Brunei

The National Flag of Brunei

The national flag of Brunei is a symbol of the country’s heritage, monarchy, and Islamic faith. The flag of Brunei, commonly known as the Brunei Darussalam flag, features a yellow field with two diagonal stripes of white (above) and black (below), and the national emblem in red at the center. Each element of the flag holds significant meaning, reflecting the history and values of Brunei.

Brunei Flag Clip Art Images, Background and Wallpapers

Free Download of the Brunei Flag Image

To download an image of the Brunei flag, right-click on the image and select “Save image as…” on a desktop or laptop. On a mobile device, press and hold on the image, then select “Download image” or “Save image” from the options that appear.

For Apple (iPhone/iPad):

• Press and hold the image.
• A menu will appear; tap “Add to Photos” or “Save Image.”

For Android:

• Press and hold the image.
• From the menu that appears, choose “Download image” or “Save image.”

This will save the image to your device’s photo gallery or downloads folder.

Design and Colors of the Brunei Flag

The Brunei flag features a distinctive design rich in symbolism and meaning:

• Yellow Field: Represents the Sultan of Brunei, as yellow is traditionally associated with royalty in Southeast Asia.
• White and Black Diagonal Stripes: The two diagonal stripes of white (above) and black (below) represent the country’s chief ministers. The white stripe symbolizes the Pengiran Bendahara (the first minister), and the black stripe represents the Pengiran Pemancha (the second minister).
• National Emblem: The red emblem at the center includes several elements:
  • Crescent: Symbolizes Islam, the state religion of Brunei.
  • Parasol (Umbrella): Represents the monarchy and the protection provided by the Sultan.
  • Hands: Signify the benevolence of the government, supporting the people of Brunei.
  • Arabic Inscriptions: The crescent bears the national motto in Arabic: “Always in service with God’s guidance.” Below the crescent is a banner with the country’s name in Arabic: “Brunei Darussalam,” which means “Brunei, Abode of Peace.”

The Origins and Design of the Brunei Flag

The flag of Brunei has a rich history that reflects the nation’s heritage, monarchy, and Islamic faith. The current design was adopted on September 29, 1959, and it became the national flag upon Brunei’s full independence from the United Kingdom on January 1, 1984. The Brunei flag is a symbol of the nation’s identity and serves as a constant reminder of the values it upholds.

The Birth of a National Symbol

The flag of Brunei was first introduced in 1906, featuring a plain yellow field representing the Sultan. In 1959, the white and black diagonal stripes were added to symbolize the country’s chief ministers, enhancing the flag’s representation of Brunei’s governance structure. The national emblem was added to the center of the flag, further enriching its symbolism with elements reflecting the Islamic faith and the monarchy.

Evolution of the Flag’s Symbolism

The symbolism of the Brunei flag has evolved alongside the nation. The colors and symbols are rich in meaning:

• Yellow: Represents royalty, specifically the Sultan of Brunei, emphasizing the importance of the monarchy in the nation’s governance and culture.
• White and Black Stripes: Symbolize the chief ministers, signifying the administrative framework of the country.
• National Emblem: Incorporates Islamic and monarchical symbols, reflecting the nation’s religious beliefs and royal heritage.

The Central Design Elements

The central design elements of the Brunei flag include the national emblem and the diagonal stripes:

• National Emblem: Features the crescent, parasol, hands, and Arabic inscriptions, representing Islam, the monarchy, and the nation’s motto.
• Diagonal Stripes: The white and black stripes represent the important roles of the Pengiran Bendahara and Pengiran Pemancha in Brunei’s governance.

Adoption and Official Recognition

The current design of the Brunei flag was officially adopted on September 29, 1959, following the promulgation of the Constitution of Brunei Darussalam. It was reaffirmed as the national flag upon Brunei’s independence on January 1, 1984. The Brunei flag is protected under national laws, which outline specific guidelines for its display and handling.

The Flag in Modern Brunei Identity

Today, the Brunei flag is a powerful symbol of national pride and unity. It is prominently displayed during national holidays, such as National Day and the Sultan’s birthday, as well as during Islamic festivals. The flag is also honored in schools, government institutions, and by Bruneians living abroad, serving as a reminder of the nation’s history, cultural heritage, and commitment to Islam and the monarchy.

The Significance of the Brunei Flag

The flag of Brunei holds a deep and significant place in the hearts of its people, symbolizing the rich heritage, monarchy, and Islamic faith of the nation. Displaying the Brunei flag is an act of patriotism and respect, and it is done according to specific rules and on designated days that hold special meaning for the country.

When the Flag of Brunei Can Be Displayed

The flag of Brunei may be displayed on any day, but there are specific guidelines for when and how it should be presented. The flag should always be treated with the utmost respect, never touching the ground, and should be handled with care. It can be flown on public buildings, in schools, at royal and official ceremonies. Citizens are also encouraged to display the flag at their homes during national holidays and important commemorations.

Flag Days and National Holidays

In Brunei, there are several official flag days and national holidays when the flag is prominently displayed:

• February 23 – National Day: Marks Brunei’s independence from British protection in 1984. Ceremonies across the country honor the flag, and people are encouraged to display it proudly.
• July 15 – His Majesty the Sultan’s Birthday: Celebrates the birthday of the reigning Sultan. The flag is central to the celebrations, with events and festivities nationwide.
• Islamic Festivals: During significant Islamic occasions such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr) and Hari Raya Aidiladha (Eid al-Adha), the flag is displayed to signify unity and faith.

Love for the Flag and Patriotism

The Brunei flag is not just a national symbol; it is a representation of the pride and love that Bruneians have for their country, monarchy, and Islamic faith. The flag’s design embodies the nation’s history, unity, and enduring spirit. Bruneians demonstrate their love for the flag and their patriotism in various ways. During national holidays, the flag is displayed prominently—from homes and public spaces to government buildings and schools. Educational institutions instill a sense of respect for the flag from a young age, often including flag ceremonies as part of the daily routine, fostering a strong emotional connection to this powerful symbol.

Brunei Flag Emoji Codes

1. Unicode Code Points

• Unicode: U+1F1E7 U+1F1F3
• UTF-16: D83C DDE7 D83C DDF3

2. HTML Entities

• HTML Entity (Decimal): 🇧🇳
• HTML Entity (Hexadecimal): 🇧🇳

3. CSS

content: "\1F1E7\1F1F3";

4. JavaScript (JSON) & Java

// JavaScript Example
const bruneiFlag = "\uD83C\uDDE7\uD83C\uDDF3";

// Java Example
String bruneiFlag = "\uD83C\uDDE7\uD83C\uDDF3";

5. PHP & Ruby

// PHP Example
$bruneiFlag = "\u{1F1E7}\u{1F1F3}";

// Ruby Example
brunei_flag = "\u{1F1E7}\u{1F1F3}"

6. Perl

my $bruneiFlag = "\x{1F1E7}\x{1F1F3}";

7. Python

brunei_flag = "\U0001F1E7\U0001F1F3"

8. C#

string bruneiFlag = "\uD83C\uDDE7\uD83C\uDDF3";

9. Swift

let bruneiFlag = "\u{1F1E7}\u{1F1F3}"

10. Objective-C

NSString *bruneiFlag = @"\U0001F1E7\U0001F1F3";

11. JSON

{
  "bruneiFlag": "\uD83C\uDDE7\uD83C\uDDF3"
}

12. SQL

INSERT INTO table_name (column_name) VALUES ('\uD83C\uDDE7\uD83C\uDDF3');

13. Shell Scripting (Bash)

brunei_flag=$'\U1F1E7\U1F1F3'

14. Go (Golang)

bruneiFlag := "\U0001F1E7\U0001F1F3"

15. Kotlin

val bruneiFlag = "\uD83C\uDDE7\uD83C\uDDF3"

About Brunei

Geography and Topography

Location and Geography

Brunei is located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by Malaysia and has a coastline along the South China Sea. The country’s geography includes:

• Tropical rainforests covering much of its land area
• Coastal plains in the north
• Hilly lowlands and mountainous regions in the south
• The Brunei River, which flows through the capital city
• Offshore oil and natural gas fields

Brunei Map

Area and Population

Brunei covers an area of approximately 5,765 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest countries in Asia. As of 2023, the population is estimated to be around 460,000 people, making it one of the least populous countries in the region.

Demographics and Ethnic Composition

Brunei has a diverse population, with the ethnic composition including:

• Malay: approximately 65% of the population
• Chinese: around 10%
• Indigenous groups: about 4%
• Other groups, including expatriates and migrant workers

Name and History

Origin of the Name “Brunei”

The name “Brunei” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Varuna,” which means “seafarers.” According to local legend, the name originated from the exclamation “Baru nah!” meaning “there!” upon discovering the land.

History

The history of Brunei is rich and extends back over a thousand years. Key historical events include:

• The rise of the Bruneian Empire in the 15th and 16th centuries, controlling much of Borneo and the Philippines
• The decline due to internal strife and European colonization
• The signing of treaties with Britain in the 19th century, becoming a British protectorate
• Gaining full independence from the United Kingdom on January 1, 1984
• Economic growth driven by oil and gas exports

Government and Politics

Capital

Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital of Brunei. It is the country’s largest city and the administrative and financial center.

Government and Politics

Brunei is an absolute monarchy ruled by the Sultan, who is both the head of state and head of government. The country operates under a mix of English common law and Islamic Sharia law. The current Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah, has been in power since 1967.

Values and Culture

Core values in Brunei include respect for the monarchy, Islamic traditions, and community harmony. The national philosophy is known as “Malay Islamic Monarchy” (Melayu Islam Beraja), which emphasizes Malay culture, Islamic religion, and the monarchy.

Religion

Islam is the official religion of Brunei, practiced by about 80% of the population. Other religions, such as Buddhism, Christianity, and indigenous beliefs, are also present but practice is subject to certain restrictions.

Holidays

Major public holidays in Brunei include:

• National Day on February 23
• Hari Raya Aidilfitri (End of Ramadan)
• His Majesty the Sultan’s Birthday on July 15
• Islamic holidays such as Maulidur Rasul (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday)

Demographics and Society

Language

The official language of Brunei is Malay (Bahasa Melayu). English is widely used in business and education. Other languages spoken include Chinese dialects and indigenous languages.

Society and Sports

Brunei is a socially conservative country with a focus on community and family. Popular sports include football (soccer), badminton, and traditional games like sepak takraw.

Safety

Brunei is considered a very safe country with low crime rates. The government places a strong emphasis on law and order.

Economy and Currency

Economy

Brunei has a wealthy economy, primarily driven by exports of crude oil and natural gas. Key economic sectors include:

• Oil and gas production, contributing significantly to GDP
• Petrochemicals and related industries
• Financial services
• Halal food production

The government has initiatives to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on hydrocarbons.

Currency

The official currency of Brunei is the Brunei Dollar (BND), symbolized by “B$” and subdivided into 100 sen. The Brunei Dollar is pegged to the Singapore Dollar at par, and both currencies are accepted interchangeably in Brunei and Singapore.

Culture and Arts

Culture and Arts

Bruneian culture is deeply rooted in Malay traditions and Islamic values. The arts include traditional music, dance, and crafts such as weaving and silverwork.

Cuisine

Bruneian cuisine reflects Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. Key elements include:

• Ambuyat: A national dish made from sago starch, often eaten with a variety of sauces
• Nasi Katok: A simple yet popular meal consisting of rice, fried chicken, and spicy sambal sauce
• Beef Rendang: Slow-cooked beef in coconut milk and spices

National Anthem

The national anthem of Brunei is “Allah Peliharakan Sultan” (“God Bless the Sultan”), adopted in 1951. The anthem reflects the country’s reverence for the Sultan and Islamic faith.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Transportation

Brunei has a well-developed infrastructure, including roads and limited public transportation. The country does not have a railway system. Transportation options include:

• Road network connecting major towns and districts
• Bus services in urban areas
• Water taxis in Kampong Ayer (the Water Village)
• Brunei International Airport in Bandar Seri Begawan

Time Zone

Brunei operates on Brunei Darussalam Time (BNT), which is UTC+8.

Web and Phone Code

Brunei’s internet country code is “.bn,” and its international dialing code is +673.

Brunei: Things to See and Do

Brunei offers a mix of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and modern attractions, offering something for every type of traveler. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Brunei:

Explore the Capital City

Visit Bandar Seri Begawan to experience the country’s rich culture and history.

• Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque: An iconic mosque featuring magnificent architecture and a man-made lagoon
• Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque: The largest mosque in Brunei, known for its ornate design and 29 golden domes
• Royal Regalia Museum: Showcases the Sultan’s regalia and commemorates his Silver Jubilee

Visit Kampong Ayer

Known as the “Venice of the East,” Kampong Ayer is the world’s largest water village.

• Water Village Houses: Traditional stilt houses built over the Brunei River
• Cultural Tours: Experience local life, crafts, and hospitality
• Water Taxis: Navigate through the village using the traditional mode of transport

Experience Nature and Wildlife

Brunei’s untouched rainforests are home to diverse flora and fauna.

• Ulu Temburong National Park: Explore pristine rainforest, canopy walks, and river rafting
• Proboscis Monkey Tours: River cruises to see the unique proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat
• Tasek Lama Recreational Park: Enjoy hiking trails and natural waterfalls close to the city

Enjoy Local Cuisine

Savor traditional Bruneian dishes and street food.

• Gadong Night Market: Sample a variety of local foods and snacks
• Try Ambuyat: Experience the national dish at local restaurants

Visit Historical Sites

Discover Brunei’s rich history through its landmarks.

• Istana Nurul Iman: The official residence of the Sultan, open to the public during Hari Raya celebrations
• Billionth Barrel Monument: Commemorates the production of the billionth barrel of oil, located in Seria

Relax on the Beaches

Brunei offers serene beaches along its coastline.

• Muara Beach: Popular for picnics and swimming
• Tungku Beach: Known for its sunsets and peaceful environment

Participate in Cultural Festivals

Experience Brunei’s traditions through its festivals.

• His Majesty the Sultan’s Birthday: National celebrations on July 15 with parades and cultural performances
• Hari Raya Aidilfitri: Celebrations marking the end of Ramadan, with open houses and festive activities