Brunei, Southeast Asia

Population: 381,371
Political Leader: Sultan and Prime Minister Hassanal Bolkiah
Religions: Islam 64.4%, Other 15.2%, Christianity 11.3%, Buddhism 9.1%
Persecution Ranking: 29
Number of Terrorist Groups: None Listed
Acts of Terrorism: Not Listed; Casualties: Not Listed
Percent of Corruption: Insufficient Data to Rank
% of People in Poverty: Not Ranked

Location:
Brunei Darussalam, officially the State of Brunei, Abode of Peace, is a country located on the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia. Apart from its coastline with the South China Sea it is completely surrounded by the state of Sarawak, Malaysia. Brunei, the remnant of a very powerful sultanate, regained its independence from the United Kingdom in January 1984. Brunei consists of two unconnected parts. 97% of the population lives in the larger western part, while only about 10,000 live in the mountainous eastern part (the district of Temburong).

Challenges for Christians:
Brunei is ranked No. 29 among nations that are the worst persecutors of Christians based on Open Doors 2008 World Watch List. Islam is the state religion and gradually restrictions on Christians are increasing.

Prayer Points:

Pray for the Brunei government to continue its support to fight against terrorism.

Sultan and Prime Minister Hassanal Bolkiah runs the country and he’s one of the richest men in the world, while his family and friends are the most powerful people in the country. Pray that one of them would become a Christian.

Muslims aim for Brunei to be a “pure” Islamic state by 2020―and offer incentives like jobs and houses to spread Islam. Pray for Muslims in Brunei to meet Jesus and follow Him.

Proselytizing by faiths other than the officially sanctioned branch of Islam is not permitted. There are no missionaries reported working in the country. Pray for religious freedom in Brunei.

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