Southeast Asian nation of Brunei, also known as the “Abode of Peace,” is located on Borneo’s northern shore. With the exception of its South China Sea coastline, the whole state of Sarawak, Malaysia, encircles it; the district of Limbang in Sarawak divides its area in half. Borneo’s multi-landmass neighbours, Malaysia and Indonesia, share the remaining portion of the island with Brunei, the only sovereign state encompassing the entire island.
The Sanskrit word “varuṇ” (वरुण), implying “seafarers,” may have had some influence on the name change to “Barunai” in the fourteenth century. The humble beginnings of this Islamic Nation are shared by the word “Borneo”.
The word “country” in Malay is negara, while darussalam (Arabic: دار السلام) means “abode of peace” in the country’s full name, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
After Singapore, Brunei has the second-highest Human Development Index among the countries in Southeast Asia. Roughly 90% of its GDP comes from the extraction of natural gas and crude oil. With an average daily production of about 167,000 barrels (26,600 m3), Brunei ranks fourth among oil producers in Southeast Asia. In addition, Brunei is the ninth-largest gas exporter in the world, producing about 25.3 million cubic metres (890 million cubic feet) of liquified natural gas each day.
Due to its abundant natural gas and petroleum resources, Forbes also lists Brunei as the fifth richest country in the world out of 182.
In 2023, Brunei came in at number 87 on the Global Innovation Index.
Malay people make up two thirds of the population of Brunei. This comprises indigenous peoples such as the Dusun, Belait, Kedayan, Murut, and Bisaya, as well as ethnic Malays, of which roughly ten percent are Chinese. The remainder of the population consists of South Asians, Iban, and other non-Malay indigenous peoples, as well as temporary labourers from Europe and Asia.
Abode of Peace Climate
Brunei’s climate is influenced by the tropical monsoon winds. Normally, the southwest monsoon occurs from May to September, and the northeast monsoon occurs from December to March. The months of April through November are transitional. Brunei experiences mild weather all year round, with daily highs of roughly 90 °F (32 °C) and lows of typically in the mid-70s F (approximately 23 °C). In coastal locations, annual precipitation averages around 115 inches (2,900 mm), although farther inland, it can reach up to 150 inches (3,800 mm). In general, there is more rain from October through January and less from March through August.
Healthcare and Welfare
In plain terms, Brunei is a welfare state with advanced social services. Basic dental and medical care is given to citizens without charge. Across the nation, a network for the government clinics and health centres offers primary care. The government has a flying medical service that frequently travels to remote rural locations. Every one of the four districts has a public hospital, with the largest one being in Bandar Seri Begawan. In the cities, there are also a few private hospitals and private clinics.
Serious infectious diseases including cholera, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis are not common in Brunei. Since the late 1980s, Brunei has been essentially malaria-free because to aggressive malaria control programmes. The nation’s life expectancy is in the mid-to upper-70s, and its death rate is significantly lower than the global average.
Educational System
Most people in Brunei are literate thanks to free and required higher education that runs from age 5 to 16. There are three official languages of instruction: Chinese, English, and Malay. In government schools, Malay is the major language of instruction; however, starting in upper primary, English is the medium for several subjects. There are private Chinese schools and schools run by religious organisations in addition to the government schools; all of them, however, typically adhere to the same government-developed curriculum.
The Amazement of Brunei
The Citizenship of this Peaceful Abode, called Brunei attracts lots of solid perks.
A calm and stable environment to live in. No personal income tax as Government provides Free healthcare and Education. Housing that is subsidised. A once-in-a-lifetime trip to Mecca for Muslim citizens and Opportunity to study abroad through bursaries and scholarships(Waoh!).
Working and residing in Brunei is most enjoyable as there is absolutely no income tax or sales tax here. Subsidies for many utilities are substantial. Gas is only 1/3 of what it would cost in most western nations, and I have no idea how much I pay for power or water, which only cost a few dollars a week. If you become unwell, you will receive very good care in the top hospitals. Once more, the price is quite affordable because health care is also subsidised. Three international high schools with numerous extracurricular activities and a good academic standard are available. Kids appear to have no shortage of activities, from clubs to athletics to the arts.
Setting up a Business in Brunei is an absolutely great idea, see the reason:
Access to Natural Resources: Brunei is known as the treasure trove to an array of natural resources especially oil and gas. This ready made access to natural resources has given Brunei that intriguing capacity to develop and evolve her energy industry in over 80 years.
Economic Stability: Brunei is a relatively small country, however, it has a relatively buoyant economy that has been growing at a stable and consistent rate in the past decades. Isn’t that what any business man would wish for? A non volatile environment for investment?
Political Stability: Ever since the first Monarch was installed since 1363, Brinei has enjoyed a benevolent monarchy with a clear untroubled line of succession fostering a stable, non violent political transitioning.
Low Tax rate: One of the attractions of a particular country to economic investment is the level of taxes on businesses. In this aspect, Brunei scores highly. It operates a low tariff system, implying goods can be imported and exported for International Businesses with low tax rates.
Brunei considers Social Welfare and Security a top most priority, therefore her citizens are freely protected and catered for. Tell me if you are not already considering a one month vacation to Brunei. These opportunities need to be explored.
