South East Asian Trips

In ancient times, Brunei was a powerful trading nation that controlled most of Borneo, and part of the Philippines archipelago.

The country was occupied briefly by the Spanish during the late-16th century, and part of the Spanish colonial mission was the spread of Catholicism (Islam had previously been adopted in Brunei as the principal religion).

In the mid-19th century, Brunei came under British influence, and the island of Labuan was also give up to Britain, and so reducing Brunei to its current borders.

Brunei's transition to independence began in 1959. That year, a new Anglo-Brunei agreement was signed, under which the UK assumed responsibility for defence and foreign affairs but passed control of all other matters to the Sultan.

Three years later, the North Borneo Liberation Army instigated rebellions, during which a state of emergency was declared. As a result, the Sultan assumed the power to rule by decree. Since then, with the benefit of its vast oil wealth, Brunei has undergone steady development Brunei is exclusively ruled by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah - 29th in the dynasty, 35 years on the throne and certainly one of the world's richest individuals - who took over in 1967.

Political activity in his realm is kept on a very short leash. After toying with orthodox politics, the government invoked the concept of Malay Islamic Monarchy as a state ideology at the end of the 1980s; Islam has consequently become a steadily stronger influence in the life of the country.

Political parties were allowed to operate openly for a brief period in the 1980s and again in the mid-1990s, although were ultimately suppressed.

The Sultan's intention to maintain the leading role of the dynasty was reflected by an official announcement in August 1998, stating that his eldest son, Prince al-Muhtadee Billah, will succeed him as Sultan upon his death or retirement.

In 2004, the Sultan reopened parliament 20 years after it was suspended; this has been seen as a step towards giving some political power to the country's citizens.

Religion

Most of the Malay population are Sunni Muslims. There are also significant Buddhist, Confucianist, Daoist and Christian minorities. Large numbers of the indigenous groups practise traditional animist forms of religion.

Social conventions

Shoes should be removed when entering Muslim homes and institutions and visitors should not pass in front of a person at prayer or touch the Koran, the Muslim holy book. Traditionally, a Bruneian shakes hands lightly, bringing his hands to his chest. However, any physical contact between members of opposite sexes is avoided. Non-Muslims should not be found in the company of a Muslim member of the opposite sex in private: sexual contact, or even compromising behaviour, between non-Muslims and Muslims is punishable by deportation. There are many honorific titles in Brunei: Awang (abbreviated to Awg), for instance, is equivalent to 'Ms' or 'Mrs'. Adat (customary law) governs many occasions and ceremonies.

Food may be served without cutlery: eat using the right hand only. Avoid giving or receiving with the left hand or pointing the soles of one's feet towards companions. Gifts (particularly food) should only be passed with the right hand, although it is acceptable to use the left hand under the right wrist for support. It is also considered impolite to point with the index finger (the right thumb should be used instead) or to beckon someone with your fingers (the whole hand should be waved instead, with the palm facing downwards). The right fist should never be smacked into the left palm, and children (or adults) should not be patted on the head. It is widely regarded as discourteous to refuse refreshment when it is offered by a host, or to eat or drink in public places, especially during Ramadan when Muslims are fasting.

Visitors should note that there are severe penalties for all drug offences, and that the legal system in Brunei is partly based on Shariah law and can, occasionally, apply to non-Muslims, including visitors. Dress is informal except for special occasions. Women should ensure that their head, knees and arms are covered.