FACTS

Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia

Area (only Total) total: 5,770 sq km

Climate: tropical; hot, humid, rainy

Terrain: flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west

Population: 381,371 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): Malay

Government type: constitutional sultanate

Capital (Name): Bandar Seri Begawan

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+8

Independence: 1 January 1984 (from UK)

National holiday: National Day, 23 February (1984); note - 1 January 1984 was the date of independence from the UK, 23 February 1984 was the date of independence from British protection

HOLIDAYS

January 1 New Year's Day

January 10 Islamic New Year

February 7 Chinese New Year

February 23 National Day

March 20 The Prophet's Birthday

May 31 Anniversary of the Royal Brunei Regiment

July 15 H.M. the Sultan's and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam birthday

July 31 Ascension of the Prophet

October 1 Eid Al Fitr

December 8 Eid Al Adha

December 25 Christmas Day

Weekend Friday, Saturday