State of Brunei, Abode of Peace
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Flag of Brunei
Yellow with two diagonal bands of white (top, almost double width)
and black starting from the upper hoist side; the national emblem in
red is superimposed at the center; the emblem includes a
swallow-tailed flag on top of a winged column within an
upturned crescent above a scroll and flanked by two upraised hands.
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The Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15th
and 17th centuries when its control extended over coastal
areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei
subsequently entered a period of decline brought on by internal
strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European
powers, and piracy. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate;
independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled
Brunei for over six centuries. Brunei benefits
from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields,
the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in the developing world.
- CIA World Factbook.
Brunei - Fotw
Flags and Coat of Arms.
www.fotw.us/flags/bn.html
Brunei - wikipedia.org
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, whose title has passed
within the same dynasty since the fifteenth century, is the
head of state and head of government in Brunei.
The Sultan is advised by several councils and a cabinet of
ministers although he is effectively the supreme ruler.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brunei
Brunei Darussalam - U.S. Department of State
Many cultural and linguistic differences make Brunei Malays distinct from the larger Malay populations in nearby Malaysia and Indonesia, even though they are ethnically related and share the Muslim religion.
Brunei has hereditary nobility, carrying the title Pengiran. The Sultan can award to commoners the title Pehin, the equivalent of a life peerage awarded in the United Kingdom. The Sultan also can award his subjects the Dato, the equivalent of a knighthood in the United Kingdom, and Datin, the equivalent of damehood.
Bruneians adhere to the practice of using complete full names with all titles, including the title Haji (for men) or Hajah (for women) for those who have made the Haj pilgrimage to Mecca. Many Brunei Malay women wear the tudong, a traditional head covering. Men wear the songkok, a traditional Malay cap. Men who have completed the Haj can wear a white songkok.
The requirements to attain Brunei citizenship include passing tests in Malay culture, customs, and language. Stateless permanent residents of Brunei are given International Certificates of Identity, which allow them to travel overseas. The majority of Brunei's Chinese are permanent residents, and many are stateless. An amendment to the National Registration and Immigration Act of 2002 allowed female Bruneian citizens for the first time to transfer their nationality to their children.
Oil wealth allows the Brunei Government to provide the population with one of Asia's finest health care systems. Malaria has been eradicated, and cholera is virtually nonexistent. There are five general hospitals--in Bandar Seri Begawan, Tutong, Kuala Belait, Bangar, and Seria--and there are numerous health clinics throughout the country.
Education starts with preschool, followed by 6 years of primary education and up to 7 years of secondary education. Nine years of education are mandatory. Most of Brunei's college students attend universities and other institutions abroad, but approximately 3,674 (2005) study at the University of Brunei Darussalam. Opened in 1985, the university has a faculty of more than 300 instructors and is located on a sprawling campus overlooking the South China Sea.
The official language is Malay, but English is widely understood and used in business. Other languages spoken are several Chinese dialects, Iban, and a number of native dialects. Islam is the official religion, but religious freedom is guaranteed under the constitution.
www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2700.htm
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Flag of Brunei