• Country Information

    Population
    484,991 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Malay (67.4), Chinese (9.6), Other (23) (2021 est.)

    Religion (%)
    Muslim (82.1), Christian (6.7), Buddhist (6.3), Other (4.9) (2021 est.)

    Leader
    Sultan and Prime Minister Sir Hassanal Bolkiah (1967)

    Government type
    Absolute monarchy or sultanate

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system based on English common law and Islamic law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Brunei

    Praise God that despite the restrictions, people are still turning to Christ!

    Pray that the country's constitutional rights will be respected for all religions.

    Pray for the salvation of the royal family.

    Pray that Christians in Brunei will be able to share the Gospel in ways that will effectively reach the hearts of those around them.

Brunei News

  • Compulsory Islamic Teaching in Schools
    The grounds of Tumpuan Telisai School in Brunei.
    A school in Brunei.
    Photo: Wikipedia / Pangalau (cc)

    On November 1st, Islamic religious teaching was officially integrated into the educational system of schools in Brunei. This requirement was issued due to a decree from the country's sultan. The newly mandated curriculum applies to all students from the second to fifth grades – whether they attend public or private school. It involves an hour of instruction each day, including the practise of Islamic prayers and study of the Quran.

  • Christians Concerned as Sharia Law Takes Effect
    Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's image posted on shops in Brunei.
    Photo: World Watch Monitor

    The Sultan of Brunei recently announced a controversial new law based on Islamic criminal punishments. While the nation had previously used Islamic laws to regulate civil affairs, such as personal and family issues, it will now use Sharia law to cover criminal offenses. The new law affects Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and Christians are very concerned with these latest developments.