Bruneians are predominantly Malay, and customs, beliefs and pastimes are very similar to those of Peninsular Malaysia. Adat, or customary law, governs many of the country's ceremonies; there is even a government department responsible for preserving ceremony and advising on protocol, dress and heraldry.

Brunei is a fairly strict Muslim country and a Ministry of Religious Affairs fosters and promotes Islam. The constitution does, however, allow for other religions to be practised. The official language is Malay, but English is widely spoken. Jawi, Malay written in Arabic script, is taught in schools, and most signs in the country are written both in Jawi and Roman script.

During the height of the Brunei sultanates, brass and silver artisans produced finely designed brass gongs, cannons and household vessels. They were often embossed with designs of serpents and animals or verses from the Koran. Many crafts failed to survive the decline of the sultanate, but silverwork and weaving are two traditional crafts that have been preserved.