarina C.
Natura, Ervin Louie
Hermosura, Christian