Country Summary
Introduction
Background
The Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15th and 17th centuries when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate. Independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries.
Geography
Area
total: 5,765 sq km
land: 5,265 sq km
water: 500 sq km
Climate
tropical; hot, humid, rainy
Natural resources
petroleum, natural gas, timber
People and Society
Population
484,991 (2023 est.)
Ethnic groups
Malay 67.4%, Chinese 9.6%, other 23% (2021 est.)
Languages
Malay (Bahasa Melayu) (official), English, Chinese dialects
Religions
Muslim (official) 82.1%, Christian 6.7%, Buddhist 6.3%, other 4.9% (2021 est.)
Population growth rate
1.43% (2023 est.)
Government
Government type
absolute monarchy or sultanate
Capital
name: Bandar Seri Begawan
Executive branch
chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967); note - the monarch is both chief of state and head of government
head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967)
Legislative branch
description: unicameral Legislative Council or Majlis Mesyuarat Negara Brunei (33 seats; 20 members appointed by the sultan from ex-officio cabinet ministers, titled people, and prominent citizens in public service and various professional fields and 13 members from 4 multi-seat constituencies, and 3 ex-officio members - the speaker and first and second secretaries
Economy
Economic overview
almost exclusively an oil and gas economy; high income country; expansive and robust welfare system; the majority of the population works for the government; promulgating a nationalized halal brand; considering establishment of a bond market and stock exchange
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$26.779 billion (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$60,100 (2021 est.)
Agricultural products
poultry, eggs, fruit, cassava, bananas, legumes, cucumbers, rice, pineapples, beef
Industries
petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction, agriculture, aquaculture, transportation
Exports
$11.202 billion (2021 est.)
Exports - partners
Japan 34%, Australia 12%, Singapore 10%, India 8%, Malaysia 8%, Thailand 7%, China 6%, South Korea 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities
natural gas, crude petroleum, refined petroleum, industrial alcohols, industrial hydrocarbons (2019)
Imports
$9.219 billion (2021 est.)
Imports - partners
Singapore 18%, China 14%, Malaysia 12%, Nigeria 5%, United Arab Emirates 5%, United States 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, cars, tug boats, valves (2019)
Exchange rates
Bruneian dollars (BND) per US dollar -
1.344 (2021 est.)
Page last updated: Wednesday, February 22, 2023
