Negara Brunei Darussalam

Political Status: Formerly a constitutional monarchy in treaty relationship with the United Kingdom; independent sultanate proclaimed January 1, 1984.

Area: 2,226 sq. mi. (5,765 sq. km.).

Population: 332,844 (2001C); 386,000 (2007E).

Major Urban Center (2005E): BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (30,000).

Official Language: Malay (English is widely used).

Monetary Unit: Brunei Dollar (market rate November 1, 2008: 1.48 dollars = $1US). The Brunei dollar is at par with the Singapore dollar.

Head of State and Prime Minister: Sultan Sir Haji HASSANAL BOLKIAH Muizzaddin Waddaulah; ascended the throne October 5, 1967, upon the abdication of his father, Sultan Sir Haji Omar ALI SAIFUDDIN; crowned August 1, 1968; assumed office of prime minister at independence, succeeding former chief minister ABDUL AZIZ bin Umar.

Heir Apparent: Crown Prince Haji al-Muhtadee BILLAH, eldest ...