 "(File) Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah dressed in full military regalia. AP")
Strengthening trade and technological partnerships will be a key focus as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, on Tuesday.
During his visit, he is scheduled to meet with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, who has led Brunei since 1967. India and Brunei are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on space cooperation, building on their 2018 agreement on satellite tracking. This visit is especially significant as it marks the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to Brunei and coincides with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
“Today, I am embarking on a first-ever bilateral visit to Brunei Darussalam. As we celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations, I look forward to my meetings with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other esteemed members of the Royal family to elevate our historic relationship to new heights,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated before departing on the trip.
Here are 10 unique things about Brunei:
1. Absolute monarchy: Brunei is one of the few remaining absolute monarchies in the world. The Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, holds full executive authority and has been in power since 1967.
2. Oil wealth: Brunei’s economy is heavily dependent on oil and natural gas production, which accounts for a significant portion of its GDP. This wealth has made Brunei one of the richest nations in terms of GDP per capita.
3. Malay Islamic monarchy: The country’s official ideology is encapsulated in the concept of Melayu Islam Beraja (Malay Islamic Monarchy), which emphasises the importance of Malay culture, Islamic religion and the monarchical system in Brunei’s governance.
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More Shorts4. Sharia law implementation: In 2014, Brunei became the first East Asian country to fully implement Sharia law as part of its penal code, which includes severe punishments such as stoning for adultery and amputation for theft.
5. World’s oldest reigning dynasty: The current Sultanate of Brunei is one of the oldest reigning dynasties in the world with a history that dates back over 600 years.
6. No income tax: Brunei citizens enjoy a high standard of living with no personal income tax, thanks to the government’s revenue from oil and gas exports.
7. Temburong Bridge: The Temburong Bridge, opened in 2020, is Southeast Asia’s longest oversea bridge, connecting the Brunei-Muara and Temburong districts, which are separated by Malaysian territory.
8. Biodiversity: Brunei has a rich biodiversity, with over 70 per cent of its land covered by tropical rainforest. The Ulu Temburong National Park is a well-preserved area, offering a glimpse into the pristine environment of Borneo.
9. Malay language and culture: Malay is the official language and the country maintains a strong cultural identity with traditional Malay customs, dress and social practices deeply ingrained in daily life.
10. Islamic festivals: Brunei celebrates Islamic festivals with great fervour. The Sultan’s birthday and Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr) are major events, often marked by grand ceremonies, public feasts, and open houses hosted by the Sultan.