Borneos

Borneos is a rarely used demonym for inhabitants of Borneo, the world's third-largest island in Southeast Asia. In most contexts, residents are described as Borneans or by their specific ethnic or national identities; Borneos appears mainly in informal usage or as a descriptive label.

Borneo is politically divided among three countries: Malaysia (the states of Sabah and Sarawak, and the federal territory of Labuan), Indonesia (the province of Kalimantan), and Brunei. The island covers about 743,330 square kilometers and features a range of environments from tropical rainforests and peat swamps to river basins and mountainous terrain. The population is ethnically diverse, including Dayak peoples in the interior, Malay and Malay-derived communities, and Chinese communities along coastal areas and urban centers.

Languages on the island reflect this diversity. Malay is widely spoken in various forms, while indigenous languages such as Iban, Kenyah, Dusun, and others persist in Kalimantan and Sabah. In addition, Chinese dialects are present in cities across the island. Religions vary by community, with Islam predominant in Brunei and much of Kalimantan, Christianity among many Dayak and indigenous groups, Buddhism among Chinese communities, and traditional beliefs in some areas.

Economy and environment: Borneo’s economy relies on natural resources, including timber, palm oil, mining, and petroleum, with growing emphasis on ecotourism and sustainable practices. The island hosts one of the world’s most biodiverse tropical forests, but deforestation and habitat loss pose ongoing threats to wildlife such as orangutans. Conservation efforts include protected areas and regional cooperation to balance development with ecological preservation.