In the northwestern corner of the island of Borneo, along the shores of the South China Sea, lies the sultanate of Brunei Darussalam. With a total land area of 5,765 square kilometers, Brunei is divided into four districts namely, Brunei Muara, Tutong, Belait and Temburong. In physical size, Brunei is similar to Canada's province of Prince Edward Island.

Bandar Seri Begawan, the country's capital is located in the Brunei Muara district.

About 70% of Brunei's land area is covered by unspoiled rainforest, home to many varieties of flora and fauna found only on the island of Borneo. A great portion of the country's dense rainforest is situated in and around Temburong district.

Brunei's population is mainly composed of Malays with a mixture of Chinese and Indian communities. Expatriates and a few indigenous groups comprise a minority of the population. Bahasa Melayu is the official language but English is widely spoken and understood by a large part of Brunei's population.

The country is ruled according to established Islamic values and traditions by the present monarch, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzadin Waddaulah. Brunei's form of government is called a Malay Islamic Monarchy and is one of the oldest in the region, with over 600 years of recorded history.

Brunei enjoys a warm, equatorial climate year-round with very minor seasonal variations. Situated off the typhoon and earthquake `belts,' Brunei nevertheless receives high levels of rainfall and humidity.

Brunei Darussalam is actively involved in international, regional and sub-regional core groups such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC), and ASEAN (Association of South-East Nations) and is rapidly emerging as an active player in the region's affairs.

More information about His Majesty, and the Brunei government including Culture and Tourism, can be found at the Brunei government's official website at: www.brunei.gov.bn.

Brunei local news is available at the website of an English language daily, The Borneo Bulletin at: www.brunet.bn/news/bb/