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Study Guide: Brunei: Geography, History, and Society

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Brunei: Geography, History, and Society Study Guide

Geography and Demographics

Brunei Darussalam is officially known by its full name, Brunei Darussalam, and is geographically situated on the southern coast of the island of Borneo.

Answer: False

Explanation: The assertion that Brunei Darussalam is located on the southern coast of Borneo is factually incorrect. According to the provided information, it is situated on the northern coast of the island.

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Brunei's territory is entirely surrounded by the Malaysian state of Sarawak, making it the sole sovereign nation situated completely on the island of Borneo.

Answer: True

Explanation: Brunei's territory is indeed entirely enclosed by the Malaysian state of Sarawak. It is also the only sovereign state located entirely on the island of Borneo.

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The majority of Brunei's population resides in the mountainous eastern Temburong District.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. The overwhelming majority of Brunei's population, approximately 97%, resides in the western part of the country, with only a small fraction living in the eastern Temburong District.

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Brunei is divided into five districts, including the capital district of Brunei-Muara.

Answer: False

Explanation: Brunei is divided into four administrative districts, not five. These districts are Brunei-Muara, Belait, Tutong, and Temburong.

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The average life expectancy in Brunei is reported to be around 77.7 years.

Answer: True

Explanation: The average life expectancy in Brunei is indeed reported to be approximately 77.7 years.

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What is the official name of the country located on the northern coast of Borneo?

Answer: Brunei Darussalam

Explanation: The official designation of the country located on the northern coast of Borneo is Brunei Darussalam.

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Which Malaysian state completely surrounds Brunei's territory?

Answer: Sarawak

Explanation: The Malaysian state of Sarawak completely surrounds Brunei's territory on the island of Borneo.

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Where does the vast majority of Brunei's population reside?

Answer: Primarily in the western part of the country

Explanation: Approximately 97% of Brunei's population is concentrated in the western regions of the country.

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What is the average life expectancy in Brunei?

Answer: 77.7 years

Explanation: The average life expectancy in Brunei is reported to be 77.7 years.

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History and Governance

Brunei operates under a democratic republic system, with a president serving as the head of state.

Answer: False

Explanation: This assertion is incorrect. Brunei is governed as an absolute monarchy, with the Sultan functioning as the head of state. Furthermore, elections have not been held since 1962.

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The name "Brunei" originates from the Malay word for 'harmony' and was first used during the 15th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The origin of the name "Brunei" is attributed to the exclamation "Baru nah!" uttered upon discovery, not the word 'harmony'. While the Sultanate's prominence grew in the 15th century, this is not the origin of the name itself.

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Historically, the region of modern-day Brunei was part of the ancient Silk Road trading network.

Answer: False

Explanation: The region of modern-day Brunei was historically part of the Maritime Jade Road trading network, not the Silk Road.

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Brunei converted to Islam and established itself as a Sultanate during the 15th century, breaking away from Majapahit.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical records indicate that Brunei converted to Islam and became an independent Sultanate in the 15th century, following its secession from the Majapahit Empire.

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James Brooke was appointed as the 'White Rajah' of Sarawak after assisting the Sultan of Brunei in suppressing a rebellion.

Answer: True

Explanation: James Brooke was indeed appointed as the 'White Rajah' of Sarawak in the 19th century, following his intervention to help the Sultan of Brunei quell a rebellion.

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The Protectorate Agreement of 1888 placed Brunei under British protection, granting Britain control over its foreign affairs until 1984.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Protectorate Agreement signed in 1888 established Brunei as a British protected state, transferring control of its foreign affairs to Britain. This status continued until Brunei achieved full independence in 1984.

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British residents were introduced in 1906 to assist the Sultan, but they held minimal administrative power.

Answer: False

Explanation: British residents were introduced in 1906 to advise the Sultan. However, over time, they gradually assumed significant executive power, exceeding that of the Sultan.

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The Japanese invasion of Brunei occurred in early 1942, several months after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Japanese invasion of Brunei took place on December 16, 1941, which was approximately nine days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, not several months later in 1942.

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The Brunei Revolt of 1962 was a major uprising that led to Brunei joining the Malaysian Federation.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Brunei Revolt of 1962 was a significant event, but it led to the Sultan deciding *against* joining the Malaysian Federation, not towards it.

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Brunei achieved full independence from the United Kingdom on January 1, 1984.

Answer: True

Explanation: Brunei attained its full independence from the United Kingdom on January 1, 1984.

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Elections are regularly held in Brunei, with members of parliament being popularly elected.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. While Brunei has a parliament, elections have not been conducted since 1962, and parliamentary members are appointed by the Sultan.

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Brunei's military consists of a large air force and several naval destroyers.

Answer: False

Explanation: Brunei's military structure is primarily composed of three infantry battalions and a navy with patrol boats, not a large air force or naval destroyers.

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What form of government does Brunei have?

Answer: Absolute Monarchy

Explanation: Brunei operates under an absolute monarchy, with the Sultan serving as the head of state.

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The legend of Brunei's name involves which exclamation upon discovery?

Answer: "Baru nah!" (That's it!)

Explanation: Local historical accounts suggest that the name "Brunei" originates from the exclamation "Baru nah!" (interpreted as "that's it!" or "there!"), reportedly uttered by Awang Alak Betatar upon discovering the site.

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What ancient trading network, active from 2000 BC to 1000 AD, included the areas of modern-day Brunei?

Answer: The Maritime Jade Road

Explanation: The regions constituting modern Brunei were participants in the Maritime Jade Road, a significant trading network that flourished for three millennia, from 2000 BC to 1000 AD.

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When did Brunei become an independent Sultanate after converting to Islam?

Answer: 15th Century

Explanation: Brunei underwent conversion to Islam and established itself as an independent Sultanate during the 15th century.

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Who was granted land by the Sultan and became known as the 'White Rajah' of Sarawak?

Answer: James Brooke

Explanation: James Brooke was granted territories by the Sultan and became known as the 'White Rajah' of Sarawak.

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What was the primary effect of the Protectorate Agreement signed in 1888?

Answer: Britain took control of Brunei's foreign affairs.

Explanation: The Protectorate Agreement of 1888 transferred control of Brunei's foreign affairs to Britain, establishing it as a protected state.

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What significant role did British residents, introduced in 1906, eventually play in Brunei's administration?

Answer: They gradually assumed more executive control than the Sultan.

Explanation: Introduced in 1906, British residents initially advised the Sultan but progressively assumed greater executive authority within Brunei's administration.

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When did the Japanese invade Brunei during World War II?

Answer: December 16, 1941

Explanation: The Japanese military forces invaded Brunei on December 16, 1941.

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What was a major consequence of the 1962 Brunei Revolt?

Answer: The Sultan decided against joining Malaysia.

Explanation: The 1962 Brunei Revolt influenced the Sultan's decision to refrain from joining the proposed Malaysian Federation.

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On what date did Brunei gain full independence from the United Kingdom?

Answer: January 1, 1984

Explanation: Brunei attained full independence from the United Kingdom on January 1, 1984.

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What is the status of parliamentary elections in Brunei?

Answer: They were suspended in 1962 and have not resumed.

Explanation: Parliamentary elections in Brunei have been suspended since 1962, with members of parliament being appointed thereafter.

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What is a key component of Brunei's military structure mentioned in the source?

Answer: Three infantry battalions

Explanation: A key component of Brunei's military structure is its three infantry battalions.

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Economy and Resources

The economy of Brunei is primarily driven by its significant petroleum and natural gas resources.

Answer: True

Explanation: The economic structure of Brunei is indeed heavily reliant on its substantial reserves of petroleum and natural gas.

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According to the IMF, Brunei ranks among the top 20 countries globally for GDP per capita at purchasing power parity.

Answer: False

Explanation: The statement is false. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) ranks Brunei seventh globally for GDP per capita at purchasing power parity, which is within the top 10, not the top 20.

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Significant petroleum deposits were discovered in Brunei in 1929 following the detection of oil seepages near the Seria river.

Answer: True

Explanation: The discovery of significant petroleum deposits in Brunei occurred in 1929, subsequent to the identification of oil seepages near the Seria river in 1926.

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Oil and natural gas production contribute approximately 50% to Brunei's Gross Domestic Product.

Answer: False

Explanation: Oil and natural gas production contribute significantly more, accounting for approximately 90% of Brunei's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

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Royal Brunei Airlines aims to establish Brunei as a major international travel hub, particularly for routes between Europe and Asia.

Answer: True

Explanation: Royal Brunei Airlines actively pursues a strategy to position Brunei as a key international travel hub, focusing on routes connecting Europe with regions like Australia and New Zealand.

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Which natural resources are the primary drivers of Brunei's economy?

Answer: Petroleum and Natural Gas

Explanation: The economy of Brunei is primarily driven by its extensive petroleum and natural gas resources.

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What global ranking does the IMF assign to Brunei for GDP per capita (PPP)?

Answer: Seventh

Explanation: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) ranks Brunei seventh globally in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, adjusted for purchasing power parity.

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Which district is known as the center of Brunei's oil and gas industry?

Answer: Belait

Explanation: The Belait district is recognized as the center of Brunei's significant oil and gas industry.

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What percentage of Brunei's GDP is generated by oil and natural gas production?

Answer: Approximately 90%

Explanation: Crude oil and natural gas production constitute approximately 90% of Brunei's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

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What is Royal Brunei Airlines' strategy to develop Brunei as a travel hub?

Answer: Maintaining a daily slot at London Heathrow for international connections

Explanation: Royal Brunei Airlines aims to position Brunei as a hub for international travel, particularly between Europe and Australasia, by maintaining key international flight connections, such as a daily slot at London Heathrow.

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Society and Culture

The primary official language spoken in Brunei is Indonesian, and its state religion is Sunni Islam.

Answer: False

Explanation: The statement is false. While Sunni Islam is indeed the state religion of Brunei, the primary official language is Malay, not Indonesian.

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In 2013, Brunei announced plans to implement a Penal Code based on Sharia law, which was met with international approval.

Answer: False

Explanation: The statement is false. While Brunei did announce plans in 2013 to implement a Penal Code based on Sharia law, this move was met with significant international criticism, not approval.

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A 2010 U.S. State Department report found no significant issues regarding the treatment of women in Brunei.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2010 U.S. State Department report indicated that discrimination against women was an issue in Brunei, noting specific legal provisions related to sexual assault and harassment.

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Homosexual acts are illegal in Brunei, with severe potential punishments including death by stoning for men.

Answer: True

Explanation: Homosexual acts are indeed illegal in Brunei. For men, the potential punishments include death by stoning or whipping, while for women, penalties may involve caning or imprisonment.

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Non-Muslims in Brunei are free to practice their religion publicly without any restrictions.

Answer: False

Explanation: While non-Muslims have the right to practice their faith as per the constitution, such practices are restricted to designated places of worship and private residences, precluding public displays or widespread propagation.

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Brunei Malay (*Melayu Brunei*) is mutually intelligible with Standard Malay, though it possesses distinct characteristics.

Answer: True

Explanation: Brunei Malay (*Melayu Brunei*) is recognized as being largely mutually intelligible with Standard Malay, despite exhibiting its own unique linguistic features.

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Brunei's culture is primarily influenced by Chinese traditions, with minimal Malay or Islamic impact.

Answer: False

Explanation: Brunei's culture is predominantly Malay and significantly influenced by Islam, with Chinese traditions having a lesser impact compared to the core Malay and Islamic foundations.

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The media in Brunei is known for its strong tradition of criticizing the government and monarchy.

Answer: False

Explanation: The media landscape in Brunei is generally characterized as pro-government, with infrequent instances of criticism directed towards the government or monarchy.

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Association football, or soccer, is the most popular sport in Brunei.

Answer: True

Explanation: Association football, commonly referred to as soccer, is indeed identified as the most popular sport within Brunei.

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Indigenous ethnic groups in Brunei include the Iban and the Dayak people.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Brunei has indigenous groups, the Iban and Dayak peoples are not typically listed among the primary indigenous ethnic groups native to Brunei itself. Groups like the Dusun, Murut, and Kedayan are more commonly cited.

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Islam is the official religion of Brunei, adhering to the Maliki school of Islamic jurisprudence.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Islam is the official religion, Brunei adheres to the Shafi'i school of Islamic jurisprudence, not the Maliki school.

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What is the designated state religion of Brunei?

Answer: Sunni Islam

Explanation: Sunni Islam is designated as the state religion of Brunei.

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What issue concerning women in Brunei was highlighted in a 2010 U.S. State Department report?

Answer: Discrimination and issues with legal protections

Explanation: A 2010 U.S. State Department report highlighted discrimination against women and issues with legal protections as concerns in Brunei.

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What is the legal consequence for sexual relations between men in Brunei?

Answer: Punishable by death or whipping

Explanation: Sexual relations between men in Brunei are subject to severe legal consequences, including potential punishment by death or whipping.

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How are religious practices for non-Muslims regulated in Brunei?

Answer: Practices are confined to places of worship and private residences.

Explanation: Religious practices for non-Muslims in Brunei are regulated and must be confined to designated places of worship and private residences.

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How does Brunei Malay (*Melayu Brunei*) compare to Standard Malay?

Answer: It is distinct but largely mutually intelligible.

Explanation: Brunei Malay (*Melayu Brunei*) is largely mutually intelligible with Standard Malay, although it possesses distinct characteristics.

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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a significant influence on Brunei's culture?

Answer: Ancient Egyptian civilization

Explanation: While Islam, Malay traditions, and Western influences are noted as significant factors in Brunei's culture, Ancient Egyptian civilization is not mentioned as an influence.

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How is the media in Brunei generally characterized?

Answer: Generally pro-government

Explanation: The media in Brunei is generally characterized as pro-government, with limited instances of criticism towards the state apparatus.

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What is identified as the most popular sport in Brunei?

Answer: Association football

Explanation: Association football, commonly known as soccer, is identified as the most popular sport in Brunei.

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Which of these is NOT listed as an indigenous ethnic group of Brunei?

Answer: Javanese

Explanation: While Dusun, Murut, and Kedayan are listed as indigenous ethnic groups of Brunei, Javanese is not typically identified as such in the provided context.

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Brunei's official religion follows which school of Islamic jurisprudence?

Answer: Shafi'i

Explanation: Brunei's official religion, Islam, adheres to the Shafi'i school of Islamic jurisprudence.

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International Relations and Foreign Policy

Brunei's foreign policy emphasizes non-interference in other nations' internal affairs and promotes regional stability.

Answer: True

Explanation: A core tenet of Brunei's foreign policy is the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, alongside efforts to foster regional peace and stability.

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Brunei joined both the Commonwealth and ASEAN in the same year it gained independence, 1984.

Answer: True

Explanation: Brunei became a member of the Commonwealth and ASEAN in 1984, the same year it achieved independence.

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Which principle is central to Brunei's stated foreign policy?

Answer: Non-interference in internal affairs

Explanation: Non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations is a central principle guiding Brunei's foreign policy.

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When did Brunei become a member of ASEAN?

Answer: 1984

Explanation: Brunei joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1984.

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Environment and Infrastructure

Brunei experiences a tropical rainforest climate and faces environmental risks associated with climate change.

Answer: True

Explanation: Brunei is characterized by a tropical rainforest climate and, like many nations, is exposed to environmental risks stemming from climate change.

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Brunei was the first nation in Asia to implement a nationwide ban on shark finning.

Answer: True

Explanation: Brunei holds the distinction of being the first country in Asia to enact a nationwide prohibition on shark finning.

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Brunei's road network is extensive, but less than half of its total length is paved.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of 2019, a substantial majority of Brunei's road network, specifically 86.8%, was paved, contradicting the assertion that less than half is paved.

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The Temburong Bridge significantly improves connectivity by linking the western districts of Brunei.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Temburong Bridge's primary function is to connect the western districts of Brunei with the eastern Temburong District, not to link the western districts amongst themselves.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a risk Brunei faces due to its climate?

Answer: Tropical storms

Explanation: While Brunei faces risks from climate change and is influenced by the Intertropical Convergence Zone within its tropical rainforest climate, tropical storms are not explicitly listed as a primary risk in the provided context.

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What environmental milestone did Brunei achieve as the first country in Asia?

Answer: Implementing a nationwide ban on shark finning

Explanation: Brunei was the first nation in Asia to implement a comprehensive nationwide ban on shark finning.

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What proportion of Brunei's road network was paved as of 2019?

Answer: About 87%

Explanation: As of 2019, 86.8% of Brunei's road network, totaling 3,713.57 kilometers, was paved.

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What is the main purpose of the Temburong Bridge?

Answer: To link the western part of Brunei with the eastern Temburong District

Explanation: The Temburong Bridge was constructed primarily to enhance connectivity between the western districts of Brunei and the geographically separated eastern Temburong District.

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