Facts for Kids

Bandar Seri Begawan 🏙️ is the capital of Brunei, a tiny country on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia! It has around 100,000 people living there. The city is known for its beautiful mosques, palaces, and friendly people. Bandar Seri Begawan is named after Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, a famous Bruneian king. Did you know that Brunei is one of the richest countries in the world? It’s famous for its oil and gas. The city has lots of parks, rivers, and fun places to explore. Let's dive in to learn more about this interesting city!

Bandar Seri Begawan's economy is mainly based on oil and gas! 🛢

️ Brunei has large reserves of oil, making it one of the wealthiest countries in the world. The government earns a lot of money from selling these resources, which helps to build schools, hospitals, and roads. Agriculture also plays a part, with rice paddies where farmers grow food. In recent years, they’ve started to develop tourism, inviting visitors to experience their unique culture. Remember, a strong economy helps Brunei provide good services and keep its people happy!

Bandar Seri Begawan began as a small fishing village called Brunei Town. 🚤

In the 14th century, it became the capital when the Sultan of Brunei decided to move there. The city grew larger as Brunei became a powerful trading nation. In 1984, after gaining independence from the British, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah changed the name from Brunei Town to Bandar Seri Begawan to honor the first sultan. Today, the city blends tradition with modern life, showing its rich past while embracing new ideas! Isn’t it cool how a city can change over time?

Children in Bandar Seri Begawan attend schools where they learn about math, science, languages, and culture. 🎓

Most schools teach in Malay, English, and Arabic. Education is important in Brunei since the government wants all children to have a bright future! There are many primary and secondary schools, as well as universities for higher education. The Sultan of Brunei even supports special programs to help students excel in their studies. With excellent educational opportunities, students are prepared for success in their future careers!

Bandar Seri Begawan is located near the Brunei River 🌊, which flows into the South China Sea. The city is surrounded by lush rainforests and hills, making it a beautiful place to explore nature. The average temperature is around 27°C (81°F) year-round, and it’s humid most of the time. The city is also close to the Brunei Bay, where you can see amazing wildlife. There are small islands nearby, like Pulau Muara Besar, waiting to be discovered! With its tropical climate, Bandar Seri Begawan is a unique and lush place.

Bandar Seri Begawan has a diverse population, though the majority are Malay. 🇧🇳 Other groups include Chinese, Indigenous peoples, and Indians. The city is known for its cultural harmony, where different traditions mix together. Most people in Brunei speak Malay, but English is also common because of international connections! The population is quite young, with many children under 15 years old. 🌟

With a variety of cultures and languages, Bandar Seri Begawan is an exciting place for everyone to learn and grow together!

Getting around Bandar Seri Begawan is easy! 🚙

People mainly use cars, but you can also find buses that take you to various places. Some taxis are available, too! Many locals like to walk or ride bicycles to enjoy the scenery. If you want to explore nearby islands or the coastline, taking a boat is fantastic! The Brunei International Airport is just a short drive from the city, and it connects you to several countries in the region. Remember to buckle up and enjoy the ride while learning about this amazing city!

Bandar Seri Begawan celebrates many colorful festivals! 🎉

One of the biggest is Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which marks the end of Ramadan, a fasting month for Muslims. People wear beautiful clothes, visit family, and enjoy delicious food like ketupat (rice cakes) and rendang (spicy meat stew). The city also has traditional dance performances and art exhibitions. Bruneians are known for their love of Islamic art, too! Mosque decorations often feature intricate geometric designs. You'll find that kindness, respect, and hospitality are important values in this fascinating city!

Brunei is a monarchy, which means it has a king! 👑

The Sultan is both the king and prime minister, making important decisions for the country. Bandar Seri Begawan is home to the royal family and many government offices. The Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, has been in power since 1967. The government is known for being strict but provides many free services like healthcare and education. Brunei's political system helps keep the country stable and peaceful, allowing its citizens to enjoy a high quality of life.

There are many amazing places to visit in Bandar Seri Begawan! 🕌

One of the most famous is the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, known for its stunning golden dome. Another must-see is the Royal Regalia Museum, which displays crowns and royal treasures. Don’t forget to check out the Ulu Ulu National Park for lush rainforest adventures! You can also explore Kampong Ayer, a water village made of houses on stilts! 🚣

You can take a boat ride to see the beautiful view of the city along the Brunei River while discovering its rich history!