Many cultural and linguistic differences make Brunei Malays distinct from the larger Malay populations in nearby Malaysia and Indonesia , even though they are ethnically related and share the Muslim religion. Brunei has a hereditary nobility with the title Pengiran. The Sultan can award to commoners the title Pehin, the equivalent of a life peerage awarded in the United Kingdom. The Sultan also can award his subjects the Dato, the equivalent of a knighthood in the United Kingdom, and Datin, the equivalent of a damehood. Many Brunei Malay women wear the tudong, a traditional head covering.
Men wear the songkok, a traditional Malay cap.
Men who have completed the Haj wear a white songkok. The requirements to attain Brunei citizenship include passing tests in Malay culture, customs, and language. Stateless permanent residents of Brunei are given International Certificates of Identity, which allow them to travel overseas. The majority of Brunei's Chinese are permanent residents, and many are stateless. Oil wealth allows the Brunei Government to provide the population with one of Asia's finest health care systems.