also today: British Indian Ocean Territory,British Virgin Islands

Challenges for Prayer

1 Muslims aim for a 'pure' Islamic state by 2020

2 The king is reputed to be the world's wealthiest man

3 The Christian Church is under much pressure

a) Unity, courage and a wise boldness

b) Provision of mature Christian leaders and teachers of the Word

c) Further growth despite the restrictions

4 The Unreached

a) The Malay majority is Muslim with no known Christians

b) The Chinese feel insecure and are still treated as foreigners even if born in Brunei

c) Tribal peoples have either been converted to Islam and absorbed into the mainstream of national life, or have remained isolated in jungle villages

d) The expatriate workforce continues to grow fast

5 Brunei students usually complete university education in Malaysia, Britain, Australia or other lands

also today: British Indian Ocean Territory,British Virgin Islands

Geography

click to enlarge

Area 5,765 sq.km. Two small enclaves in Sarawak, East Malaysia on the island of Borneo.

Population (2000) 328,080 +2.19%AGR

Capital Bandar Seri Begawan 99,854.

Peoples

Malay 63.9%; Chinese 15.6%; Tribal 6%; Other 14.5%.

Literacy 88%. Official languages Malay, English. All languages 16. Languages with Scriptures 8Bi 1NT

Economy

One of the richest states in Asia. HDI 0.878; 25^th/174. Income/person $25,160 (80% of USA).

Politics

Refused to join the Malaysian Federation in 1963.

Religion

Islam is the state religion.

Churches in Brunei

Missionaries from Brunei

1

click for legend

Internet Links