Religion
Government
Education
Health and Welfare
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|
| Brunei |
| People |
| About two-thirds of the population of Brunei is Malay. Minorities include migrants from China, and India, and various indigenous peoples, such as the Dayak, Iban, and Belait. The capital and chief town is Bandar Seri Begawan. In the late 1980s the population was increasing at an annual rate of 8 per cent, reflecting a high level of immigration. | |
| Language | |
| The
official language is Malay, but English
is also used for official purposes.
Religion |
|
| Islam
is the state religion, and the majority of the people are Muslim.
The remainder adhere to Buddhism, Christianity,
or indigenous religions.
Government |
|
| Brunei,
formerly a protectorate of the United
Kingdom, became an independent sovereign
state in January 1984. Executive authority is held by the Council of
Ministers, which is presided over by the sultan of Brunei, and by the
chief minister, or mentri besar, who is responsible to the sultan.
Education |
|
| Education
is free up to the highest level, at local or overseas universities.
Primary and secondary education is provided in Malay, English, and
Chinese. The University of Brunei Darussalam, in Bandar
Seri Begawan, provides advanced education locally.
Health and Welfare |
|
| Medical and educational services are relatively well developed and are largely financed by revenues from petroleum production. | |
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