Brunei Newspapers and Magazines Overview

Political Overview 

Brunei is a small sovereign state on the northern coast of the island of Borneo governed as an Islamic sultanate under the long reigning monarch Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah who holds executive authority as head of state and head of government. The political system centers on the monarchy and a consultative Legislative Council that does not exercise full legislative power, and national policy is strongly shaped by the government s stewardship of the economy and social programs. The country is divided into four administrative districts called Brunei Muara, Belait, Tutong, and Temburong with Bandar Seri Begawan as the capital city and seat of government. Brunei is widely known abroad for its wealth derived from petroleum and natural gas production and for a domestic model that combines generous social welfare with conservative cultural and religious policies that prioritize Islamic values and Malay tradition.

Cultural Heritage and Identity

Brunei s culture is rooted in Malay customs and Islamic traditions which together form the central identity of the nation and daily life. Religious practices and festivals shape public life while traditional arts such as Malay music, dance, crafts, and oral histories are preserved and presented in museums and cultural centres in Bandar Seri Begawan and other towns. Visitors often recognise Brunei for its grand royal architecture and Islamic landmarks including the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the Istana Nurul Iman palace which is listed by Guinness World Records as the largest residential palace in the world, and for Kampong Ayer which is the historic water village built on stilts over the Brunei River and has attracted international curiosity as a living cultural treasure. Brunei also promotes conservation of natural heritage through protected areas and by inviting low impact eco tourism to places such as Ulu Temburong National Park which showcases pristine rainforest and traditional riverine communities.

Geographical Landscape area and Climate

Brunei covers a compact area of about 5,765 square kilometres and occupies two non contiguous parts separated by the Malaysian state of Sarawak, giving the country a mix of coastal plains, inland lowlands, and rugged rainforest highlands in the Temburong District. The coastline faces the South China Sea and major towns include Seria and Kuala Belait in the oil producing Belait District, Tutong town in the central district, and Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei Muara which is the most densely populated area. The climate is tropical rainforest with consistently warm temperatures typically ranging from the mid twenties to low thirties Celsius and with abundant year round rainfall that is heaviest between November and March. This warm wet climate supports dense tropical forests that are internationally recognised for biodiversity and for offering experiences such as canopy walks, guided jungle treks, and river cruises that appeal to nature oriented travellers while the country s energy wealth and its distinct blend of royal ceremony and conservative Islamic law are among the features most recognised by the rest of the world.