Geography

Brunei is located on the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia, strategically located on the South China Sea, close to vital sea lanes linking Indian and Pacific Oceans. Apart from its coastline with the South China Sea, it is completely surrounded by the states of Sabah and Sarawak, East Malaysia. With a total area of 5,765 sq km, it is approximately a quarter of the size of Wales.

Brunei consists of two unconnected parts: 97% of the population lives in the larger western part, whilst the remainder (about 11,000) live in the mountainous eastern part (the district of Temburong). Just over 10% of the population (46,000) live in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan. Other major towns include the port town Muara, the oil producing town of Seria and its neighbouring town, Kuala Belait. In the Belait district, the Panaga area is home to large numbers of expatriates due to Royal Dutch Shell and British Army housing and recreational facilities.

Territory Disputes

Brunei claims territory in Sarawak, such as Limbang, and is one of many nations to lay claim to the disputed Spratly Islands. Several small islands situated between Brunei and Labuan, including Kuraman Island, are contested between Brunei and Malaysia. However, they are internationally recognised as part of Malaysia.

Geography

Territory Disputes

Facts and Figures