Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Hassanal Bolkiah

Role / Field:

Sultan of Brunei since 1967, a long-reigning absolute monarch.

Born:

1946-07-15

Century / Era:

1946s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Hassanal Bolkiah Muiz'zaddin Wad'daulah (born 15 July 1946) has reigned as the sultan of Brunei since 1967, and has also served as the prime minister of Brunei since its independence from British rule in 1984. He is among the world's few remaining absolute monarchs. The eldest son of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III and Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit, he is the 29th sultan to ascend to the Bruneian throne, following the abdication of his father in 1967. The Sultan has been ranked among the wealthiest individuals in the world.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Currently, as of 2026, Hassanal Bolkiah is said to have a net worth of $50 billion. He is the world's longest-reigning current monarch and the longest-serving current head of state. On 5 October 2017, Bolkiah celebrated his Golden Jubilee to mark the 50th year of his reign. Pengiran Muda (Prince) Hassanal Bolkiah was born during the reign of his uncle Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin on 15 July 1946, in Istana Darussalam. His father, the Pengiran Bendahara Seri Maharaja Permaisuara at that time, was the heir presumptive of Brunei which put him second in line to the throne at the time of his birth.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Prince Sufri Bolkiah...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adam Michnik — Contemporary (Born in 1946) (1946): Prominent Polish intellectual, dissident, and journalist advocating for democracy.
• Ahmed Zewail — Contemporary (Born in 1946) (1946): Pioneering chemist, acclaimed as the 'father of femtochemistry'.
• Akira Kamiya — Contemporary (Born in 1946) (1946): Esteemed Japanese voice actor known for iconic roles in anime.
• Akhtar Hameed Khan — Shared historical date (07-15 · Born) (1914): Pioneering Pakistani social scientist and development practitioner.
• Annibale Carracci — Shared historical date (07-15 · Died) (1609): Pioneering Bolognese Baroque painter, founder of a classical style in Rome.
• Al Green — Historical peer (Born in 1946) (1946): Iconic American soul singer, songwriter, and pastor celebrated for his timeless vocal artistry.
• Alan Rickman — Historical peer (Born in 1946) (1946): Iconic English actor celebrated for his distinctive voice and powerful stage presence.
• Akshay Kumar — Historical peer (Born in 1967) (1967): Veteran Indian actor and producer, celebrated for action roles and prolific career.
• Albert Luthuli — Historical peer (Died in 1967) (1967): Pioneering anti-apartheid activist and leader of the ANC in South Africa.
• AB de Villiers — Historical peer (Born in 1984) (1984): Iconic South African cricketer, celebrated for his all-around batting genius.
• 1946 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1946
• July 15 (07-15) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on July 15

Frequently Asked Questions about Hassanal Bolkiah