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Brunei

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Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan

Location:

Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia (slightly smaller than Delaware)

Registration Embassy and Consulate:

Americans living in or visiting Brunei are encouraged to register in person or via telephone or fax at the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan and obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. The U.S. Embassy is located on the 3rd floor, Teck Guan Plaza, Jalan Sultan, in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan. The U.S. mailing address is American Embassy, PSC 470 (BSB), FPO AP, 96507. The telephone number is (673)(2)229-670, fax number (673)(2)225-293 and e-mail address amembbsb@brunet.bn. The after hours number for emergency calls is (673)(8) 730-691.

Background:

The Sultanate of Brunei's heyday occurred between the 15th and 17th centuries, when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequently entered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was achieved in 1984. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in the less developed countries. The same family has now ruled in Brunei for over six centuries.

Ethnic Groups:

Malay 67%, Chinese 15%, indigenous 6%, other 12%

Language:

Malay (official), English, Chinese

Currency:

BND Bruneian dollar (BND) Bruneian dollars per US dollar - 1.7365 (January 2001), 1.7240 (2000), 1.6950 (1999), 1.6736 (1998), 1.4848 (1997), 1.4100 (1996); note - the Bruneian dollar is at par with the Singapore dollar

Climate:

Tropical; hot, humid, rainy

Population:

343,653 (July 2001 est.)

Religion:

Muslim (official) 67%, Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%, indigenous beliefs and other 10%

Medical:

There is adequate care for basic medical conditions in Brunei; however, due to unpredictable shortages of materials and uncertain support staff, any elective surgery or complicated care is best obtained in Singapore or elsewhere. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States, however, can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, and U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov or autofax: (202) 647-3000.

Traffic Safety:

While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Brunei is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of public transportation:

Good

Urban road conditions/maintenance:

Poor

Rural road conditions/maintenance: