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79-396: Bandar Seri Begawan ( BSB ) is the capital and largest city of Brunei . It is officially a municipal area ( kawasan bandaran ) with an area of 100.36 square kilometres (38.75 sq mi) and an estimated population of 100,700 as of 2007. It is part of Brunei–Muara District , the smallest yet most populous district which is home to over 70 per cent of the country's population. It
158-677: A classical European understanding of the known world : Europe , North Africa , and Southwest Asia . The phrase is related to the enduring power of the city first as the capital of the Republic and the Empire , and later as the centre of the Catholic Church . In several English-speaking states , the terms county town and county seat are also used in lower administrative divisions . In some unitary states , subnational capitals may be known as 'administrative centres'. The capital
237-497: A monarch held his or her court, the selection, relocation, founding, or capture of a modern capital city is a highly symbolic event. For example: The capital city is usually but not always a primary target in a war, as capturing it usually guarantees capture of much of the enemy government, victory for the attacking forces, or at the very least demoralization for the defeated forces. In ancient China , where governments were massive centralized bureaucracies with little flexibility on
316-445: A compromise between two or more cities or other political divisions, historical reasons, or enough land was needed to deliberately build a new planned city for the capital. The majority of national capitals are also the largest city in their respective countries. Modern examples are Beijing , Berlin , Cairo , London , Madrid , Mexico City , Moscow , Paris , Rome , Jakarta , Metro Manila , Seoul , and Tokyo . Counties in
395-405: A distinction is made between the official ( constitutional ) capital and the seat of government, which is in another place . English-language news media often use the name of the capital city as an alternative name for the government of the country of which it is the capital, as a form of metonymy . For example, the "relations between London and Washington " refers to the " relations between
474-599: A hall for 1,000 people, a gymnastics hall, an Olympic-sized pool, and a gender-separated hostel, and it celebrated its golden jubilee in 2020. The capital is connected by bus from Bandar Seri Begawan to the western part of the country by road. Road access to/from the exclave of Temburong is via the Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge — until the bridge opened in 2020, it was necessary to travel through Sarawak in Malaysia , via
553-757: A major development plan was introduced, dedicating $ 100 million to the city's growth—a significant investment for a community of just 54,000. That same year on 1 August, the BTSB was renamed the Brunei Town Municipal Board (BTMB) and administered by the British Resident until 1959. From then on, the Brunei–Muara District Officer took on dual roles as head and chairman of the BTMB. Brunei's population tripled to 83,877 by 1960 as
632-470: A matter of convention, and because all or almost all the country's central political institutions, such as government departments, supreme court, legislature, embassies, etc., are located in or near them. Many modern capital cities are located near the centre of the country, so that they are more accessible to its population and have better protection from possible invasions. (See also § Capitals in military strategy ) The location may also be based on
711-649: A result of immigration brought on by oilfield finds in Belait. The capital was now competing economically with the burgeoning cities of Seria and Kuala Belait. Although the majority did not hold Bruneian citizenship, the Chinese community, who were extensively involved in local commerce, increased to a quarter of the population by 1960. The Brunei revolt began on 8 December 1962, when the North Kalimantan National Army quickly captured Brunei Town,
790-481: A sturdy brick wall and furnished with opulent furnishings, the sultan's palace looks like a cheap shed. The town's filthy state is exacerbated by offensive smells coming from uncovered mud, where waste builds up. In sharp contrast to the town's historical splendour, the majority of the population is made up of slaves and the Sultan's and nobility's dependents. Brunei Town's development unfolded in three major phases, with
869-554: A territory: Plymouth in Montserrat . There are several countries where, for various reasons, the official capital and seat of government are separated: Some historical examples of similar arrangements, where the recognized capital was not the official seat of government: With the rise of the modern nation-state , the capital city has become a symbol for the state and its government , and imbued with political meaning. Unlike medieval capitals, which were declared wherever
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#1732765544829948-587: Is a small town in Mersing District , Johor , Malaysia . It lies on the northern tip of east Johor , on the border with the Pahang state. The town was named Endau after a Peranakan Indian who resided in the area. In the 19th century it was known to the British as Blair's Harbour . The town was opened by Dato' Mohd Ali by an order from Temenggong Ibrahim. The town expanded due to its location as
1027-1030: Is available at two campuses of the Institute of Brunei Technical Education and the Brunei Polytechnic . Additionally, two private colleges, Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology and Laksamana College of Business , offer bachelor programs. Several countries have set up their embassies, commissions or consulates in Bandar Seri Begawan, including Australia, Bangladesh , Belgium, Benin , Burkina Faso , Burma (Myanmar) , Cambodia , Canada, Chile , China, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia , Japan, Laos , Malaysia , Netherlands, New Zealand, North Korea , Oman , Pakistan, Philippines , Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia , Singapore , South Korea , Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan , Thailand , United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam . Capital city A capital city or just capital
1106-514: Is home to Bandar Seri Begawan. The area contrasts sharply with the mountainous Temburong District to the east, featuring low hills, marshy coastal plains, and narrow alluvial valleys along key rivers. Between Tutong and the capital, hills approach the coast, while the coastal plains around Bandar Seri Begawan remain low and marshy, particularly to the south. Brunei's territory is divided by the Limbang region of Sarawak , which historically served as
1185-1024: Is known for its diverse food offerings, from local specialties like roti john, ambuyat, and satay to exotic fruits such as durian and jackfruit. Bandar Seri Begawan is home to several notable schools across various educational levels. Primary and secondary institutions include the historic Raja Isteri Girls High School , established in 1957 as the country's first all-girls secondary school, along with private schools such as Jerudong International School and International School Brunei . The city also has government sixth form centers: Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah College for general studies and Hassanal Bolkiah Boys' Arabic Secondary School for students from Arabic secondary religious schools. In higher education, Bandar Seri Begawan hosts two national universities: Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University , focused on Islamic studies, and Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College , which specialises in training teachers for religious education. Technical and vocational education
1264-500: Is often the largest city of its constituent, though not always . Historically, the major economic centre of a state or region has often become the focal point of political power, and became a capital through conquest or federation . Historical examples are ancient Babylon , ancient Athens , ancient Rome , Abbasid Baghdad , Constantinople , Chang'an , and ancient Cusco . The modern capital city has not always existed: in medieval Western Europe, an itinerant (wandering) government
1343-708: Is the Pro-Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption . The tombs of Bolkiah and Sharif Ali in Kota Batu are key historical attractions, symbolising Brunei's rich legacy. The Lapau , traditionally used for royal ceremonies, and the Old Lapau , now a gallery in the Brunei History Centre , add to the city's cultural significance. The city also hosts several museums. The Brunei Museum , situated in
1422-524: Is the municipality holding primary status in a country , state , province , department , or other subnational division , usually as its seat of the government . A capital is typically a city that physically encompasses the government's offices and meeting places; the status as capital is often designated by its law or constitution . In some jurisdictions , including several countries, different branches of government are in different settlements, sometimes meaning multiple official capitals. In some cases,
1501-582: Is the case with Nanjing by Shanghai , Quebec City by Montreal , and several US state capitals . The decline of a dynasty or culture could also mean the extinction of its capital city, as occurred at Babylon and Cahokia . "Political nomadism" was practiced in ancient Near East to increase ties between the ruler and the subjects. Although many capitals are defined by constitution or legislation, many long-time capitals have no such legal designation, including Bern , Edinburgh , Lisbon , London , Paris , and Wellington . They are recognized as capitals as
1580-413: Is the country's largest urban centre and nominally the country's only city. The capital is home to Brunei's seat of government, as well as a commercial and cultural centre. It was formerly known as Brunei Town until it was renamed in 1970 in honour of Omar Ali Saifuddien III , the 28th Sultan of Brunei and the father of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah . The history of Bandar Seri Begawan can be traced back to
1659-520: Is the main burial ground for several sultans and royal family members of Brunei, adding to the country's historical significance. The city's suburb incorporates nearby Kampong Ayer, in which houses were built on stilts . It stretches about 8 km (5.0 mi) along the Brunei River. Founded 1,000 years ago, the village is considered the largest stilt settlement in the world, with approximately 30,000 residents and 2,000 houses. The term "Venice of
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#17327655448291738-492: Is used for passengers travelling to Penambang from Bangar and Limbang. The economy of Bandar Seri Begawan includes the production of furniture , textiles , handicrafts , and timber . For shopping, the Gadong commercial area is popular, offering a range of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The traditional Kianggeh Market , believed to be Brunei’s oldest market, mainly sells local cuisine, seafood, and fruit. Gadong Night Market
1817-584: Is used for transportation between downtown Bandar Seri Begawan and Kampong Ayer . Water taxis are the most common means of negotiating the waterways of Kampong Ayer. They can be hailed from the numerous "docking parts" along the banks of the Brunei River . Fares are negotiable. Regular water taxi and boat services depart for Temburong between 7:45 am and 4 pm daily, and also serve the Malaysian towns of Limbang , Lawas , Sundar and Labuan . A speedboat
1896-541: Is usually not a separate national capital, but rather the capital city of one constituent nation will also be the capital of the state overall, such as London , which is the capital of England and of the United Kingdom. Similarly, each of the autonomous communities of Spain and regions of Italy has a capital city, such as Seville and Naples , while Madrid is the capital of the Community of Madrid and of
1975-423: The 17th century with the emergence of a water settlement near present-day Kota Batu . In the second stage, the capital shifted to the area around what is now Kampong Ayer —a collection of water villages. Today, Kampong Ayer, originally the ancient capital built over the Brunei River , serves as a suburb of the modern capital on adjacent land, having thrived particularly during Sultan Bolkiah 's reign. This city
2054-757: The Bumiputera privileges. Large numbers of foreign workers are also found within Brunei and the capital city, with the majority being from Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia (mostly Betawi, Batak, Ambon, Minahasa, Aceh, Malay and Minangkabau), and the Indian subcontinent . Numerous important historical and religious sites may be found in Bandar Seri Begawan. The Ash-Shaliheen Mosque , Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque , and Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque are notable mosques. Another noteworthy house of worship
2133-523: The Byzantine capital, Constantinople , Byzantine forces were able to regroup in several provinces; provincial noblemen managed to reconquer the capital after 60 years and preserve the empire for another 200 years after that. The British forces sacked various American capitals repeatedly during the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 , but American forces could still carry on fighting from
2212-729: The Golden Jubilee of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah 's rule, while the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Silver Jubilee Park , opened in 2004, celebrates the Silver Jubilee of his reign. Tasek Lama Recreational Park is one of the oldest recognised parks in the country. Additionally, Pusat Belia, Brunei's youth centre , was established on 20 December 1969 after being commissioned by then-Crown Prince Hassanal Bolkiah in 1967. The center, costing B$ 2 million, includes extensive facilities such as
2291-528: The Guinness World Records , and Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque , Brunei's iconic landmark. It is also home to Kampong Ayer , the largest 'water village' in the world and nicknamed Venice of the East . It was once the host city of the 20th Southeast Asian Games in 1999 and 8th APEC Summit in 2000. It was named after Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III , the 28th Sultan of Brunei and the father of
2370-531: The Intertropical Convergence Zone than to the trade winds and rare cyclones . The climate is hot and wet. The city sees heavy precipitation throughout the year, with the northeast monsoon blowing from December to March and the southeast monsoon from around June to October. The wettest day on record is 9 July 2020, when 662.0 millimetres (26.06 in) of rainfall was reported at the airport. The Bruneian Census 2011 Report estimated
2449-537: The Istana Nurul Iman palace currently serves as the residence of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. The Secretariat Building , the oldest government structure, holds the seat of government known as " State Secretary ." The Raja Ayang Mausoleum , dating back to the 15th century, is believed to honor a royal who was punished for incest, and it has since become a cultural site where visitors often seek blessings, despite some damage caused by offerings. Kubah Makam Di Raja
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2528-682: The Kampong Ayer community. His involvement inspired Kampong Ayer residents to consider mainland resettlement, and relocation efforts in the 1920s began expanding beyond the city centre to areas like Tungkadeh and Kumbang Pasang , marking a significant shift in Brunei’s urban development. After the Japanese launched an assault starting in Kuala Belait , Brunei Town was overrun by them on 22 December 1941. To British officers they had seized,
2607-695: The Kingdom of Spain as a whole and Rome is the capital of Italy and of the region of Lazio . In the Federal Republic of Germany , each of its constituent states (or Länder , plural of Land ) has its own capital city, such as Dresden , Wiesbaden , Mainz , Düsseldorf , Stuttgart , and Munich , as do all of the republics of the Russian Federation . The national capitals of Germany and Russia (the Stadtstaat of Berlin and
2686-581: The Kota Batu Archaeological Park , is the country’s largest archaeological site. Other notable museums include the Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum , Brunei Energy Hub , Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery , Malay Technology Museum , Royal Regalia Museum , and Bubungan Dua Belas . Istana Darussalam and Istana Darul Hana are former royal residences of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, while
2765-537: The United Kingdom have historic county towns, which are often not the largest settlement within the county and often are no longer administrative centres, as many historical counties are now only ceremonial, and administrative boundaries are different. The number of new capitals in the world increased substantially since the Renaissance period, especially with the founding of independent nation-states since
2844-523: The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Naypyidaw was founded in Burma 's interior as the former capital, Rangoon , was claimed to be overcrowded. A few nation-states have multiple capitals, and there are also several states that have no capital. Some have a city as the capital but with most government agencies elsewhere. There is also a ghost town which is currently the de jure capital of
2923-492: The federal city of Moscow ) are also constituent states of both countries in their own right. Each of the states of Austria and cantons of Switzerland also have their own capital cities. Vienna , the national capital of Austria , is also one of the states, while Bern is the ( de facto ) capital of both Switzerland and of the Canton of Bern . Governing entities sometimes plan, design and build new capital cities to house
3002-430: The oilfields at Seria , and portions of Sarawak and North Borneo . In response, British forces, including Gurkhas and Royal Marines , regained control of most key centres by 11 December, resulting in the capture or surrender of around 2,700. Together with the expansion of the oil and gas industry, commercialisation began to transform Brunei's capital and a large number of public buildings were constructed, along with
3081-494: The Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Board since the country's independence in 1984. The new town has grown along Jalan Berakas and Jalan Muara in the north and Jalan Tutong and Jalan Gadong in the west. On 1 August 2007, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah gave consent for the expansion of the city from 12.87 km (4.97 sq mi) to 100.36 km (38.75 sq mi). The city is administered by
3160-572: The Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Board within Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Department, a government department within the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Municipal Board was established in 1921, originally as a Sanitary Board ( Lembaga Kebersihan ) which was, and is still, responsible for maintaining the cleanliness to the then Brunei Town. It achieved the status of bandaran (municipality) in 1935 with
3239-687: The Brunei Malay Organisation, in an effort to exploit the oil riches. The town was brutally bombarded by Allied forces beginning in November 1944 and subjected to extreme brutality by the Japanese military police, the Kempeitai . After three days of warfare, American and Australian forces captured Brunei on 10 June 1945, but Brunei Town suffered significant damage. Brunei Malays had a stronger sense of national identity at this time, and local partners went on to play important roles in
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3318-489: The East" was coined by Pigafetta in honour of the water village that he encountered at Kota Batu. Pigafetta was on Ferdinand Magellan 's last voyages when he visited Brunei in 1521. Several parks and trails in the city serve as landmarks of historical and cultural significance. Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien , for example, was where Brunei's declaration of independence was read on 1 January 1984. Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas , inaugurated on 22 October 2017, commemorates
3397-842: The Japanese declared their intention to free Asia from colonial rule. Due to an Allied embargo that hampered the local economy, Brunei Town experienced extreme economic duress during the Japanese occupation . On 22 December 1941, Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin , who was based in Kampong Sumbiling , surrendered to General Tawaguchi . By encouraging agriculture and requiring farmers to turn over a percentage of their harvests, Japan sought to integrate Brunei's culture and economy with its own, appointing Ibrahim Mohammad Jahfar as head of administration under Governor Takamura. The Japanese instituted stringent cultural initiatives, such as teaching Japanese language and values and establishing youth groups like
3476-528: The RBA Plaza in the city. Ships up to 280 feet (85 m) long may dock in the former port of Dermaga Diraja Bandar Seri Begawan , which is located 17 miles upstream from the mouth of the Brunei River. A 124-foot passenger pier, a 730-foot reinforced concrete wharf, and an electrically powered ramp are among the port's amenities. Ships may purchase purified fresh water in the capital for $ 2.00 per 1,000 gallons. The Marine Department keeps track of use and bills
3555-538: The United Kingdom and the United States ". The word capital derives from the Latin word caput (genitive capitis ), meaning ' head ', later borrowed from Medieval Latin capitālis ('of the head'). The Latin phrase Roma Caput Mundi meaning 'Rome capital of the world' ( lit. ' head of the world ' ) was already used by the poet Ovid in 1st century BC . It originates out of
3634-632: The area was officially designated as Brunei’s capital and municipal territory. Along the western riverbanks, government buildings and a mosque were constructed in the same year. Later on 1 January 1921, the Brunei Town Sanitary Board (BTSB) was established to oversee its development. In 1922, Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam II 's decision to relocate his palace from Kampung Sultan Lama to the interior of Brunei Town renewed interest in Resident McArthur's proposal for relocating
3713-407: The burgeoning nationalist movement. The town's wartime population of 16,000 was reduced to a small number of people who remained when the war came to a close due to Allied bombs and food shortages. Residents were forced to observe from neighboring hills or take cover in the bush after the bombers destroyed almost all of the town's homes and businesses. Bruneians started reconstructing their homes out of
3792-720: The capital has been changed for geopolitical reasons; Finland 's first city, Turku , which had served as the country's capital since the Middle Ages under the Swedish rule, lost its position during the Grand Duchy of Finland in 1812, when Helsinki was made the current capital of Finland by the Russian Empire. The convergence of political and economic or cultural power is by no means universal. Traditional capitals may be economically eclipsed by provincial rivals as
3871-451: The capital's natural hinterland until its cession to Sarawak in 1890. The city is easily accessible from Bukit Kota, a 133-meter (436 ft) hill near the eastern boundary of Brunei's western area, while TV broadcasts were transmitted from nearby Subok Hill . The Brunei River , which flows into Brunei Bay , is one of several waterways converging near Bandar Seri Begawan. Key subcatchments— Kedayan River , Sungai Damuan, and Sungai Imang—enter
3950-516: The center of economy for the people who worked in the trading, fishing and logging sectors at that time. During World War 2, the Japanese created a small settlement of Chinese from Singapore called the Endau settlement , to alleviate food shortages. It was abandoned after the Japanese surrender. The town is one of the largest fishing ports on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia . Endau has
4029-583: The conversion of the Sanitary Board into the current Municipal Board ( Lembaga Bandaran ). The city is located in Brunei–Muara District , the smallest yet the most populous district in the country, and as of 1 August 2007, the municipal area has been expanded from 12.87 square kilometres (4.97 sq mi) to 100.36 square kilometres (38.75 sq mi). The Bandar Seri Begawan area encompasses several mukims and villages within
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#17327655448294108-432: The countryside, where they enjoyed support from local governments and the traditionally independent civilian frontiersmen. Exceptions to these generalizations include highly centralized states such as France , whose centralized bureaucracies could effectively coordinate far-flung resources, giving the state a powerful advantage over less coherent rivals, but risking utter ruin if the capital were taken. Endau Endau
4187-581: The current Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah . Seri Begawan is part of the royal title bestowed on the late sultan upon his abdication from the throne in 1967. The city was renamed on 4 October 1970 to commemorate his contribution to the modernisation of the country during his reign in the 20th century. Prior to this, the city had been known as Brunei Town or Bandar Brunei in Malay (literally "Brunei City"). The growth and development of Brunei's historic capital city unfolded in three main stages. The first stage began in
4266-536: The debris left by the bombs after the Japanese withdrew into the forest in June 1945. The town became a focal point for important institutional and religious transformation following the war. To further Islamic matters, a board of 19 notable individuals and not all of them were religious experts, was formed in 1948. In order to increase the sultan's legitimacy in the face of British scrutiny, this reform sought to standardise religious courts, codify Islamic law , and enhance
4345-518: The development of a central business district in the 1970s and 1980s. Brunei Town was formally renamed Bandar Seri Begawan on 4 October 1970, in honour of the retired Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, with the renaming ceremony held at the capital. On 1 January 1984, at midnight, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah declared Brunei's independence at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien . The Ministry of Home Affairs has been in charge of
4424-419: The district, including Mukim Berakas 'A' , Mukim Berakas 'B' , Mukim Burong Pingai Ayer , Mukim Gadong 'A' , Mukim Gadong 'B' , Mukim Kianggeh , Mukim Kilanas , Mukim Kota Batu , Mukim Peramu , Mukim Saba , Mukim Sungai Kebun , Mukim Sungai Kedayan , and Mukim Tamoi . The Brunei–Muara District, encompassing 563 square kilometres (217 sq mi), is the smallest of Brunei’s western districts and
4503-484: The eighteenth century. In Canada , there is a federal capital , while the ten provinces and three territories each have capital cities. The states of such countries as Mexico , Brazil (including the famous cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo , capitals of their respective states), and Australia also each have capital cities. For example, the six state capitals of Australia are Adelaide , Brisbane , Hobart , Melbourne , Perth , and Sydney . In Australia,
4582-488: The establishment of a Malay stilt settlement on the waters of the Brunei River which became the predecessor of Kampong Ayer today. It became the capital of the Bruneian Sultanate from the 16th century onwards, as well as in the 19th century when it became a British protectorate. The establishment of a British Residency in the 20th century saw the establishment of modern-day administration on land, as well as
4661-403: The gradual resettlement of the riverine dwellers to the land. During World War II , the capital was occupied by the Japanese forces from 1941 and bombed in 1945 upon liberation by Allied forces. Brunei's independence from the British was declared on 1 January 1984 on a square in the city centre . Bandar Seri Begawan is home to Istana Nurul Iman , the largest residential palace in the world by
4740-545: The great crisis of Japanese invasion . National capitals were arguably less important as military objectives in other parts of the world, including the West, because of socioeconomic trends toward localized authority, a strategic modus operandi especially popular after the development of feudalism and reaffirmed by the development of democratic and capitalistic philosophies. In 1204, after the Latin Crusaders captured
4819-475: The low-lying, swampy Brunei River basin at various points, with Kedayan River joining close to the city. The area is bordered by ridges and estuarine plains, experiencing significant urban development. The neighboring Tutong and Belait rivers add to the region’s complex estuarine and floodplain systems. A strip of thick coal seams runs along the coastline between Bandar Seri Begawan and Muara. Brunei has an equatorial, tropical rainforest climate more subject to
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#17327655448294898-504: The main bus terminal. Buses heading to other towns in Brunei such as Tutong, Seria and Kuala Belait also depart from the main bus terminal and taxicab . Brunei International Airport serves the whole country. It is located 11 km (6.8 mi) from the town centre and can be reached in 10 minutes via the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Highway. Royal Brunei Airlines , the national airline, has its head office in
4977-495: The management of Islamic services under his direct control. Despite having little contact with Brunei's western regions, new groups like the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation contributed to the region's religious life in the 1950s, which witnessed a considerable increase in religious activity in the town. Despite the oil industry's fast growth in urban areas like Seria and Kuala Belait , no clear regional religious identity
5056-426: The middle of the 19th century , and its look had not altered much since Antonio Pigafetta 's time. It was dubbed a "Venice of hovels" by Rajah James Brooke in 1841. Houses were constructed on mudflats , encircled by mud at low tide and water at high tide, and a floating market was crowded with people peddling things from canoes . Despite its unattractive appearance, the town was renowned for its packed buildings and
5135-508: The population of Bandar Seri Begawan to be approximately 20,000, while the metropolitan area has around 279,924. The majority of Bruneians are Malays , with Chinese being the most significant minority group. Aboriginal groups such as the Bisaya , Belait , Dusun , Kedayan , Lun Bawang , Murut , and Tutong also exist. They are classified as part of the Malay ethnic groups and have been given
5214-466: The provincial level, a dynasty could easily be toppled with the fall of its capital. In the Three Kingdoms period, both Shu and Wu fell when their respective capitals of Chengdu and Jianye fell. The Ming dynasty relocated its capital from Nanjing to Beijing , where they could more effectively control the generals and troops guarding the borders from Mongols and Manchus . The Ming
5293-412: The rapid reconstruction of Brunei Town's stores and the temporary thatched-roof rebuild of Masjid Kajang. In 1953, the town saw significant investment through a five-year National Development Plan funded with M$ 100 million, primarily for infrastructure, following Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III 's successful negotiation with the British for increased corporate taxes and expanded war reparations. In 1953,
5372-408: The royal families of Sulu and Brunei, took advantage of the void left by Kampong Ayer's loss in authority throughout the 16th and 17th centuries . Along with other important sites like Endau and Jolo , the capital became a major hub for piracy and the trade in stolen goods and slaves as the sultan attempted to regulate or tax these pirate towns. Kampong Ayer was still humble and less affluent by
5451-424: The seat of government of a polity or of a subdivision. Deliberately planned and designed capitals include: These cities satisfy one or both of the following criteria: Some examples of the second situation (compromise locations) are: Changes in a nation's political regime sometimes result in the designation of a new capital. Akmola (renamed Astana in 1998) became the capital of Kazakhstan in 1997, following
5530-515: The ship's agent. The Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Board is credited with the money received from these water sales. Between the city and Victoria Harbour , a passenger boat that also transports mail runs every day (except for Sundays). On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, an outboard motorboat service also carries mail and people between Bandar Seri Begawan to Bangar in Temburong District . A water taxi service known as 'penambang'
5609-529: The spacious but uncomfortable palace, where Brooke was made to feel quite welcome by the sultan and his court despite the gloomy and basic lodgings. Known as the "Venice of Borneo," Kampong Ayer is distinguished by its position on a wide river that empties into a sizeable lake and by the fact that its homes are perched on piles that are around 10 feet (3.0 m) above the tide. The formerly thriving town has lost both size and significance, as seen by its dilapidated buildings and shortage of defences. Once enclosed by
5688-602: The sultan's palace remained in Kampong Ayer. By 1910, Chinese immigrants had opened shops, further establishing the colony on land. In 1911, the water village, largely populated by Malay Muslim and a small Kedayan community in nearby areas, was home to many houses built over water. The capital endured severe hardship after losing Limbang , which had provided essential resources to river villagers; this loss also undermined Sultan Hashim Jalilul Alam Aqamaddin 's prestige and authority amid growing economic challenges. In 1920,
5767-677: The term "capital cities" is regularly used to refer to those six state capitals plus the federal capital Canberra , and Darwin , the capital of the Northern Territory . Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and also of the United Arab Emirates overall. In unitary states which consist of multiple constituent nations, such as the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Denmark , each will usually have its own capital city. Unlike in federations , there
5846-474: The third beginning in 1906 under Malcolm McArthur 's guidance, focusing on transitioning the settlement to land. His vision aimed to address the sanitation issues that were most severe in Kampong Ayer, a water village with 8,000–10,000 residents when the Residential system was introduced. McArthur prioritised constructing a land-based colony, starting with his own residence, Bubungan Dua Belas , even though
5925-559: The town of Limbang . The main bus station in the capital is located in Jalan Cator underneath a multi-story car park. There are six bus routes servicing Bandar Seri Begawan area; the Central Line, Circle Line, Eastern Line, Southern Line, Western Line and Northern Line. Buses operate from 6.30 am until 6.00 pm except for bus No. 1 and 20 for which services extend into the night. All bus routes begin and terminate their journey at
6004-476: Was able to emerge because of the close institutional ties between Brunei Town's religious establishment and the surrounding districts. In the post-war period, particularly throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Brunei focused on social and religious growth as well as urban reconstruction. Years of occupation during the Pacific War had left the city’s infrastructure severely damaged, necessitating quick solutions like
6083-820: Was common. The capital city attracts politically motivated people and those whose skills are needed for efficient administration of national or imperial governments, such as lawyers , political scientists , bankers , journalists , and public policy makers . Some of these cities are or were also religious centres , e.g. Constantinople (more than one religion), Rome / Vatican City (the Roman Catholic Church ), Jerusalem (more than one religion), Babylon, Moscow (the Russian Orthodox Church ), Belgrade (the Serbian Orthodox Church ), Paris, and Beijing. In some countries,
6162-577: Was destroyed when Li Zicheng took their seat of power, and this pattern repeats itself in Chinese history, until the fall of the traditional Confucian monarchy in the 20th century. After the Qing dynasty 's collapse, decentralization of authority and improved transportation and communication technologies allowed both the Chinese Nationalists and Chinese Communists to rapidly relocate capitals and keep their leadership structures intact during
6241-659: Was developed on land during the third phase, particularly after 1906. Over 300 years of intermittent conflict between the Malay Muslim tribes and Spanish conquistadors, known in Spanish chronicles as the Moro Wars , began in 1578 when Catholic Spaniards attacked Kampong Ayer during the Castilian War . Pirates, many of whom were Muslim sailors from the southern Philippines and Borneo, including destitute princes from
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