Brunei religion population. Linguistic Affiliation. The document summarizes religious life and institutions in Brunei. Yet, the population continues to grow because of the large number of women of reproductive age and a reliance on foreign labor – mainly from Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and South Asian countries – to fill low-skilled jobs. Data tables, maps, charts, and live population clock Jan 20, 2009 · The Constitution states, "The religion of Brunei Darussalam shall be the Muslim religion according to the Shafi'i sect of that religion: Provided that all other religions may be practiced in peace and harmony by the person professing them in any part of Brunei Darussalam. Mar 17, 2015 · Key facts about Brunei and its people, including figures for area, population, main languages, religions, exports, and more. Background Notes. government estimates the total population at 458,000 (midyear 2019 estimate). The remaining 5% subscribe to various religions, including indigenous Population of Brunei Darussalam: current, historical, and projected population, growth rate, immigration, median age, total fertility rate (TFR), population density, urbanization, urban population, country's share of world population, and global rank. [2][3][4] According to Brunei's official 2016 data, 7% Religion Islam is the official religion of Brunei Darussalam as stated in the Brunei Constitution, with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan as the head of the Islamic faith in the country. ( 2 ) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, ( 3 ) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, ( 4 ) United Nations Statistical Division. Sortable and downloadable Brunei data. The remaining 4. Learn about the philosophies, religious beliefs and long-held traditions of the people in Brunei Darussalam. 1%). This paper sets out the conceptual imperatives of culture, ethnicity and integration in order to demonstrate how people from different origins, religions and ethnicities settled in Brunei and ended up melting in Brunei society. The capital is Bandar Seri Begawan, which is located in the country’s larger western segment. Other […] Among religions in Brunei, Sunni Islam is predominant. Demographic data, ethnic groups population and demographics from Brunei. As of 2015, they make up 10. About 80% of the population, follows Islam and majorly Suuni Islam. Population of Brunei: today, historical, and projected population, growth rate, immigration, median age. 3 percent), and other faiths (4. Islam was introduced to Brunei by traders arriving from Persia, Arabia, India, China and by the 14th century the royal house had by then converted to Islam. The core characteristics and beliefs of the world's major religions are described below. Nov 17, 2025 · Other Religions in Brunei While Islam is the dominant religion in Brunei, it's also important to acknowledge the presence of other religious communities. The island is one of the most diverse religiously and ethnically compared to other parts of Southeast Asia. S. government estimates the total population at 471,000 (midyear 2021). [2] Estimates vary, but some reports place the number of Buddhists in Brunei around 30,000, [2] and the estimated percentage of Buddhists in Brunei around 7–8% of the total population. While Article 3(1) of the Constitution 2 days ago · The current population of Brunei Darussalam is 476,598 as of Sunday, March 22, 2026. 8% of the total population, respectively. Jun 11, 2021 · Islam is the official religion of Brunei. Dec 5, 2018 · The Sultan of Brunei acts as both the political and religious leader of this country. Majority of the population are Malays with an estimated 258,465 people (2011); followed by Chinese with 40,534 people; and 94,373 people comprising of other minor groups. Jan 6, 2026 · The Religious Demographics of Brunei When we talk about religion in Brunei, Islam immediately comes to the forefront. 1% of Brunei's population is Muslim. Brunei is the only sovereign state entirely on Borneo; the remainder of the island is divided between its multi-landmass neighbours of Malaysia and Indonesia. The document outlines several Jan 20, 2009 · The constitution states, "The religion of Brunei Darussalam shall be the Muslim religion according to the Shafeite sect of that religion: Provided that all other religions may be practiced in peace and harmony by the person professing them in any part of Brunei Darussalam. " However, the Government imposed many restrictions on non-Shafi'i and non-Islamic religious practice. Setting its arguments in context, this paper engenders the discourse of integrational, religious and cultural ambivalence. [1] Terdapat juga sebanyak 4,7% melebur kedalam beragam Islam is Brunei's official religion, 83% of the population is Muslim, [1] most of the other Muslim groups are Malay Kedayans (converts from indigenous tribal groups), local Chinese and Dayak Iban converts. Believers in other religions make up 4. Baha'i - Founded by Mirza According to Boston University’s 2020 World Religions Database, the population includes approximately 258,000 Muslims, 59 percent of the population; 52,000 Christians, 11. Islam is the official religion of Brunei Darussalam as stated in the Brunei Constitution, with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan as the head of the Islamic faith in the country. Dec 23, 2024 · Climate Natural resources People and Society Population Ethnic groups Languages Religions Sep 23, 2021 · In our latest post, Professor Ann Black of the University of Queensland Australia writes about covenantal pluralism in Brunei. 9 percent identify with other religions, including Indigenous beliefs. 7% of the population as of 2022. government estimates the total population at 478,054 (midyear 2022). Buddhism is the second most widely practiced religion here with 13% of the population identifying as Buddhist. For Christians in Brunei, practicing their faith can be challenging. Religion percentage in Brunei. Religion in Brunei is officially Islam under the Shafi'i school of Sunni Islam, practiced by 82. 8 percent of the population is Muslim, 8. May 13, 2025 · Navigating the Ethno-Religious Complexity in Brunei Darussalam The ethno-religious complexity among minorities in Brunei Darussalam is both intricate and layered, shaped by historical developments as well as modern societal trends. Although religious freedom is protected under the Bruneian constitution, Sharia Law, a strict Islamic penal code based on the Quran and other religious works, is currently in place in Brunei. Religious freedom is protected by the national law, however, and several other religions are practiced here as well. Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, a The constitution of Brunei declares that the state religion is Sunni Islam, but other religions may be practised ‘in peace and harmony’. Freedom of religion in Brunei The constitution of Brunei states that while the official religion is the Shafi'i school of Sunni Islam, all other religions may be practiced "in peace and harmony. French sociologist Émile Durkheim (one of the principal Section I. 7% of the population is Christian and another 7. Most of the other Muslim groups are Kedayans (converts from indigenous tribal groups) and Chinese converts. ) Definition: This entry is an ordered listing of religions by adherents starting with the largest group and sometimes includes the percent of total population. Le sultanat compte trois paroisses catholiques romaines qui appartiennent au vicariat apostolique de Brunei. Over many decades, The World Factbook evolved from a Buddhism is the third largest religion in Brunei, after the majority state religion of Islam, and the slightly larger minority religion Christianity. [2] Ethnic Chinese This paper compares Islamic institutions and religious authority in contemporary Sarawak (a Malaysian state) and in Brunei, focusing on Muslim attitudes towards inter-faith and intra-faith initiatives. The majority of Christians are ethnically Chinese. 1 percent of the population are Muslim, 8. Dicapai pada 8 Mei 2011. [1] Walau demikian, agama lain pun turut hadir di negara Brunei. emory. Jan 20, 2009 · The Constitution states that "The religion of Brunei Darussalam shall be the Muslim religion according to the Shafeite sect of that religion: Provided that all other religions may be practiced in peace and harmony by the person professing them in any part of Brunei Darussalam;" however, the Government imposes some restrictions on non-Islamic religions. According to the CIA World Factbook, 78. Mar 16, 2026 · Brunei, independent Islamic sultanate on the northern coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. 7 percent of the population. However, other religions also have a considerable foothold in Brunei: 8. 9 percent of the population; 44,000 followers of Indigenous religions, 10 percent of the population; and 42,000 Buddhists, 9. Religious Demography The U. 7% of Brunei’s population. Section I. mostly Sunnis of Malay origin who follow the Shafi school of Islamic law. 7% of the population is Christian and another 6. Jul 2, 2019 · English is mostly used by the business community, as a working language, and in the education system. Brunei - Religion Although the constitution protects religious freedom, other laws and policies restrict this right, and in practice, the government generally enforced these restrictions. There is significant variation in religious identification among ethnic groups Detailed overview of religion by country, showcasing the diversity of religious beliefs and practices worldwide, including insights into the predominant religions practiced in different nations. Among religions in Brunei, Sunni Islam is predominant. The dominance of Islam is attributed to a large number of the Malay people, most of whom are Muslim. 3 percent Buddhist, while the remaining 4. It achieved independence in 1984, having been a British protectorate since 1888. 7 percent consists of other religions, including indigenous beliefs. List of religious populations in Brunei The U. " Apostasy and blasphemy are legally punishable by corporal and capital punishment, including stoning to death, amputation of hands or feet, or caning. Nov 6, 2018 · Islam is Brunei’s official religion. Births, deaths and migration of population. Islam is the official religion of Brunei, and it deeply permeates the country’s legal, social, and political systems. Sharia courts in Brunei follow the Shafi’i school of Islamic jurisprudence. It is a Muslim-majority nation and one of the few Islamic sultanates in the world that has survived into the 21st century. Its population, while not massive, is diverse, and the dominant religion plays a central role in daily life and governance. 9 percent). Sep 28, 2024 · The majority of the population being Muslim highlights the unique cultural and religious tapestry of the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam. This gave rise to structures of beliefs and practices that were later defined as religion. 8% is Buddhist. While Brunei is indeed a devoutly Muslim country, the national philosophy is one of respectful tolerance, allowing for the practice of other religions and beliefs. Christianity is the second-largest religion, with about 9% of the population identifying as Christian. 7 percent Christian, and 7. . While Islam is the official religion, around a fifth of the population subscribe to Christianity, Buddhism, animism or other Feb 4, 2026 · One of CIA’s oldest and most recognizable intelligence publications, The World Factbook, has sunset. In 2021, the government census showed that 82. Most Buddhists in Brunei adhere to the Mahayana school of Buddhism. The World Factbook served the Intelligence Community and the general public as a longstanding, one-stop basic reference about countries and communities around the globe. Sep 18, 2021 · Source: CIA World Factbook This page was last updated on September 18, 2021 Religious Life and Institutions in Brunei The Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam, located on the island of Borneo, has a small but diverse population. However, other religions also have a considerable foothold in Brunei: 6. Aug 4, 2022 · Brunei Population includes people from various ethnic groups such as Chinese (15%), Malay (67%), Indigenous (6%) and other groups (12%). Though primarily Brunei is a Muslim country, people who belong to some religion also inhabit this place. Brunei is officially Muslim, and Malay is the official language. Jan 12, 2024 · World Population by Religion: A Global Tapestry of Faith By Pam Wasserman | January 12, 2024 Religion Demographics of the World Since the beginning of humanity, people have sought reasons for the creation of our world and our intelligent species. Brunei population. 7%, Buddhist 7. Le christianisme à Brunei est la religion d'entre 7556 personnes 3 et 38 000 7 habitants du sultanat. While Islam is dominant, there are also significant Buddhist, Christian, and Chinese folk religion populations. According to the government’s 2021 census (the most recent), there are 441,000 residents in the country; according to the census, 82. The majority of the population identifies as Malay Muslims; though, various ethnic groups—including Chinese, Indigenous peoples, and Indians—substantially The U. " However, the Government imposed many restrictions on non-Shafeite and non-Islamic religious practice. 3% is Buddhist. According to the government’s 2022 census, 82. Jun 9, 2025 · Find how many and what percent of people in 201 countries and territories identify with each religious group, and how diverse these places are as of 2010 and 2020. There was no change ^ US State Dept 2022 report ^ a b c d "Brunei". ^ "Population by Religion, Sex and Census Year". 8 percent Buddhist, while the remaining 4. The small but diverse population of Brunei Darussalam includes, alongside its ethnic Malay majority, a significant Chinese minority, a number of indigenous peoples and a variety of smaller immigrant communities from Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh and elsewhere. [1] Islam Christianity in Brunei is the second largest religion practiced by about 8. 9% subscribe to various religions, including indigenous religions. There is significant variation in religious identification among ethnic groups Dec 4, 2025 · Brunei, officially known as the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace, is a small but incredibly rich country located on the north coast of the island of Borneo. 7 percent consist of other religions, including indigenous beliefs Sep 18, 2021 · Religions: Muslim (official) 78. In-deed, this monarchy is founded upon the teachings of Islam and the state supports the institutional de-velopment of the faith. Three Roman Catholic parishes exist in the country. According to the latest estimates, around 79% of Brunei’s population identifies as Muslim. Religion Muslim is the official religion of Brunei and nearly two thirds of the population adheres to this religion; nearly all of whom are ethnically Malay. The remaining 5% subscribe to various religions, including indigenous religions. Dicapai pada 2020-12-05. Oct 24, 2023 · The Sultanate of Brunei is a Malay Islamic Monarchy located on the north coast of the island of Borneo – an island shared with two other countries, namely Indonesia and Malaysia – in Southeast Asia. Updated as of 2020. Aug 5, 2024 · Sarawak and Brunei, as neighbouring entities, offer interesting insights through the divergence in their pluralist and conservative trajectories. A small percentage of the population also practices Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Hinduism, and some traditional religions. This Long Read considers the significance of political culture, demography, and religious elites’ training as factors contributing to contemporary trends. This Perspective offers a nuanced understanding of the interplay between religion and ethnicity among minority groups in Brunei Darussalam, a nation where Islam constitutes the majority religion and where religious proselytisation, except for Islam, is strictly forbidden. United States State Department. [2] Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque at The population has increased more than twelve-fold since the first decade of the twentieth century. The official religion of Brunei The U. Source: 2016 census. Le premier vicaire apostolique du diocèse de Miri-Brunei est Cornelius Sim, ordonné comme évêque en 2005, créé cardinal lors du consistoire du 28 novembre 2020 et décédé en 2021. A country that derives its name from "Abode of Peace", Black describes how the country's policies are shaped by particular Islamic beliefs and the challenge they pose to religious minorities and peace with the "other". What it means to be a Christian in Brunei Around 80% of Brunei’s population are Muslim. Other religions stand at 5% and include indigenous faiths. There is significant variation in religious identification among ethnic groups Gross domestic product per capita in relation to Germany, 2023 Population Population total 1,000 453 (2023) Source: WB-WDI Facts and statistics about the Ethnic groups of Brunei. Let’s take a quick look into the history of The World Factbook. 8% of the country’s population adhere to Islam. The U. government estimates the total population at 451,000 (July 2018 estimate). The majority of Muslims in Brunei follow the Shafici madhab. Jun 25, 2019 · More than 78 percent of the population of Brunei Darussalam practice Islam. [2] Mar 13, 2026 · Details and statistics about Brunei, a country in Asia known for its pristine rainforests and Islamic architecture. Like neighbouring countries, Brunei is a Malay -majority country. About 66% of the population are Muslim. Create custom graphs. A third of the Population, total - Brunei Darussalam ( 1 ) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2022 Revision. Malay is the official language, but English is widely used in commerce. While Islam is the official religion, there are also significant populations of Christians and Buddhists in the country. 8%, Christian 8. 2K views 2 years ago Total Population of Brunei Population of religion wise Bruneimore Islam is the official religion of Brunei Darussalam and has been since the 14th century. 8%), while Christianity (8. Find out how Brunei ranks internationally on Religion. Religion in Brunei explained Among religions in Brunei, Sunni Islam is predominant. Brunei has a population of 382,000, and its GDP (gross domestic product) per capita is one of the highest in Asia. Dicapai pada 11 Mei 2011. Brunei Darussalam has seven ethnics comprising of Malay, Kedayan, Belait, Tutong, Bisaya, Murut, Dusun. According to the 2011 census (the most recent), 78. Christians and Buddhists both account for about 8%. Religion in Brunei Islam is the dominant religion in Brunei (78. By examining how religion and ethnicity intersect and how religious minorities negotiate their space to practise their religions in Muslim-majority Brunei, this Perspective unveils the agency of religious minorities in navigating state-society relations. ^ a b "Brunei". The country has a population of 484,991 the majority of whom are Muslim (82. The Role of Islam in Brunei’s Legal System Brunei’s legal system is a mix of secular law and Sharia, the Islamic law. Sep 9, 2024 · An Introduction to Brunei and Its Religious Landscape Brunei, a small Southeast Asian nation on the island of Borneo, is home to a diverse religious landscape. The distribution of population is Brunei-Muara, 66 percent; Belait, 20 percent; Tutong, 11 percent; and Temburong, 3 percent. There is significant variation in religious identification among ethnic groups Maps, charts and statistics of Brunei ethnic people groups, languages and religions. government estimates the total population at 485,000(midyear 2023). Islam is Brunei 's official religion, 83% of the population is Muslim, [1] most of the other Muslim groups are Malay Kedayans (converts from indigenous tribal groups), local Chinese and Dayak Iban converts. The last third is almost evenly divided into Buddhists (primarily ethnic Chinese), Christians, and other belief systems, including indigenous belief systems. 7% and 7. Islam is Brunei's official religion, 64 percent of the population is Muslim. Masjid Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin saat malam hari Saat ini agama di Brunei Darussalam, Islam Sunni adalah agama yang paling banyak dianut. Brunei is home to one of the smaller overseas Chinese communities, with many Chinese people in the country being stateless. Population Pyramid, Age Structure, Sex Ratio (Males to Females), Life Expectancy, Dependency Ratio of Brunei Darussalam Demographics of Brunei Brunei population pyramid in 2020 The demographic features of Brunei include population density, ethnicity, education level, health of the populace, economic status, religious affiliations and other aspects of the population. BRUNEI BASICS: INTRODUCTION, GEOGRAPHY, CLIMATE, PEOPLE, LANGUAGE AND RELIGION INTRODUCTION Brunei Darussalam (Brunei) is mainly known for two things: First it is the home of the Sultan of Brunei, Sir Hassanal Bolkiah, once the richest man in the world, and still pretty rich, with an estimated worth $10 to $20 billion. 1 percent of the population according to the 2022 census, with the remainder comprising Christians (6. Update to date information about population of Brunei in 2026. [1] The Constitution of Brunei states that "The religion of Brunei Darussalam shall be the Muslim religion according to the Shafi'i sect of that religion", although it also guarantees religious freedom, albeit with restrictions. 7 percent), Buddhists (6. Sebanyak 82,1% dari total populasi beragama Islam. 8,7% dari total populasi adalah Kristen dan 7,8% lainnya menganut kepercayaan Buddha. Subscribed 8 1. Want to know the number and percentage of religions in Brunei. Emory. According to the 2011 census, 78. [5] The ruling monarch is depicted as the defender of Islam in the country under Jul 6, 2024 · By Chang-Yau Hoon and Asiyah Kumpoh Since 1959, when Brunei Darussalam’s Constitution was established, Islam was formally declared the state religion. edu. Islam is the official religion of Brunei; Muslims make up over 78% of the population. As of 2025, the country had a population of 466,330, [22] of whom approximately 64,409 resided in the capital and largest city of Bandar Seri Begawan. Christians and Buddhists account for 8. The majority of the population adheres to Islam, which is manifest at many levels of Brunei society. 1 percent of the population are Muslim, 6. However, Brunei also practices religious tolerance as underwritten by the constitution. Among religions in Brunei, Sunni Islam is predominant. 7%) and Buddhism (7. government estimates the total population at 464,000 (midyear 2020 estimate). There was no change in the status of Ethnic Chinese in Brunei are individuals of full or partial Chinese descent, primarily Han Chinese, who are either citizens or residents of the country. It notes that Islam is the official religion in Brunei, with over two-thirds of the population identifying as Muslim. Religion In Brunei - Encyclopedia Information Among religions in Brunei, Sunni Islam is predominant. The Great Mosque in Brunei Mar 15, 2021 · Both Protestants and Roman Catholics live in Brunei. 8%, other (includes indigenous beliefs) 4. According to official statistics, the population includes 185,803 Muslims, 17,989 Buddhists, 6,618 Christians, 694 Roman Catholics, 230 Hindus, 72 Baha'is, 34 atheists, 40 Taoists, 33 Sikhs, 30 Jews, and 5 Nasrani, as well as 63 individuals of other faiths and 14,794 who did not state their faith. 1% of Brunei's population, making them the second largest ethnic group. [2] Other reports suggest that this number may be as high as 12%. Population clock live, current, historical and projected population. Data tables, maps, charts, and live population clock. 7% (2011 est. Get the facts and compare to other countries! Brunei is a constitutional Islamic monarchy (commonly referred to as a sultanate). 7 percent Christian, and 6. ^ "Brunei". United States Department of State (dalam bahasa Inggeris). Other faiths practiced in the State include Christianity and Buddhism. Buddhism and Christianity are practiced by 14% of the population. Brunei takes its religion very seriously and has developed a strong Islamic reputation around the world. 8%) are the minority religions. Thus Islam plays a central role in the life of every Muslim in Brunei Darussalam. qzwibw qxato wccp jicyg ppjq nwbgdtu dwungjn fcqwlmr bkusyuw inxkb