Brunei is an independent nation in Southeastern Asia. With the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei 2020 population is estimated at 437,490 according to countryaah. Brunei was an early hub of trade in Southeast Asia. In the 15th century, Brunei became an independent sultanate who, during the 16th century, ruled over surrounding areas. Thereafter, a decline occurred. The Sultanate became a British protectorate in 1888.
Brunei was in ancient times an important trading place on the road between China and Borneo. In the 15th century, Brunei liberated itself from the Javanese kingdom of Majapahit. During the 16th century, the Sultanate of Brunei ruled large parts of Borneo and the Philippine island world. It exported, among other things, hardwood and edible swallow nests to China in exchange for silk, metals and porcelain.
- AbbreviationFinder.org: Comprehensive guide to and popular abbreviations of Brunei, covering history, economy, and social conditions.
During the following two centuries, Brunei gradually lost in strength. In the 19th century, the Sultanate was trapped between various British invaders who took care of its territory – the “White Rajahs” of Sarawak and the Borneo Company in Sabah (see Malaysia: Ancient History). In 1888, the Sultan found it too good to stand under the protection of the British Crown and Brunei became a British protectorate. However, the Sultan remained religious at all. For Brunei political system, please check carswers.
A period during World War II, 1941-1945, Brunei was occupied by Japan.
