Top 13 Fascinating Facts About the Wealthy Nation of Brunei You Might Want to Know

Brunei truly lives up to its reputation as the wealthiest country in the world. Its citizens enjoy incredible benefits thanks to abundant oil fields. Brunei's citizens almost do not have to pay any taxes to the state. On the contrary, the Brunei government has a policy of providing nearly free housing for every citizen here. They only need to register and pay a fee of 1 USD for the lease, and after a period of 3 - 5 years, the citizens will own a house for themselves.

Isn't this generous policy of the open-hearted country wonderful? It is also the curiosity of tourists when setting foot here. They want to explore everything about the people and customs of Brunei - an extremely hospitable country. The housing service for only 1 USD not only helps the poor but also brings curiosity to tourists when visiting Brunei.

Brunei is one of the least populous countries in the world, and the roads here often intersect. However, due to strict traffic laws and the civilized consciousness of each citizen, very few traffic accidents occur. In addition to the serious compliance with traffic laws by everyone when participating in traffic here, perhaps the alcohol ban in this country is also a significant factor in limiting traffic accidents in Brunei.

In Brunei, each household owns at least one car. Public transportation such as taxis, buses, etc., is very rare here. The whole country of Brunei has about 50 taxis to serve the travel needs of tourists who come to visit. You won't witness scenes of people jostling on the roads. The traffic participation consciousness of the people is excellent. Therefore, Brunei is always a stopping point for international tourists.

There are three amazing things we want to explore in Brunei: tuition fees, medical expenses, and employment. Regarding education, the government fully covers all tuition fees for students at all levels. After graduating from high school, students intending to study abroad will be provided with scholarships by the government. However, they must return to contribute to the country for the duration of their study abroad.

As for medical expenses, for just 2 USD/ person, the state will provide free healthcare for citizens from minor to major illnesses throughout their lives. In terms of employment, all Bruneian citizens will not have to face the long-term unemployment concern here. Upon graduation, they only need to apply to any desired company or agency, and they will be accepted for employment. These factors contribute to the peaceful and serene life of every Bruneian.

When visiting Brunei, every tourist will be 'awestruck' by the wealth and prosperity of this country, with architectural structures adorned in dazzling gold. Gold is generously used to decorate mosques, palaces, museums, and 4 to 5-star hotels. Exploring the mosques here, you will be mesmerized by the golden minarets shining brightly against the deep blue sky.

The most famous tourist symbol in Brunei is the Jame Assr Hassanil Bolikah Mosque, crafted from 5 tons of 24k gold. It truly represents the utmost extravagance of the wealthiest kingdom in the world! Brunei's gold-plated structures always receive admiration and praise globally for the richness and opulence of this nation.

Remember, Brunei is a renowned Islamic holy land, and its strict rules derive from this religion. Many travelers, especially men, have faced challenges with the somewhat stringent regulations when touring this place. The first thing to note is the mode of communication and attire. In communication, refrain from using the index finger to point (implying disrespect to Muslims) and ensure not to shake hands too tightly when engaging with locals.

Regarding clothing, limit wearing short skirts and sleeveless tops, especially for women; it's best to use a headscarf when here. When in Brunei, men should be attentive to behave respectfully towards the women of this country. Because the law strictly prohibits any disrespectful behavior towards women. When walking in public, if you pay too much attention to a beautiful girl, beware you might have a 'date' with the court! It's tough to have a 'love at first sight' in this strict country, isn't it?

Jerudong Park is an amusement park in Brunei, established since 1994. Situated in Jerudong, Brunei-Muara District, the construction of this successful amusement park cost around 1 billion USD, a colossal amount sponsored by the Brunei government. It is considered the largest and most expensive park in Southeast Asia. Jerudong Park was built in Brunei to celebrate the 48th birthday of the Sultan of Brunei.

One of the must-visit attractions is the water music show held from Wednesday to Sunday, starting from 8:30 to 9:30. The program features famous songs from artists like Michael Jackson, Ricky Martin, or music from popular Disney movies. While Bruneian citizens enjoy free entry, visiting tourists need to purchase tickets to participate in games and explore the park.

In 1990, the Brunei government issued a ban on the sale of alcohol in all bars and nightclubs here. However, some places still sell illegally to tourists. If you are a tourist and not of the Muslim faith, you are allowed to bring 12 cans of beer and 2 liters of any strength of liquor when visiting Brunei. Although this seems illogical, the alcohol ban is a highly civilized and modern cultural aspect. Brunei understands the harm of alcohol, beer, and alcoholic substances; hence, the ban is entirely justified in this country with the world's highest rate of private car ownership.

The locals enthusiastically embrace this policy. Therefore, when visiting, you will always encounter a high level of civility in communication. Bruneians are welcoming and warm to guests, despite the strict traditions of their country. When traveling to Brunei, remember these things; it's a way to respect the culture and laws of the people of Brunei!

According to Brunei's environmental protection laws, anyone engaging in activities that harm the natural environment, such as littering, deforestation, flower picking, branch breaking, may face up to 2 years in prison or a fine of up to 100,000,000 Vietnamese dong.

Brunei, a clean and green country, values the environmental consciousness of its people. Don't think you can discreetly litter without being noticed. When in Brunei, they will assign someone to both guide and supervise your behavior to ensure compliance with the law. Pay attention to these rules when planning a trip to Brunei!

One of the most distinctive and characteristic landscapes in Brunei is the unique floating houses. Almost all structures here, from homes, schools, hospitals, mosques, government offices, are designed in this style. The houses floating on the water provide a cool, comfortable atmosphere and offer an excellent way to enjoy the sunset. Constructing these floating houses is an ingenious method to save land space for a country as small as Brunei.

Each house is equipped with modern amenities for a comfortable life. The standard of living for the people of Brunei is relatively affluent, setting an example for other nations. When visiting Brunei, tourists should not miss the world's largest water village - Kampong Ayer, with a population of 290,000 people.

Brunei is one of the countries with the highest car ownership rates globally. On average, there is one car for every 1.5 people. The Sultan of Brunei alone owns 5,000 cars, including around 20 Lamborghinis, 160 Porsches, 130 Rolls-Royces, 360 Ferraris, 170 Jaguars, 180 BMWs, 360 Bentleys, and 530 Mercedes-Benzes. Additionally, the Sultan owns a gold-plated Mercedes!

According to the World Bank data on Brunei, private car ownership in the country increased by 19% from 2011 to 2014, while the population grew by only 4% during the same period. Furthermore, a recent report from the ASEAN Automotive Federation revealed that Brunei's car sales increased by 8% in the first 5 months of 2020. Even the Covid-19 pandemic couldn't curb the extravagant car purchases of the people of Brunei.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, born on July 15, 1946, is the reigning monarch of Brunei. He is the eldest son of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III and Queen Raja Isteri. Ascending to the throne on October 5, 1967, Sultan Bolkiah was once listed among the world's wealthiest individuals, with an estimated fortune of $20 billion in 2008.

Additionally, he serves as the head of state with full executive authority. Sultan Bolkiah holds various key positions within Brunei, making him one of the most influential figures. With over 50 years in power, he is the second-longest-reigning monarch globally, surpassed only by Queen Elizabeth II of England.

12. Brunei Boasts the World's Most Stunning Mosques

Brunei's mosques are renowned for their luxurious and exquisite beauty, seamlessly blending traditional and modern elements in their architecture. For instance, the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque incorporates Mughal and Malay architectural styles, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. Inside, the mosque features Arabian carpets and British-designed chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

On the other hand, the Ash-Saliheen Mosque in Brunei resembles the mosques in Marrakesh, Morocco. This architectural masterpiece, following Moroccan style, opened its doors in 2012 and sits adjacent to the Prime Minister's Office. Emerald domes complement walls of turquoise. Moreover, Brunei hosts mosques situated along its scenic rivers.

13. Brunei, the First Asian Nation to Ban Shark Finning

Brunei stands as the first Asian nation to enforce a nationwide ban on shark finning. With an official proclamation from Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Brunei has banned shark fishing, finning, domestic sales, imports, and the trade of all shark-related products. Shark finning is a brutal practice - sharks are hauled onto ships, their fins are cut off, and the sharks are often thrown back into the ocean, alive but unable to swim or bleed to death.

Asia is considered the world's largest consumer market for shark fins, and Brunei's decision is a significant step towards changing the usage habits of shark products across the continent. Conservation groups worldwide believe this will serve as a considerable inspiration for other Asian nations, especially China, to soon decide on banning shark fin trade. China is the world's largest consumer of shark fin soup.