By Baron Henri Estramant.
Brunei Darussalam (“The Abode of Peace”) celebrated its 31st National Day, that is, the end of British protection over Brunei that began in 1888.
The reception was held at the luxurious Steigenberger Grandhotel located in Brussels upscale “Louizalaan/Avenue Louise”. Hosts were Brunei’s Ambassador to the Benelux countries, Hungary, Permanent Representative to the EU and the OPCW, HE Dato Paduka Haji Serbini binti Haji Ali and his spouse Datin Rafiah Arif. He has served as ambassador since 2010.
Negara Brunei Darussalam is one of the world’s smallest countries with a population of just above 416,000 inhabitants in two unconnected small territories north of Borneo Island in the South China Sea.
Brunei is well-endowed with oil and natural gas resources. The state has experienced unprecedented growth since its independence 31 years ago and is classified as an industrialised country. On the human development index, it is listed second in Asia followed by Singapore. In 2011, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) listed Brunei’s GDP per capita as the fifth highest in the world.
The actual National Day is celebrated yearly on 23 February with a large parade taking place in Bandar Seri Begawan; presided over by the country’s sovereign, His Majesty The Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, on the throne since 1967.
