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BRUNEI - Also known as the Abode of Peace

(This is where we live)

Known to 6th century Chinese as Puni or Poli, later historic accounts say Islam was established in Brunei by 1371. The national sovereignty extended well beyond Borneo during the 14th-16th centuries.

Antonio Pigafetta, who accompanied the Magellan expedition in 1521, chronocled a city of 25,000 houses, many built on stilts above water. As europeans influence grew in the region, Brunei's rterritory and power declined. Becoming a British protectorate in 1888, a British resident was accepted to advise the Sultan on all matters except the Islamic faith and Malay customs in 1906.

In 1984, the nation gained full independence as a Malay Muslim monarchy ruled by His Majesty, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

Located 443 km north of the Equator, the country's land area covers 5,765 sq km. It faces the South China Sea on Borneo's north-western shore and shares a common border with the East Malaysian state of  Sarawak.

There are four districts: Brunei-Muara, Temburong, Tutong and Belait. The coastal oil and gas towns of Seria and Kuala Belait are about 100 km from the capital Bandar Seri Begawan.

The population is nearly 300,000, comprising two-thirds Malay and the rest other indigenous peoples, Chinese and expatraites. Malay is the official language but English is widely used. Though the official religion is Islam, other faiths are also practised.