Brunei

Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital of Brunei, a small, oil- and gas-rich sultanate on the island of Borneo. It’s the seat of the Sultan and government, known for the golden-domed Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Kampong Ayer, a centuries-old “water village” on stilts. The city’s name honors a former sultan (Seri Begawan) and “Bandar” means “city.” Memory tip: Brunei and Bandar both start with “B.” Don’t confuse it with neighbors—Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s capital, Jakarta is Indonesia’s, and Singapore City is the city-state of Singapore. Knowing Brunei’s location on Borneo and its royal, petroleum-fueled wealth helps anchor Bandar Seri Begawan as its distinctive capital.