Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital and largest city of Brunei. It serves as the nation's primary commercial and cultural center. The city is also the seat of the Bruneian government. It is located within the Brunei–Muara District. This is the smallest district in the country. However, it is also the most populous. Over 70 percent of the total population lives in this district. As of 2025, the city's population is estimated at 72,133 people.

The city's development occurred through three distinct historical stages. The first stage began in the 17th century. A water settlement emerged near the area of Kota Batu. The second stage involved a shift to the Kampong Ayer area. This area is a collection of water villages on the Brunei River. Kampong Ayer was the ancient capital and thrived during the reign of Sultan Bolkiah. The third stage began after 1906. During this phase, the settlement transitioned toward land-based development. This shift helped create the modern urban landscape seen today.

In the 19th century, the capital faced various challenges. The area was known as Kampong Ayer, a village built on the water. Rajah James Brooke called it the "Venice of hovels" in 1841. The houses were built on mudflats. They were surrounded by mud at low tide and water at high tide. A floating market was a busy part of life there. People sold goods from canoes. While the town was famous for its dense buildings, it was often described as having an unattractive appearance. The Sultan's palace at that time was considered spacious but uncomfortable.

The transition to land-based living was guided by Malcolm McArthur. He focused on addressing sanitation issues in the water villages. In 1911, the water village was home to many Malay Muslim and Kedayan residents. By 1920, the area was officially designated as the capital and municipal territory. Government buildings and a mosque were built on the western riverbanks in 1920. In 1921, the Brunei Town Sanitary Board was established. This board helped oversee the city's growth. Later, in 1922, Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam II moved his palace to the interior of Brunei Town. This move encouraged more residents to relocate to the mainland.

World War II brought significant destruction to the capital. Japanese forces occupied the town starting in December 1941. The occupation caused extreme economic hardship due to an Allied embargo. The Japanese attempted to integrate local culture through strict initiatives. They taught the Japanese language and established youth groups. In 1944, Allied forces began a heavy bombardment of the town. American and Australian forces eventually captured the area in June 1945. The warfare caused massive damage to homes and businesses. The wartime population of 16,000 was greatly reduced by bombs and food shortages.

Post-war years focused on reconstruction and religious growth. In 1953, a National Development Plan was introduced. This plan dedicated $100 million to infrastructure and city growth. This was a massive investment for a community of 54,000 people. During the 1960s, the population grew quickly due to oilfield finds in Belait. By 1960, the population had tripled to 83,877. The city also underwent a name change. On October 4, 1970, the city was renamed Bandar Seri Begawan. This name honors the 28th Sultan, Omar Ali Saifuddien III. He was known as "Seri Begawan," meaning "the shining and saintly."

Today, the city contains several world-renowned landmarks. It is home to the Istana Nurul Iman. Guinness World Records identifies this as the largest residential palace in the world.

The city also features the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, which is an iconic landmark.

Another major site is Kampong Ayer. It is the largest "water village" in the world. Many people call it the "Venice of the East." Visitors can see the connection between the river and the land by using water taxis.

The city remains a vital hub for international events, having hosted the 2000 APEC Summit.