Brunei: flag, capital, currency and history
Brunei, officially the Nation of Brunei, Abode of Peace, is a country in South-Eastern Asia, Asia. Its capital is Bandar Seri Begawan. The currency is the Brunei dollar and Singapore dollar. Languages spoken include Malay.
Quick facts about Brunei
- Official name
- Nation of Brunei, Abode of Peace
- Capital
- Bandar Seri Begawan
- Region
- Asia, South-Eastern Asia
- Currency
- Brunei dollar (BND, $)
Singapore dollar (SGD, $) - Languages
- Malay
- Calling code
- +673
- Internet domain
- .bn
- Area
- 5,765 km² (2,226 sq mi)
- Land borders
- Malaysia
- Demonym
- Bruneian
- National day
- National Day, February 23
Flag of Brunei
Download the flag of Brunei as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇧🇳.
History of Brunei
Brunei emerged as a Malay sultanate on the northern coast of Borneo, and by the 16th century its influence extended over much of the island and nearby areas. Its territory later shrank through pressure from neighbouring powers, including the Sarawak Brooke rulers and the British North Borneo Company. In 1888 Brunei became a British protectorate. Japanese forces occupied it from 1941 to 1945. A written constitution was introduced in 1959, and Brunei regained full independence from Britain on 1 January 1984. It is an absolute monarchy led by a sultan.
Key dates
- 16th centuryThe Sultanate of Brunei holds influence over much of coastal Borneo.
- 1888Brunei becomes a British protectorate.
- 1929Oil is discovered at Seria.
- 1941Japanese forces invade and occupy Brunei until 1945.
- 1959The first written constitution is promulgated.
- 1984Brunei becomes fully independent on 1 January.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Brunei
Brunei uses the Brunei dollar (BND, $) and Singapore dollar (SGD, $). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Brunei?
The capital of Brunei is Bandar Seri Begawan.
What currency does Brunei use?
Brunei uses the Brunei dollar (BND, symbol $) and Singapore dollar (SGD, symbol $).
What languages are spoken in Brunei?
Languages used in Brunei include Malay.
What is the calling code of Brunei?
The international calling code of Brunei is +673. Its internet domain is .bn.
Which countries border Brunei?
Brunei shares land borders with Malaysia.
On which continent is Brunei?
Brunei is in Asia, in the region of South-Eastern Asia.
What is the national day of Brunei?
Brunei marks National Day on February 23.
Neighbours of Brunei
More countries in South-Eastern Asia
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).