Geography
Negara Brunei Darussalam is on the island of Borneo in Southeastern Asia. Brunei shares the island, one of the largest in the world, with Malaysia and Indonesia. The South China Sea is north of Brunei. Brunei is divided into two parts, separated by Malaysia, with Brunei Bay to the north of the country. Rivers include the Belait, Brunei, Tutong and Temburong.

Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital. Brunei is divided into the administrative districts of Belait, Brunei-Muara, Tutong, and Temburong.

Brunei has a wide coastal plain, hilly lowlands in the west, and mountains in the east.

The climate of Brunei is tropical.

Environment
Protected areas in Brunei include the Ulu Temburong National Park, which covers almost forty percent of Temburong, and the mangroves in Brunei Bay. Walkways have been installed on the Selirong Island Reserve, in Brunei Bay, as well as in the National Park.

Animals found in Brunei are proboscis monkeys, macaques, gibbons, civet cats, monitor lizards and crocodiles. Birds include barbets, cuckoos, hornbills, terns and kingfishers.

Architecture
The Royal Palace of the Sultan of Brunei, the Istana Nurul Iman, and the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque are prominent examples of architecture in Brunei.

Stilt houses are a traditional form of architecture in the region. Kampong Ayer, on the Brunei River, is a well-known village where a large number of buildings are built on stilts above the water.

Population
The population of Brunei was estimated at 388,190 in 2009.

Languages
Malay - Bahasa Melayu - is the official language. English is widely spoken. Chinese (Cantonese, Hokkien and Mandarin) and indigenous languages are also spoken by some sections of the population.

Religion
Islam is the official religion in Brunei. There are also Buddhists and Christians and those with indigenous beliefs.

Food
Rice is a staple food in Bruneian cuisine. Rice is often eaten with fish, shellfish, and curries. Food tends to be spicy; coconut and coconut milk is used in some recipes.

Fruits available are bananas, durians, papayas, pineapples and rambutans.

Popular drinks are iced coconut milk, and coffee. Muslims do not drink alcohol.

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