Brunei Culture

Brunei Culture and Mass Media

Newspapers in Brunei

The distribution of newspapers in Brunei is limited (69 newspaper excl. Per 1,000 residents, 2000). The only daily newspaper is the English-language Borneo Bulletin (founded in 1953) with an edition of about 25,000 copies, but there are also non-daily newspapers in Malay.

The state-owned company Radio and Television Brunei (RTB, founded 1957) broadcasts radio in two channels, including Malay, Chinese and English. RTB broadcasts TV in two channels in Malay and English. Imported programs account for half of the TV offering. USA, UK, Malaysia and Australia. There are 297 radio and 640 TV receivers per 1,000 residents (2000).

Culture

The culture in Brunei is strongly influenced by Islam, but also to some extent by Hinduism, religious belief and ancestral worship. Muslim culture is not least reflected in architecture.

In the capital Bandar Seri Begawan is especially noticeable the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque (built in 1958) which has a large golden dome and is made of exclusive material from different parts of the world.

In the capital there is also an arts and crafts center (built in 1975) where you can see samples of Brunei crafts: boatbuilding, silversmithing and carpet weaving. Gong-gong is an important traditional musical instrument.

Brunei Culture

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