Brunei Darussalam - Society

Population: 398,000 (2008); 75% lives in urban areas, concentrated along the coast; growth 3.4% p.a. 1970–90 and 2.5% p.a. 1990–2006; birth rate (2006) 22 per 1,000 people (36 in 1970); life expectancy 77 years (67 in 1970). Malays comprise some two-thirds of the population, and Chinese (about 15%), Europeans, Indians and other races the balance.

Religion: Official religion is Islam; minorities of Buddhists (13%), Christians (10%), Confucians and Taoists. The national ideology, Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB, Malay Muslim monarchy) fuses Islamic values and Brunei Malay culture.

Language: Official language is Malay; English is widely spoken. Other languages include Chinese (various dialects), Tamil, Iban and Dusun.

Media: Borneo Bulletin is an English-language daily newspaper. Media Permata is published daily in Malay, and Brunei Direct is an online news service.

State-owned Radio Television Brunei is the only local television station, and broadcasts in Malay and English. Foreign TV stations are available via a cable network. State-run Radio Television Brunei broadcasts in Malay, English, Mandarin Chinese and Gurkhali.

There are 644 TV sets (2003), 85 personal computers (2004) and 417 internet users (2007) per 1,000 people.

Education: There are 12 years of compulsory education starting at age five. Net enrolment ratios are 94% for primary and 90% for secondary (2006). The pupil–teacher ratio for primary is 13:1 and for secondary 11:1 (2006). The school year starts in January.

About 15% of the relevant age group is enrolled in tertiary education (2005). The University of Brunei provides courses taught in Malay and English. Illiteracy among people age 15–24 is 0.4% (2007).

Health: There are ten hospitals, health clinics, travelling clinics and a flying doctor service. Infant mortality was 8 per 1,000 live births in 2006 (63 in 1960). Malaria has been completely eradicated.

Communications: Country code 673. Public telephones are available in most post office branches and main shopping areas. Coin- and card-operated public telephones are available all over the country, and phone cards can be obtained at post offices or at the Telecom office. There is good mobile phone coverage around main cities and business areas, particularly in the north-west.

There is a good and unrestricted internet service and internet cafes are available in Bandar Seri Begawan.

There are 210 main telephone lines and 789 mobile phone subscriptions per 1,000 people (2007).

Public holidays: New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year, National Day (23 February), Anniversary of the Royal Brunei Regiment (31 May), Sultan’s Birthday (15 July) and Christmas Day.

Religious festivals whose dates vary from year to year include Hijriah (Islamic New Year), Prophet’s Birthday, Israk Mikraj (Ascension of the Prophet), Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr/end of Ramadan) and Hari Raya Haji (Eid al-Adha/Feast of the Sacrifice).