Overview
Brunei is considered to be the most observant Islamic country in the Southeast Asia region. The residents are very friendly and forward-thinking in their attitudes to globalisation and international trends. This does not extend to their laws on alcohol which is banned within the country, along with bringing in meat that is not halal. During Ramadan drinking, eating or smoking in front of other people who are fasting is considered to be extremely rude. Interestingly enough, criminal acts (petty theft and the like) are handled by‘English Court’ while a Muslim Court handles personal matters like divorce proceedings; the two courts never meet. Out of the population, 67% is of Malay and indigenous peoples while 15% are Chinese. The rest of the population demographic are Westerners, Indonesians, Indians and Bangladeshis.
