Fact 1: The World's Richest Man
Brunei, an absolute monarchy, is ruled by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who is known to be one of the richest men in the world. Thanks to the country's vast reserves of oil and gas, the Sultan has a net worth reported to be around $20 billion.
Fact 2: Largest Residence in the World
The Sultan of Brunei lives in the world's largest residential palace, the Istana Nurul Iman palace. This palace spreads over a staggering 2,152,782 sq ft, featuring 1788 rooms, with gold plated fittings throughout. It has its own mosque capable of accommodating 1,500 people, 5 swimming pools, an air conditioned stable for up to 200 polo ponies, and a banquet hall that can seat up to 5,000 guests.
Fact 3: No Sales Tax or VAT
An interesting fact about Brunei is there are no sales taxes or value added taxes (VAT) levied on goods and services in the country. This makes items surprisingly affordable, compared to many other countries.
Fact 4: Mini-Venice of The East
Often cited as the ‘Venice of East’, Kampung Ayer is the world’s largest floating village. While it might look humble from a distance, you’d be surprised to find modern amenities such as air conditioning, satellite television, Internet access, plumbing and electricity in these stilted houses.
Fact 5: The Country of Black Gold
Natural gas and oil reserves constitute almost 90% of Brunei's economy. It's the third-largest oil producer in Southeast Asia and the fourth-largest producer of liquified natural gas in the world.
Fact 6: Lowest Public Debt Level
Due to its large reserves of natural gas and a surplus economy, Brunei has the lowest public debt levels of any country in the world.
Fact 7: No Alcohol
Brunei is a 'dry' country, meaning sale and public consumption of alcohol is banned. However, non-Muslims over the age of 17 can import a limited amount of alcohol for personal consumption.
Fact 8: High-Car Ownership
Bruneians are known for their love of cars. The country has one of the highest rates of car ownership in the world. An interesting fact is that luxury cars are a common sight in the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan.
Fact 9: Generous Welfare System
In Brunei, education and healthcare are free for citizens. Furthermore, various subsidies, such as for housing, are in place making it a country with an incredibly generous welfare system.
Fact 10: One of the Oldest Rainforests
Brunei is home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world, the Ulu Temburong National Park. This untouched forest offers a unique ecosystem with a wide variety of plant and animal life.
Fact 11: Literacy Rate
Brunei has one of the highest literacy rates in the world. According to a survey by UNESCO, as of 2015, the literacy rate of Brunei is 96%.
Fact 12: A Country Without McDonald's
Interestingly, there are no McDonald’s franchises in Brunei. The locals instead prefer restaurants offering traditional and Asian cuisines.
Fact 13: The Golden Mosque
One of Brunei's main attractions is Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, which is adorned with gold domes. Built in 1992, it is Brunei's largest mosque and one of the grandest in the region.
Fact 14: Unchanged National Flag Since 1906
Unlike many other countries, Brunei's national flag has remained virtually unchanged since 1906. It simply showcases the country's emblem in the center, which includes a parasol symbolizing royalty.
Fact 15: Rare Fauna
Brunei is home to some of the rarest animals on earth, like the Bornean orangutan, the proboscis monkey, and the Bornean clouded leopard.
Fact 16: The Last Frontier
Intact with its virgin rainforests, clean rivers and unpolluted air, Brunei has been referred to as the Last Frontier of Southeast Asia.
Fact 17: The Blue Water village
Amongst the watery communities, one stands out: the blue water village of Kampong Ayer. It consists of a cluster of stilt houses painted blue in the center of a body of water, hence the name.
Fact 18: A Country with its own 50km Beach
Despite being small in size, Brunei has the blessing of a long and winding coastline. One such beach, the Tutong Beach stretches for an impressive 50 kilometers.
Fact 19: The Oil Well in the Middle of the City
In the midst of the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan, is an oil well that hints at the country's black gold dependent economy. The well 'Brunei Shell Pekan Seria No. 1' is regarded as the ‘grand old lady’ of the oil industry in Brunei.
Fact 20: Younger than America
Although Brunei has a long history, the current iteration of the Sultanate only declared independence from the British on January 1, 1984. This makes modern Brunei technically younger than the United States of America!