The oil-rich Sultanate of Brunei has a population of about 372,000. The majority of the population resides in the district of Brunei Muara in and around the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan (below).

Bruneians are predominantly Malay, though significant Chinese, Indian and Indigenous populations add to the cultural mix. Brunei’s blend of cultures, customs, beliefs and traditions is therefore very similar to that of Malaysia. The official spoken language is Malay, but English is widely spoken and featured on street and road signs through the nation.