This entry describes the major fisheries in the world's oceans in terms of the area covered, their ranking in terms of the global catch, the main producing countries, and the principal species caught. The information is provided by the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Topic: Arctic Oceanthe Arctic fishery region (Region 18) is the smallest in the world with a catch of only 515 mt in 2019, although the Food and Agriculture Organization assesses that some Arctic catches are reported in adjacent regions; Russia and Canada were historically the major producers; in 2017, Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Iceland, Norway, Russia, and the US, along with the People’s Republic of China, the European Union, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, agreed to a 16 year ban on fishing in the Central Arctic Ocean to allow for time to study the ecological system of these waters

Regional fisheries bodies: International Council for the Exploration of the Seas

Topic: Atlantic Oceanthe Atlantic Ocean fisheries are the second most important in the world accounting for 26.4%, or 21,063,495 mt, of the global catch in 2019; of the seven regions delineated by the Food and Agriculture Organization in the Atlantic basin, the most important include the following: Northeast Atlantic region (Region 27) is the fourth most important in the world producing 10.2% of the global catch or 8,116,507 mt in 2019; the region encompasses the waters north of 36º North latitude and east of 40º West longitude with the major producers including Norway (3,528,240 mt), Russia (1,044,153 mt), Iceland (933,019 mt), UK (823,669 mt), and Denmark (641,927 mt); the region includes the historically important fishing grounds of the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the Atlantic waters between Greenland, Iceland, and the British Isles; the principal catches include Atlantic cod, haddock, saithe (pollock), Blue Whiting, herring, and mackerel; not all fish caught are for human consumption, half of fish catches in the North Sea are processed as fish oil or fish meal, which are used in animal fodder Eastern Central Atlantic region (Region 34) is the second most important Atlantic fishery, and sixth largest in the world producing more than 6.8% of the global catch or 5,397,726 mt in 2019; the region encompasses the waters between 36º North and 6º South latitude and east of 40º West longitude off the west coast of Africa with the major producers including Morocco (1,419,872 mt), Mauritania (705,850 mt), Senegal (472,571 mt), Nigeria (451,768 mt), Ghana (303,001 mt), Cameroon (265,969 mt), and Sierra Leone (200,000 mt); the principal catches include pilchard, sardinellas, shad, and mackerel Northwest Atlantic region (Region 21) is the third most important Atlantic fishery and eighth in the world producing 2% of the global catch and 1,679,512 mt in 2019; it encompasses the waters north of 35º North latitude and west of 42º West longitude including the important fishing grounds over the continental shelf of North America such as the Grand Banks, the Georges Bank, and the Flemish Cap, as well as Baffin Bay with the major producers including the US (927,777 mt), Canada (615,651 mt), and Greenland (179,990 mt); the principal catches include sea scallops, prawns, lobster, herring, and menhaden Mediterranean and Black Sea region (Region 37) is a minor fishing region representing 1.7% or 1,385,190 mt of the world’s total capture in 2019; the region encompasses all waters east of the Strait of Gibraltar with the major producers including Turkey (686,650 mt), Italy (281,212 mt), Tunisia (129,325 mt), Spain (119,759 mt), and Russia (72,279 mt); the principal catches include European anchovy, European pilchard, Gobies, and clams

Regional fisheries bodies: Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna, Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic, Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea, General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean, International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, International  Council for the Exploration of the Seas, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization, North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization, North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission, Southeast Atlantic Fisheries Organization, Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commissionthe Atlantic Ocean fisheries are the second most important in the world accounting for 26.4%, or 21,063,495 mt, of the global catch in 2019; of the seven regions delineated by the Food and Agriculture Organization in the Atlantic basin, the most important include the following:Northeast Atlantic region (Region 27) is the fourth most important in the world producing 10.2% of the global catch or 8,116,507 mt in 2019; the region encompasses the waters north of 36º North latitude and east of 40º West longitude with the major producers including Norway (3,528,240 mt), Russia (1,044,153 mt), Iceland (933,019 mt), UK (823,669 mt), and Denmark (641,927 mt); the region includes the historically important fishing grounds of the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the Atlantic waters between Greenland, Iceland, and the British Isles; the principal catches include Atlantic cod, haddock, saithe (pollock), Blue Whiting, herring, and mackerel; not all fish caught are for human consumption, half of fish catches in the North Sea are processed as fish oil or fish meal, which are used in animal fodderEastern Central Atlantic region (Region 34) is the second most important Atlantic fishery, and sixth largest in the world producing more than 6.8% of the global catch or 5,397,726 mt in 2019; the region encompasses the waters between 36º North and 6º South latitude and east of 40º West longitude off the west coast of Africa with the major producers including Morocco (1,419,872 mt), Mauritania (705,850 mt), Senegal (472,571 mt), Nigeria (451,768 mt), Ghana (303,001 mt), Cameroon (265,969 mt), and Sierra Leone (200,000 mt); the principal catches include pilchard, sardinellas, shad, and mackerelNorthwest Atlantic region (Region 21) is the third most important Atlantic fishery and eighth in the world producing 2% of the global catch and 1,679,512 mt in 2019; it encompasses the waters north of 35º North latitude and west of 42º West longitude including the important fishing grounds over the continental shelf of North America such as the Grand Banks, the Georges Bank, and the Flemish Cap, as well as Baffin Bay with the major producers including the US (927,777 mt), Canada (615,651 mt), and Greenland (179,990 mt); the principal catches include sea scallops, prawns, lobster, herring, and menhadenMediterranean and Black Sea region (Region 37) is a minor fishing region representing 1.7% or 1,385,190 mt of the world’s total capture in 2019; the region encompasses all waters east of the Strait of Gibraltar with the major producers including Turkey (686,650 mt), Italy (281,212 mt), Tunisia (129,325 mt), Spain (119,759 mt), and Russia (72,279 mt); the principal catches include European anchovy, European pilchard, Gobies, and clams

Regional fisheries bodies: Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna, Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic, Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea, General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean, International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, International  Council for the Exploration of the Seas, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization, North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization, North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission, Southeast Atlantic Fisheries Organization, Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission

Topic: Indian Oceanthe Indian Ocean fisheries are the third most important in the world accounting for 15.3%, or 12,248,064 mt of the global catch in 2019; tuna, small pelagic fish, and shrimp are important species in these regions; the Food and Agriculture Organization delineated two fishing regions in the Indian Ocean: Eastern Indian Ocean region (Region 57) is the most important region and the fifth largest producing region in the world with 8.5%, or 6,784,778 mt, of the global catch in 2019; the region encompasses the waters north of 55º South latitude and east of 80º East longitude including the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea with the major producers including India (2,362,481 mt), Indonesia (1,940,558 mt), Burma (1,114,777 mt), Bangladesh (877,837 mt), and Sri Lanka (373,369 mt); the principal catches include shad, Skipjack tuna, mackerel, shrimp, and sardinellas Western Indian Ocean region (Region 51) is the world’s sixth largest producing region with more than 6.8% or 5,463,286 mt of the global catch in 2019; this region encompasses the waters north of 40º South latitude and west of 80º East longitude including the western Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, and Red Sea as well as the waters along the east coast of Africa and Madagascar, the south coast of the Arabian Peninsula, and the west coast of India with major producers including India (2,207,125 mt), Oman (580,048 mt), Pakistan (341,730 mt), and Mozambique (274,791 mt); the principal catches include Skipjack and Yellowfin tuna, mackerel, sardines, shrimp, and cephalopods

Regional fisheries bodies: Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna, Regional Commission for Fisheries (Persian Gulf/Gulf of Oman), Southeast Asia Fisheries Development Center, Southwest Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission, South Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreementthe Indian Ocean fisheries are the third most important in the world accounting for 15.3%, or 12,248,064 mt of the global catch in 2019; tuna, small pelagic fish, and shrimp are important species in these regions; the Food and Agriculture Organization delineated two fishing regions in the Indian Ocean:Eastern Indian Ocean region (Region 57) is the most important region and the fifth largest producing region in the world with 8.5%, or 6,784,778 mt, of the global catch in 2019; the region encompasses the waters north of 55º South latitude and east of 80º East longitude including the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea with the major producers including India (2,362,481 mt), Indonesia (1,940,558 mt), Burma (1,114,777 mt), Bangladesh (877,837 mt), and Sri Lanka (373,369 mt); the principal catches include shad, Skipjack tuna, mackerel, shrimp, and sardinellas

Topic: Pacific Oceanthe Pacific Ocean fisheries are the most important in the world accounting for 57.8%, or 46,144,490 mt, of the global marine capture in 2019; of the six regions delineated by the Food and Agriculture Organization in the Pacific Ocean, the following are the most important: Northwest Pacific region (Region 61) is the world’s most important fishery producing 24% of the global catch or 19,151,516 mt in 2019; it encompasses the waters north of 20º north latitude and west of 175º west longitude with the major producers including China (29,080726 mt), Japan (3,417,871 mt), South Korea (1,403,892 mt), and Taiwan (487,739 mt); the principal catches include Alaska Pollock, Japanese anchovy, chub mackerel, and scads Western Central Pacific region (Region 71) is the world’s second most important fishing region producing 17.3%, or 13,798,443 mt, of the global catch in 2019; tuna is the most important species in this region; the region includes the waters between 20º North and 25º South latitude and west of 175º West longitude with the major producers including Indonesia (6,907,932 mt), Vietnam (4,571,497 mt), Philippines (2,416,879 mt), Thailand (1,509,574 mt), and Malaysia (692,553 mt); the principal catches include Skipjack and Yellowfin tuna, sardinellas, and cephalopods Southeast Pacific region (Region 87) is the third major Pacific fishery and third largest in the world producing 9.7%, or 7,755,134 mt, of the global catch in 2019; this region includes the nutrient rich upwelling waters off the west coast of South America between 5º North and 60º South latitude and east of 120º West longitude with the major producers including Peru (4,888,730 mt), Chile (3,298,795 mt), and Ecuador (1,186,249 mt); the principal catches include Peruvian anchovy (68.5% of the catch), Jumbo flying squid, and Chilean jack mackerel Pacific Northeast region (Region 67) is the fourth largest Pacific Ocean fishery and seventh largest in the world producing 4% of the global catch or 3,160,372 mt in 2019; this region encompasses the waters north of 40º North latitude and east of 175º West longitude including the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea with the major producers including the US (3,009,568 mt), Canada (276,677 mt), and Russia (6,908 mt); the principal catches include Alaska pollock, Pacific cod, and North Pacific hake

Regional fisheries bodies: Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna, Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, International  Council for the Exploration of the Seas, North Pacific Fisheries Commission, South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commissionthe Pacific Ocean fisheries are the most important in the world accounting for 57.8%, or 46,144,490 mt, of the global marine capture in 2019; of the six regions delineated by the Food and Agriculture Organization in the Pacific Ocean, the following are the most important:Northwest Pacific region (Region 61) is the world’s most important fishery producing 24% of the global catch or 19,151,516 mt in 2019; it encompasses the waters north of 20º north latitude and west of 175º west longitude with the major producers including China (29,080726 mt), Japan (3,417,871 mt), South Korea (1,403,892 mt), and Taiwan (487,739 mt); the principal catches include Alaska Pollock, Japanese anchovy, chub mackerel, and scadsWestern Central Pacific region (Region 71) is the world’s second most important fishing region producing 17.3%, or 13,798,443 mt, of the global catch in 2019; tuna is the most important species in this region; the region includes the waters between 20º North and 25º South latitude and west of 175º West longitude with the major producers including Indonesia (6,907,932 mt), Vietnam (4,571,497 mt), Philippines (2,416,879 mt), Thailand (1,509,574 mt), and Malaysia (692,553 mt); the principal catches include Skipjack and Yellowfin tuna, sardinellas, and cephalopodsSoutheast Pacific region (Region 87) is the third major Pacific fishery and third largest in the world producing 9.7%, or 7,755,134 mt, of the global catch in 2019; this region includes the nutrient rich upwelling waters off the west coast of South America between 5º North and 60º South latitude and east of 120º West longitude with the major producers including Peru (4,888,730 mt), Chile (3,298,795 mt), and Ecuador (1,186,249 mt); the principal catches include Peruvian anchovy (68.5% of the catch), Jumbo flying squid, and Chilean jack mackerel

Topic: Southern Oceanthe Southern Ocean fishery is relatively small with a total catch of 380,771 mt in 2019; the Food and Agriculture Organization has delineated three regions in the Southern Ocean (Regions 48, 58, 88) that generally encompass the waters south of 40° to 60° South latitude; the most important producers in these regions include Norway (230,258 mt), China (50,381 mt), and South Korea (43,336 mt); Antarctic Krill made up 96% of the total catch in 2019, while other important species include Patagonian and Antarctic toothfish

Regional fisheries bodies: Commission on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources


Topic: Photos of Brunei

Topic: 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. Brunei subsequently entered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in the world. In 2017, Brunei celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Sultan Hassanal BOLKIAH’s accession to the throne.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Southeastern Asia, along the northern coast of the island of Borneo, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia
Geographic coordinates: 4 30 N, 114 40 E
Map references: Southeast Asia
Area: total: 5,765 sq km

land: 5,265 sq km

water: 500 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Delaware
Land boundaries: total: 266 km

border countries (1): Malaysia 266 km
Coastline: 161 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm or to median line
Climate: tropical; hot, humid, rainy
Terrain: flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west
Elevation: highest point: Bukit Pagon 1,850 m

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 478 m
Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, timber
Land use: agricultural land: 2.5% (2018 est.)

arable land: 0.8% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 1.1% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 0.6% (2018 est.)

forest: 71.8% (2018 est.)

other: 25.7% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 10 sq km (2012)
Natural hazards: typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rare
Geography - note: close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian and Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by Malaysia; the eastern part, the Temburong district, is an exclave and is almost an enclave within Malaysia
Map description: Brunei map showing major cities and towns as well as neighboring Malaysia and the North China Sea.Brunei map showing major cities and towns as well as neighboring Malaysia and the North China Sea.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 478,054 (2022 est.)

note: immigrants make up approximately 26% of the total population, according to UN data (2019)
Nationality: noun: Bruneian(s)

adjective: Bruneian
Ethnic groups: Malay 65.8%, Chinese 10.2%, other 24% (2020 est.)
Languages: Malay (Bahasa Melayu) (official), English, Chinese dialects

major-language sample(s):
Buku Fakta Dunia, sumber yang diperlukan untuk maklumat asas. (Malay)

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions: Muslim (official) 80.9%, Christian 7.1%, Buddhist 7.1%, other (includes indigenous beliefs) 5% (2016 est.)
Demographic profile: Brunei is a small, oil-rich sultanate of less than half a million people, making it the smallest country in Southeast Asia by population.  Its total fertility rate – the average number of births per woman – has been steadily declining over the last few decades, from over 3.5 in the 1980s to below replacement level today at nearly 1.8.  The trend is due to women’s increased years of education and participation in the workforce, which have resulted in later marriages and fewer children.  Yet, the population continues to grow because of the large number of women of reproductive age and a reliance on foreign labor – mainly from Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and South Asian countries – to fill low-skilled jobs. Brunei is officially Muslim, and Malay is the official language.  The country follows an official Malay national ideology, Malay Islamic Monarchy, which promotes Malay language and culture, Islamic values, and the monarchy.  Only seven of Brunei’s native groups are recognized in the constitution and are defined as “Malay” – Brunei Malays, Belait, Kedayan, Dusun, Bisayak, Lun Bawang, and Sama-Baiau.  Together they make up about 66% percent of the population and are referred to as the Bumiputera.  The Bumiputera are entitled to official privileges, including land ownership, access to certain types of employment (Royal Brunei Armed Forces and Brunei Shell Petroleum), easier access to higher education, and better job opportunities in the civil service.  Brunei’s Chinese population descends from migrants who arrived when Brunei was a British protectorate (1888 and 1984).  They are prominent in the non-state commercial sector and account for approximately 10% of the population.  Most Bruneian Chinese are permanent residents rather than citizens despite roots going back several generations.  Many are stateless and are denied rights granted to citizens, such as land ownership, subsidized health care, and free secondary and university education.  Because of the discriminatory policies, the number of Chinese in Brunei has shrunk considerably in the last 50 years.  Native ethnic groups that are not included in the Bumiputera are not recognized in the constitution and are not officially identified as “Malay” or automatically granted citizenship.  Foreign workers constitute some quarter of the labor force.Brunei is a small, oil-rich sultanate of less than half a million people, making it the smallest country in Southeast Asia by population.  Its total fertility rate – the average number of births per woman – has been steadily declining over the last few decades, from over 3.5 in the 1980s to below replacement level today at nearly 1.8.  The trend is due to women’s increased years of education and participation in the workforce, which have resulted in later marriages and fewer children.  Yet, the population continues to grow because of the large number of women of reproductive age and a reliance on foreign labor – mainly from Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and South Asian countries – to fill low-skilled jobs.Brunei is officially Muslim, and Malay is the official language.  The country follows an official Malay national ideology, Malay Islamic Monarchy, which promotes Malay language and culture, Islamic values, and the monarchy.  Only seven of Brunei’s native groups are recognized in the constitution and are defined as “Malay” – Brunei Malays, Belait, Kedayan, Dusun, Bisayak, Lun Bawang, and Sama-Baiau.  Together they make up about 66% percent of the population and are referred to as the Bumiputera.  The Bumiputera are entitled to official privileges, including land ownership, access to certain types of employment (Royal Brunei Armed Forces and Brunei Shell Petroleum), easier access to higher education, and better job opportunities in the civil service. Brunei’s Chinese population descends from migrants who arrived when Brunei was a British protectorate (1888 and 1984).  They are prominent in the non-state commercial sector and account for approximately 10% of the population.  Most Bruneian Chinese are permanent residents rather than citizens despite roots going back several generations.  Many are stateless and are denied rights granted to citizens, such as land ownership, subsidized health care, and free secondary and university education.  Because of the discriminatory policies, the number of Chinese in Brunei has shrunk considerably in the last 50 years.  Native ethnic groups that are not included in the Bumiputera are not recognized in the constitution and are not officially identified as “Malay” or automatically granted citizenship.  Foreign workers constitute some quarter of the labor force.
Age structure: 0-14 years: 22.41% (male 53,653/female 50,446)

15-24 years: 16.14% (male 37,394/female 37,559)

25-54 years: 47.21% (male 103,991/female 115,291)

55-64 years: 8.34% (male 19,159/female 19,585)

65 years and over: 5.9% (2020 est.) (male 13,333/female 14,067)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 38.7

youth dependency ratio: 31

elderly dependency ratio: 7.7

potential support ratio: 12.9 (2020 est.)
Median age: total: 31.1 years

male: 30.5 years

female: 31.8 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.45% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 16.14 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 3.79 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: 2.18 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 78.9% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 1.44% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 241,000 BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (capital) (2011)

note: the boundaries of the capital city were expanded in 2007, greatly increasing the city area; the population of the capital increased tenfold
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 0.89 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio: 31 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 10.52 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 12.88 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 8.05 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.38 years

male: 76.01 years

female: 80.86 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 1.74 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA
Drinking water source: improved: urban: 99.7% of population

rural: NA

total: 99.9% of population

unimproved: urban: 0.4% of population

rural: 0% of population

total: 0.1% of population (2020)
Current Health Expenditure: 2.2% (2019)
Physicians density: 1.61 physicians/1,000 population (2017)
Hospital bed density: 2.9 beds/1,000 population (2017)
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: NA

unimproved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: NA
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 14.1% (2016)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA
Education expenditures: 4.4% of GDP (2016)
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.2%

male: 98.1%

female: 93.4% (2018)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 14 years

male: 14 years

female: 14 years (2020)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 21.4%

male: 19%

female: 25.8% (2019 est.)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: no major environmental problems, but air pollution control is becoming a concern; seasonal trans-boundary haze from forest fires in Indonesia
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 5.78 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 7.66 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 8.4 megatons (2020 est.)
Climate: tropical; hot, humid, rainy
Land use: agricultural land: 2.5% (2018 est.)

arable land: 0.8% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 1.1% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 0.6% (2018 est.)

forest: 71.8% (2018 est.)

other: 25.7% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 78.9% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 1.44% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.05% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 216,253 tons (2016 est.)
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 151.5 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

agricultural: 5.3 million cubic meters (2017 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 8.5 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: Brunei Darussalam

conventional short form: Brunei

local long form: Negara Brunei Darussalam

local short form: Brunei

etymology: derivation of the name is unclear; according to legend, MUHAMMAD SHAH, who would become the first sultan of Brunei, upon discovering what would become Brunei exclaimed "Baru nah," which roughly translates as "there" or "that's it"
Government type: absolute monarchy or sultanate
Capital: name: Bandar Seri Begawan

geographic coordinates: 4 53 N, 114 56 E

time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: named in 1970 after Sultan Omar Ali SAIFUDDIEN III (1914-1986; "The Father of Independence") who adopted the title of "Seri Begawan" (approximate meaning "honored lord") upon his abdication in 1967; "bandar" in Malay means "town" or "city"; the capital had previously been called Bandar Brunei (Brunei Town)
Administrative divisions: 4 districts (daerah-daerah, singular - daerah); Belait, Brunei dan Muara, Temburong, Tutong
Independence: 1 January 1984 (from the UK)
National holiday: National Day, 23 February (1984); note - 1 January 1984 was the date of independence from the UK, 23 February 1984 was the date of independence from British protection; the Sultan's birthday, 15 June
Constitution: history: drafted 1954 to 1959, signed 29 September 1959; note - some constitutional provisions suspended since 1962 under a State of Emergency, others suspended since independence in 1984

amendments: proposed by the monarch; passage requires submission to the Privy Council for Legislative Council review and finalization takes place by proclamation; the monarch can accept or reject changes to the original proposal provided by the Legislative Council; amended several times, last in 2010
Legal system: mixed legal system based on English common law and Islamic law; note - in April 2019, the full sharia penal codes came into force and apply to Muslims and partly to non-Muslims in parallel with present common law codes
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICC
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: the father must be a citizen of Brunei

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 12 years
Suffrage: 18 years of age for village elections; universal
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)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed and presided over by the monarch; note(s)- 4 additional advisory councils appointed by the monarch are the Religious Council, Privy Council for constitutional issues, Council of Succession, and Legislative Council; Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah is also Minister of Finance, Defense, and Foreign Affairs and Trade

elections/appointments: none; the monarchy is hereditary
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

elections: January 2017 - appointed by the sultan

election results: NA; composition (as of February 2022) - men 30, women 3, percent of women 9.1%
Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of the Court of Appeal and the High Court, each with a chief justice and 2 judges); Sharia Court (consists the Court of Appeals and the High Court); note - Brunei has a dual judicial system of secular and sharia (religious) courts; the Judicial Committee of Privy Council (in London) serves as the final appellate court for civil cases only

judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the monarch to serve until age 65, and older if approved by the monarch; Sharia Court judges appointed by the monarch for life

subordinate courts: Intermediate Court; Magistrates' Courts; Juvenile Court; small claims courts; lower sharia courts
Political parties and leaders: National Development Party or NDP [YASSIN Affendi]

note: Brunei National Solidarity Party or PPKB [Abdul LATIF bin Chuchu] and People's Awareness Party or PAKAR [Awang Haji MAIDIN bin Haji Ahmad] were deregistered in 2007; parties are small and have limited activity
International organization participation: ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, C, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Dato Paduka Haji Serbini bin Haji ALI (since 28 January 2016)

chancery: 3520 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 237-1838

FAX: [1] (202) 885-0560

email address and website:
info@bruneiembassy.org

http://www.bruneiembassy.org/index.html

consulate(s): New York
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Caryn R. McCLELLAND (since December 2021)

embassy: Simpang 336-52-16-9, Jalan Duta, Bandar Seri Begawan, BC4115

mailing address: 4020 Bandar Seri Begawan Place, Washington DC  20521-4020

telephone: (673) 238-7400

FAX: (673) 238-7533

email address and website:
ConsularBrunei@state.gov

https://bn.usembassy.gov/
Flag description: yellow with two diagonal bands of white (top, almost double width) and black starting from the upper hoist side; the national emblem in red is superimposed at the center; yellow is the color of royalty and symbolizes the sultanate; the white and black bands denote Brunei's chief ministers; the emblem includes five main components: a swallow-tailed flag, the royal umbrella representing the monarchy, the wings of four feathers symbolizing justice, tranquility, prosperity, and peace, the two upraised hands signifying the government's pledge to preserve and promote the welfare of the people, and the crescent moon denoting Islam, the state religion; the state motto "Always render service with God's guidance" appears in yellow Arabic script on the crescent; a ribbon below the crescent reads "Brunei, the Abode of Peace"
National symbol(s): royal parasol; national colors: yellow, white, black
National anthem: name: "Allah Peliharakan Sultan" (God Bless His Majesty)

lyrics/music: Pengiran Haji Mohamed YUSUF bin Pengiran Abdul Rahim/Awang Haji BESAR bin Sagap

note: adopted 1951

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: Brunei is an energy-rich sultanate on the northern coast of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Brunei boasts a well-educated, largely English-speaking population; excellent infrastructure; and a stable government intent on attracting foreign investment. Crude oil and natural gas production account for approximately 65% of GDP and 95% of exports, with Japan as the primary export market.   Per capita GDP is among the highest in the world, and substantial income from overseas investment supplements income from domestic hydrocarbon production. Bruneian citizens pay no personal income taxes, and the government provides free medical services and free education through the university level.   The Bruneian Government wants to diversify its economy away from hydrocarbon exports to other industries such as information and communications technology and halal manufacturing, permissible under Islamic law. Brunei’s trade increased in 2016 and 2017, following its regional economic integration in the ASEAN Economic Community, and the expected ratification of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement.Brunei is an energy-rich sultanate on the northern coast of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Brunei boasts a well-educated, largely English-speaking population; excellent infrastructure; and a stable government intent on attracting foreign investment. Crude oil and natural gas production account for approximately 65% of GDP and 95% of exports, with Japan as the primary export market. Per capita GDP is among the highest in the world, and substantial income from overseas investment supplements income from domestic hydrocarbon production. Bruneian citizens pay no personal income taxes, and the government provides free medical services and free education through the university level. The Bruneian Government wants to diversify its economy away from hydrocarbon exports to other industries such as information and communications technology and halal manufacturing, permissible under Islamic law. Brunei’s trade increased in 2016 and 2017, following its regional economic integration in the ASEAN Economic Community, and the expected ratification of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $27.23 billion (2020 est.)

$26.91 billion (2019 est.)

$25.9 billion (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
Real GDP growth rate: 1.3% (2017 est.)

-2.5% (2016 est.)

-0.4% (2015 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $62,200 (2020 est.)

$62,100 (2019 est.)

$60,400 (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate): $12.13 billion (2017 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): -0.2% (2017 est.)

-0.7% (2016 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 1.2% (2017 est.)

industry: 56.6% (2017 est.)

services: 42.3% (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 25% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 24.8% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 32.6% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: 8.5% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 45.9% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -36.8% (2017 est.)
Agricultural products: poultry, eggs, fruit, cassava, bananas, legumes, cucumbers, rice, pineapples, beef
Industries: petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction, agriculture, aquaculture, transportation
Industrial production growth rate: 1.5% (2017 est.)
Labor force: 203,600 (2014 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 4.2%

industry: 62.8%

services: 33% (2008 est.)
Unemployment rate: 6.9% (2017 est.)

6.9% (2016 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 21.4%

male: 19%

female: 25.8% (2019 est.)
Population below poverty line: NA
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA

highest 10%: NA
Budget: revenues: 2.245 billion (2017 est.)

expenditures: 4.345 billion (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -17.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Public debt: 2.8% of GDP (2017 est.)

3% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues: 18.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
Current account balance: $2.021 billion (2017 est.)

$1.47 billion (2016 est.)
Exports: $7.83 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$7.04 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
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: $6.81 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$5.68 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
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)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $3.488 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

$3.366 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
Debt - external: $0 (2014)

$0 (2013)

note: public external debt only; private external debt unavailable
Exchange rates: Bruneian dollars (BND) per US dollar -

1.33685 (2020 est.)

1.35945 (2019 est.)

1.3699 (2018 est.)

1.3749 (2014 est.)

1.267 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020)
Electricity - production: 4.014 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - consumption: 3.771 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity: 821,000 kW (2016 est.)
Electricity - from fossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)
Electricity - from nuclear fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from other renewable sources: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Crude oil - production: 100,000 bbl/day (2018 est.)
Crude oil - exports: 127,400 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Crude oil - imports: 160 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Crude oil - proved reserves: 1.1 billion bbl (1 January 2018 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 10,310 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - consumption: 18,000 bbl/day (2016 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 6,948 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Natural gas - production: 12.74 billion cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - consumption: 3.936 billion cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - exports: 8.268 billion cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - proved reserves: 260.5 billion cu m (1 January 2018 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 103,885 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 24 (2020 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 526,589 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 123 (2020 est.)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Brunei is improving its national telecom network; telecommunications infrastructure and services are of high standard, due to healthy investment in networks and services; relatively mature telecom system compared to other Asian countries; mobile subscription increasing steadily to high penetration; launch of 5G pilot services in April 2021 aimed to increase awareness of the benefits of 5G and boost the mobile broadband sector; access to telecom services via the Kacific-1 satellite (2021)

domestic: every service available; nearly 24 per 100 fixed-line, 120 per 100 mobile-cellular (2020)

international: country code - 673; landing points for the SEA-ME-WE-3, SJC, AAG, Lubuan-Brunei Submarine Cable via optical telecommunications submarine cables that provides links to Asia, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, Australia, and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
Broadcast media: state-controlled Radio Television Brunei (RTB) operates 5 channels; 3 Malaysian TV stations are available; foreign TV broadcasts are available via satellite systems; RTB operates 5 radio networks and broadcasts on multiple frequencies; British Forces Broadcast Service (BFBS) provides radio broadcasts on 2 FM stations; some radio broadcast stations from Malaysia are available via repeaters
Internet country code: .bn
Internet users: total: 415,609 (2020 est.)

percent of population: 95% (2020 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 71,078 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2020 est.)

Topic: Transportation
National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 1 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 10

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 1,234,455 (2018)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 129.35 million (2018) mt-km
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: V8
Airports: total: 1 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2021)
Heliports: 3 (2021)
Pipelines: 33 km condensate, 86 km condensate/gas, 628 km gas, 492 km oil (2013)
Roadways: total: 2,976 km (2014)

paved: 2,559 km (2014)

unpaved: 417 km (2014)
Waterways: 209 km (2012) (navigable by craft drawing less than 1.2 m; the Belait, Brunei, and Tutong Rivers are major transport links)
Merchant marine: total: 96

by type: general cargo 18, oil tanker 3, other 75 (2021)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Muara

oil terminal(s): Lumut, Seria

LNG terminal(s) (export): Lumut

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: Royal Brunei Armed Forces: Royal Brunei Land Force, Royal Brunei Navy, Royal Brunei Air Force (2022)
Military expenditures: 3.1% of GDP (2021 est.)

3.7% of GDP (2020 est.)

3.1% of GDP (2019) (approximately $870 million)

2.7% of GDP (2018) (approximately $720 million)

2.8% of GDP (2017) (approximately $750 million)
Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 6,500 total active troops (4,500 Army; 1,000 Navy; 1,000 Air Force) (2021)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the Royal Brunei Armed Forces imports nearly all of its military equipment and weapons systems and has a variety of suppliers, including the US and several European countries (2021)
Military service age and obligation: 17 years of age for voluntary military service; non-Malays are ineligible to serve; recruits from the army, navy, and air force all undergo 43-week initial training (2021)
Military - note: Brunei has a long-standing defense relationship with the United Kingdom and hosts a British Army garrison, which includes a Gurkha battalion and a jungle warfare school; Brunei also hosts a Singaporean military training base (2022)

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: per Letters of Exchange signed in 2009, Malaysia in 2010 ceded two hydrocarbon concession blocks to Brunei in exchange for Brunei's sultan dropping claims to the Limbang corridor, which divides Brunei; nonetheless, Brunei claims a maritime boundary extending as far as a median with Vietnam, thus asserting an implicit claim to Louisa Reefper Letters of Exchange signed in 2009, Malaysia in 2010 ceded two hydrocarbon concession blocks to Brunei in exchange for Brunei's sultan dropping claims to the Limbang corridor, which divides Brunei; nonetheless, Brunei claims a maritime boundary extending as far as a median with Vietnam, thus asserting an implicit claim to Louisa Reef
Refugees and internally displaced persons: stateless persons: 20,863 (mid-year 2021); note - thousands of stateless persons, often ethnic Chinese, are permanent residents and their families have lived in Brunei for generations; obtaining citizenship is difficult and requires individuals to pass rigorous tests on Malay culture, customs, and language; stateless residents receive an International Certificate of Identity, which enables them to travel overseas; the government is considering changing the law prohibiting non-Bruneians, including stateless permanent residents, from owning land
Trafficking in persons: current situation: human traffickers exploit foreign victims in Brunei; some men and women who migrate to Brunei to work as domestics or in retail or construction are subject to involuntary servitude, debt-based coercion, contract switching, non-payment of wages, passport confiscation, physical abuse, or confinement; some female migrants entering Brunei on tourist visas are forced into prostitution; some traffickers use Brunei as a transit point for victims used for sex and labor trafficking in Malaysia and Indonesia

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Brunei does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; the government enacted the 2019 Trafficking in Persons Order, which criminalized sex and labor trafficking and separated trafficking crimes from migrant smuggling crimes; the government formalized its interagency anti-trafficking in persons committee; instituted a committee to review foreign worker recruitment practices, ratified the ASEAN Convention against Trafficking in Persons, and acceded to the UN TIP Protocol; however, authorities did not formally identify any trafficking cases, did not initiate any new trafficking prosecutions, and did not convict any traffickers; trafficking victims continued to be detained, deported, and charged with crimes without law enforcement determining if they were forced to commit the illegal acts by traffickers; the government again did not allocate money to a fund established in 2004 for victim compensation and repatriation; a draft national action plan to combat trafficking was not completed for the sixth consecutive year (2020)
Illicit drugs: drug trafficking and illegally importing controlled substances are serious offenses in Brunei and carry a mandatory death penalty


This entry gives the basic form of government. Definitions of the major governmental terms are as follows. (Note that for some countries more than one definition applies.):

Absolute monarchy - a form of government where the monarch rules unhindered, i.e., without any laws, constitution, or legally organized opposition.

Anarchy - a condition of lawlessness or political disorder brought about by the absence of governmental authority.

Authoritarian - a form of government in which state authority is imposed onto many aspects of citizens' lives.

Commonwealth - a nation, state, or other political entity founded on law and united by a compact of the people for the common good.

Communist - a system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single - often authoritarian - party holds power; state controls are imposed with the elimination of private ownership of property or capital while claiming to make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the people (i.e., a classless society).

Confederacy (Confederation) - a union by compact or treaty between states, provinces, or territories, that creates a central government with limited powers; the constituent entities retain supreme authority over all matters except those delegated to the central government.

Constitutional - a government by or operating under an authoritative document (constitution) that sets forth the system of fundamental laws and principles that determines the nature, functions, and limits of that government.

Constitutional democracy - a form of government in which the sovereign power of the people is spelled out in a governing constitution.

Constitutional monarchy - a system of government in which a monarch is guided by a constitution whereby his/her rights, duties, and responsibilities are spelled out in written law or by custom.

Democracy - a form of government in which the supreme power is retained by the people, but which is usually exercised indirectly through a system of representation and delegated authority periodically renewed.

Democratic republic - a state in which the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote for officers and representatives responsible to them.

Dictatorship - a form of government in which a ruler or small clique wield absolute power (not restricted by a constitution or laws).

Ecclesiastical - a government administrated by a church.

Emirate - similar to a monarchy or sultanate, but a government in which the supreme power is in the hands of an emir (the ruler of a Muslim state); the emir may be an absolute overlord or a sovereign with constitutionally limited authority.

Federal (Federation) - a form of government in which sovereign power is formally divided - usually by means of a constitution - between a central authority and a number of constituent regions (states, colonies, or provinces) so that each region retains some management of its internal affairs; differs from a confederacy in that the central government exerts influence directly upon both individuals as well as upon the regional units.

Federal republic - a state in which the powers of the central government are restricted and in which the component parts (states, colonies, or provinces) retain a degree of self-government; ultimate sovereign power rests with the voters who chose their governmental representatives.

Islamic republic - a particular form of government adopted by some Muslim states; although such a state is, in theory, a theocracy, it remains a republic, but its laws are required to be compatible with the laws of Islam.

Maoism - the theory and practice of Marxism-Leninism developed in China by Mao Zedong (Mao Tse-tung), which states that a continuous revolution is necessary if the leaders of a communist state are to keep in touch with the people.

Marxism - the political, economic, and social principles espoused by 19th century economist Karl Marx; he viewed the struggle of workers as a progression of historical forces that would proceed from a class struggle of the proletariat (workers) exploited by capitalists (business owners), to a socialist"dictatorship of the proletariat," to, finally, a classless society - Communism.

Marxism-Leninism - an expanded form of communism developed by Lenin from doctrines of Karl Marx; Lenin saw imperialism as the final stage of capitalism and shifted the focus of workers' struggle from developed to underdeveloped countries.

Monarchy - a government in which the supreme power is lodged in the hands of a monarch who reigns over a state or territory, usually for life and by hereditary right; the monarch may be either a sole absolute ruler or a sovereign - such as a king, queen, or prince - with constitutionally limited authority.

Oligarchy - a government in which control is exercised by a small group of individuals whose authority generally is based on wealth or power.

Parliamentary democracy - a political system in which the legislature (parliament) selects the government - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor along with the cabinet ministers - according to party strength as expressed in elections; by this system, the government acquires a dual responsibility: to the people as well as to the parliament.

Parliamentary government (Cabinet-Parliamentary government) - a government in which members of an executive branch (the cabinet and its leader - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor) are nominated to their positions by a legislature or parliament, and are directly responsible to it; this type of government can be dissolved at will by the parliament (legislature) by means of a no confidence vote or the leader of the cabinet may dissolve the parliament if it can no longer function.

Parliamentary monarchy - a state headed by a monarch who is not actively involved in policy formation or implementation (i.e., the exercise of sovereign powers by a monarch in a ceremonial capacity); true governmental leadership is carried out by a cabinet and its head - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor - who are drawn from a legislature (parliament).

Presidential - a system of government where the executive branch exists separately from a legislature (to which it is generally not accountable).

Republic - a representative democracy in which the people's elected deputies (representatives), not the people themselves, vote on legislation.

Socialism - a government in which the means of planning, producing, and distributing goods is controlled by a central government that theoretically seeks a more just and equitable distribution of property and labor; in actuality, most socialist governments have ended up being no more than dictatorships over workers by a ruling elite.

Sultanate - similar to a monarchy, but a government in which the supreme power is in the hands of a sultan (the head of a Muslim state); the sultan may be an absolute ruler or a sovereign with constitutionally limited authority.

Theocracy - a form of government in which a Deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler, but the Deity's laws are interpreted by ecclesiastical authorities (bishops, mullahs, etc.); a government subject to religious authority.

Totalitarian - a government that seeks to subordinate the individual to the state by controlling not only all political and economic matters, but also the attitudes, values, and beliefs of its population.

Topic: Afghanistanthe United States does not recognize the Taliban governmentthe United States does not recognize the Taliban government

Topic: Albaniaparliamentary republic

Topic: Algeriapresidential republic

Topic: American Samoaunincorporated, unorganized Territory of the US with local self-government; republican form of territorial government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches;

Topic: Andorraparliamentary democracy (since March 1993) that retains its chiefs of state in the form of a co-principality; the two princes are the President of France and Bishop of Seu d'Urgell, Spain

Topic: Angolapresidential republic

Topic: Anguillaparliamentary democracy (House of Assembly); self-governing overseas territory of the UK

Topic: AntarcticaAntarctic Treaty Summary - the Antarctic region is governed by a system known as the Antarctic Treaty system; the system includes: 1. the Antarctic Treaty, signed on 1 December 1959 and entered into force on 23 June 1961, which establishes the legal framework for the management of Antarctica, 2. Measures, Decisions, and Resolutions adopted at Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, 3. The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (1972), 4. The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (1980), and 5. The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (1991); the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings operate by consensus (not by vote) of all consultative parties at annual Treaty meetings; by January 2022, there were 54 treaty member nations: 29 consultative and 25 non-consultative; consultative (decision-making) members include the seven nations that claim portions of Antarctica as national territory (some claims overlap) and 22 non-claimant nations; the US and Russia have reserved the right to make claims; the US does not recognize the claims of others; Antarctica is administered through meetings of the consultative member nations; measures adopted at these meetings are carried out by these member nations (with respect to their own nationals and operations) in accordance with their own national laws; the years in parentheses indicate when a consultative member-nation acceded to the Treaty and when it was accepted as a consultative member, while no date indicates the country was an original 1959 treaty signatory; claimant nations are - Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and the UK; nonclaimant consultative nations are - Belgium, Brazil (1975/1983), Bulgaria (1978/1998), China (1983/1985), Czech Republic (1962/2014), Ecuador (1987/1990), Finland (1984/1989), Germany (1979/1981), India (1983/1983), Italy (1981/1987), Japan, South Korea (1986/1989), Netherlands (1967/1990), Peru (1981/1989), Poland (1961/1977), Russia, South Africa, Spain (1982/1988), Sweden (1984/1988), Ukraine (1992/2004), Uruguay (1980/1985), and the US; non-consultative members, with year of accession in parentheses, are - Austria (1987), Belarus (2006), Canada (1988), Colombia (1989), Cuba (1984), Denmark (1965), Estonia (2001), Greece (1987), Guatemala (1991), Hungary (1984), Iceland (2015), Kazakhstan (2015), North Korea (1987), Malaysia (2011), Monaco (2008), Mongolia (2015), Pakistan (2012), Papua New Guinea (1981), Portugal (2010), Romania (1971), Slovakia (1962/1993), Slovenia (2019), Switzerland (1990), Turkey (1996), and Venezuela (1999); note - Czechoslovakia acceded to the Treaty in 1962 and separated into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993; Article 1 - area to be used for peaceful purposes only; military activity, such as weapons testing, is prohibited, but military personnel and equipment may be used for scientific research or any other peaceful purpose; Article 2 - freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation shall continue; Article 3 - free exchange of information and personnel, cooperation with the UN and other international agencies; Article 4 - does not recognize, dispute, or establish territorial claims and no new claims shall be asserted while the treaty is in force; Article 5 - prohibits nuclear explosions or disposal of radioactive wastes;Article 6 - includes under the treaty all land and ice shelves south of 60 degrees 00 minutes south and reserves high seas rights; Article 7 - treaty-state observers have free access, including aerial observation, to any area and may inspect all stations, installations, and equipment; advance notice of all expeditions and of the introduction of military personnel must be given; Article 8 - allows for jurisdiction over observers and scientists by their own states; Article 9 - frequent consultative meetings take place among member nations; Article 10 - treaty states will discourage activities by any country in Antarctica that are contrary to the treaty; Article 11 - disputes to be settled peacefully by the parties concerned or, ultimately, by the ICJ; Articles 12, 13, 14 - deal with upholding, interpreting, and amending the treaty among involved nations; other agreements - some 200 measures adopted at treaty consultative meetings and approved by governments; the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty was signed 4 October 1991 and entered into force 14 January 1998; this agreement provides for the protection of the Antarctic environment and includes five annexes that have entered into force: 1) environmental impact assessment, 2) conservation of Antarctic fauna and flora, 3) waste disposal and waste management, 4) prevention of marine pollution, 5) area protection and management; a sixth annex addressing liability arising from environmental emergencies has yet to enter into force; the Protocol prohibits all activities relating to mineral resources except scientific research; a permanent Antarctic Treaty Secretariat was established in 2004 in Buenos Aires, ArgentinaAntarctic Treaty Summary - the Antarctic region is governed by a system known as the Antarctic Treaty system; the system includes: 1. the Antarctic Treaty, signed on 1 December 1959 and entered into force on 23 June 1961, which establishes the legal framework for the management of Antarctica, 2. Measures, Decisions, and Resolutions adopted at Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, 3. The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (1972), 4. The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (1980), and 5. The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (1991); the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings operate by consensus (not by vote) of all consultative parties at annual Treaty meetings; by January 2022, there were 54 treaty member nations: 29 consultative and 25 non-consultative; consultative (decision-making) members include the seven nations that claim portions of Antarctica as national territory (some claims overlap) and 22 non-claimant nations; the US and Russia have reserved the right to make claims; the US does not recognize the claims of others; Antarctica is administered through meetings of the consultative member nations; measures adopted at these meetings are carried out by these member nations (with respect to their own nationals and operations) in accordance with their own national laws; the years in parentheses indicate when a consultative member-nation acceded to the Treaty and when it was accepted as a consultative member, while no date indicates the country was an original 1959 treaty signatory; claimant nations are - Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and the UK; nonclaimant consultative nations are - Belgium, Brazil (1975/1983), Bulgaria (1978/1998), China (1983/1985), Czech Republic (1962/2014), Ecuador (1987/1990), Finland (1984/1989), Germany (1979/1981), India (1983/1983), Italy (1981/1987), Japan, South Korea (1986/1989), Netherlands (1967/1990), Peru (1981/1989), Poland (1961/1977), Russia, South Africa, Spain (1982/1988), Sweden (1984/1988), Ukraine (1992/2004), Uruguay (1980/1985), and the US; non-consultative members, with year of accession in parentheses, are - Austria (1987), Belarus (2006), Canada (1988), Colombia (1989), Cuba (1984), Denmark (1965), Estonia (2001), Greece (1987), Guatemala (1991), Hungary (1984), Iceland (2015), Kazakhstan (2015), North Korea (1987), Malaysia (2011), Monaco (2008), Mongolia (2015), Pakistan (2012), Papua New Guinea (1981), Portugal (2010), Romania (1971), Slovakia (1962/1993), Slovenia (2019), Switzerland (1990), Turkey (1996), and Venezuela (1999); note - Czechoslovakia acceded to the Treaty in 1962 and separated into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993; Article 1 - area to be used for peaceful purposes only; military activity, such as weapons testing, is prohibited, but military personnel and equipment may be used for scientific research or any other peaceful purpose; Article 2 - freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation shall continue; Article 3 - free exchange of information and personnel, cooperation with the UN and other international agencies; Article 4 - does not recognize, dispute, or establish territorial claims and no new claims shall be asserted while the treaty is in force; Article 5 - prohibits nuclear explosions or disposal of radioactive wastes;Article 6 - includes under the treaty all land and ice shelves south of 60 degrees 00 minutes south and reserves high seas rights; Article 7 - treaty-state observers have free access, including aerial observation, to any area and may inspect all stations, installations, and equipment; advance notice of all expeditions and of the introduction of military personnel must be given; Article 8 - allows for jurisdiction over observers and scientists by their own states; Article 9 - frequent consultative meetings take place among member nations; Article 10 - treaty states will discourage activities by any country in Antarctica that are contrary to the treaty; Article 11 - disputes to be settled peacefully by the parties concerned or, ultimately, by the ICJ; Articles 12, 13, 14 - deal with upholding, interpreting, and amending the treaty among involved nations; other agreements - some 200 measures adopted at treaty consultative meetings and approved by governments; the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty was signed 4 October 1991 and entered into force 14 January 1998; this agreement provides for the protection of the Antarctic environment and includes five annexes that have entered into force: 1) environmental impact assessment, 2) conservation of Antarctic fauna and flora, 3) waste disposal and waste management, 4) prevention of marine pollution, 5) area protection and management; a sixth annex addressing liability arising from environmental emergencies has yet to enter into force; the Protocol prohibits all activities relating to mineral resources except scientific research; a permanent Antarctic Treaty Secretariat was established in 2004 in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Topic: Antigua and Barbudaparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm

Topic: Argentinapresidential republic

Topic: Armeniaparliamentary democracy; note - constitutional changes adopted in December 2015 transformed the government to a parliamentary system

Topic: Arubaparliamentary democracy; part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Topic: Australiafederal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm

Topic: Austriafederal parliamentary republic

Topic: Azerbaijanpresidential republic

Topic: Bahamas, Theparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm

Topic: Bahrainconstitutional monarchy

Topic: Bangladeshparliamentary republic

Topic: Barbadosparliamentary republic; a Commonwealth realm

Topic: Belaruspresidential republic in name, although in fact a dictatorship

Topic: Belgiumfederal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy

Topic: Belizeparliamentary democracy (National Assembly) under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm

Topic: Beninpresidential republic

Topic: BermudaOverseas Territory of the UK with limited self-government; parliamentary democracy

Topic: Bhutanconstitutional monarchy

Topic: Boliviapresidential republic

Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinaparliamentary republic

Topic: Botswanaparliamentary republic

Topic: Brazilfederal presidential republic

Topic: British Virgin IslandsOverseas Territory of the UK with limited self-government; parliamentary democracy

Topic: Bruneiabsolute monarchy or sultanate

Topic: Bulgariaparliamentary republic

Topic: Burkina Fasopresidential republic

Topic: Burmaparliamentary republic

Topic: Burundipresidential republic

Topic: Cabo Verdeparliamentary republic

Topic: Cambodiaparliamentary constitutional monarchy

Topic: Cameroonpresidential republic

Topic: Canadafederal parliamentary democracy (Parliament of Canada) under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm; federal and state authorities and responsibilities regulated in constitution

Topic: Cayman Islandsparliamentary democracy; self-governing overseas territory of the UK

Topic: Central African Republicpresidential republic

Topic: Chadpresidential republic

Topic: Chilepresidential republic

Topic: Chinacommunist party-led state

Topic: Christmas Islandnon-self-governing overseas territory of Australia

Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandsnon-self-governing overseas territory of Australia

Topic: Colombiapresidential republic

Topic: Comorosfederal presidential republic

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thesemi-presidential republic

Topic: Congo, Republic of thepresidential republic

Topic: Cook Islandsparliamentary democracy

Topic: Costa Ricapresidential republic

Topic: Cote d'Ivoirepresidential republic

Topic: Croatiaparliamentary republic

Topic: Cubacommunist state

Topic: Curacaoparliamentary democracyparliamentary democracy

Topic: CyprusRepublic of Cyprus - presidential republic; "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" (self-declared) - parliamentary republic with enhanced presidency

Topic: Czechiaparliamentary republic

Topic: Denmarkparliamentary constitutional monarchy

Topic: Djiboutipresidential republic

Topic: Dominicaparliamentary republic

Topic: Dominican Republicpresidential republic

Topic: Ecuadorpresidential republic

Topic: Egyptpresidential republic

Topic: El Salvadorpresidential republic

Topic: Equatorial Guineapresidential republic

Topic: Eritreapresidential republic

Topic: Estoniaparliamentary republic

Topic: Eswatiniabsolute monarchy

Topic: Ethiopiafederal parliamentary republic

Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)parliamentary democracy (Legislative Assembly); self-governing overseas territory of the UK

Topic: Faroe Islandsparliamentary democracy (Faroese Parliament); part of the Kingdom of Denmark

Topic: Fijiparliamentary republic

Topic: Finlandparliamentary republic

Topic: Francesemi-presidential republic

Topic: French Polynesiaparliamentary democracy (Assembly of French Polynesia); an overseas collectivity of France

Topic: Gabonpresidential republic

Topic: Gambia, Thepresidential republic

Topic: Georgiasemi-presidential republic

Topic: Germanyfederal parliamentary republic

Topic: Ghanapresidential republic

Topic: Gibraltarparliamentary democracy (Parliament); self-governing overseas territory of the UK

Topic: Greeceparliamentary republic

Topic: Greenlandparliamentary democracy (Parliament of Greenland or Inatsisartut)

Topic: Grenadaparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm

Topic: Guamunincorporated organized territory of the US with local self-government; republican form of territorial government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches

Topic: Guatemalapresidential republic

Topic: Guernseyparliamentary democracy (States of Deliberation)

Topic: Guineapresidential republic

Topic: Guinea-Bissausemi-presidential republic

Topic: Guyanaparliamentary republic

Topic: Haitisemi-presidential republic

Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)ecclesiastical elective monarchy; self-described as an "absolute monarchy"

Topic: Honduraspresidential republic

Topic: Hong Kongpresidential limited democracy; a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China

Topic: Hungaryparliamentary republic

Topic: Icelandunitary parliamentary republic

Topic: Indiafederal parliamentary republic

Topic: Indonesiapresidential republic

Topic: Irantheocratic republic

Topic: Iraqfederal parliamentary republic

Topic: Irelandparliamentary republic

Topic: Isle of Manparliamentary democracy (Tynwald)

Topic: Israelparliamentary democracy

Topic: Italyparliamentary republic

Topic: Jamaicaparliamentary democracy (Parliament) under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm

Topic: Japanparliamentary constitutional monarchy

Topic: Jerseyparliamentary democracy (Assembly of the States of Jersey)

Topic: Jordanparliamentary constitutional monarchy

Topic: Kazakhstanpresidential republic

Topic: Kenyapresidential republic

Topic: Kiribatipresidential republic

Topic: Korea, Northdictatorship, single-party state; official state ideology of "Juche" or "national self-reliance"

Topic: Korea, Southpresidential republic

Topic: Kosovoparliamentary republic

Topic: Kuwaitconstitutional monarchy (emirate)

Topic: Kyrgyzstanparliamentary republic

Topic: Laoscommunist state

Topic: Latviaparliamentary republic

Topic: Lebanonparliamentary republic

Topic: Lesothoparliamentary constitutional monarchy

Topic: Liberiapresidential republic

Topic: Libyain transition

Topic: Liechtensteinconstitutional monarchy

Topic: Lithuaniasemi-presidential republic

Topic: Luxembourgconstitutional monarchy

Topic: Macauexecutive-led limited democracy; a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China

Topic: Madagascarsemi-presidential republic

Topic: Malawipresidential republic

Topic: Malaysiafederal parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Topic: Maldivespresidential republic

Topic: Malisemi-presidential republic

Topic: Maltaparliamentary republic

Topic: Marshall Islandsmixed presidential-parliamentary system in free association with the US

Topic: Mauritaniapresidential republic

Topic: Mauritiusparliamentary republic

Topic: Mexicofederal presidential republic

Topic: Micronesia, Federated States offederal republic in free association with the US

Topic: Moldovaparliamentary republic

Topic: Monacoconstitutional monarchy

Topic: Mongoliasemi-presidential republic

Topic: Montenegroparliamentary republic

Topic: Montserratparliamentary democracy; self-governing overseas territory of the UK

Topic: Moroccoparliamentary constitutional monarchy

Topic: Mozambiquepresidential republic

Topic: Namibiapresidential republic

Topic: Nauruparliamentary republic

Topic: Nepalfederal parliamentary republic

Topic: Netherlandsparliamentary constitutional monarchy; part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Topic: New Caledoniaparliamentary democracy (Territorial Congress); an overseas collectivity of France

Topic: New Zealandparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm

Topic: Nicaraguapresidential republic

Topic: Nigersemi-presidential republic

Topic: Nigeriafederal presidential republic

Topic: Niueparliamentary democracy

Topic: Norfolk Islandnon-self-governing overseas territory of Australia; note - the Norfolk Island Regional Council, which began operations 1 July 2016, is responsible for planning and managing a variety of public services, including those funded by the Government of Australia

Topic: North Macedoniaparliamentary republic

Topic: Northern Mariana Islandsa commonwealth in political union with and under the sovereignty of the US; republican form of government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches

Topic: Norwayparliamentary constitutional monarchy

Topic: Omanabsolute monarchy

Topic: Pakistanfederal parliamentary republic

Topic: Palaupresidential republic in free association with the US

Topic: Panamapresidential republic

Topic: Papua New Guineaparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm

Topic: Paraguaypresidential republic

Topic: Perupresidential republic

Topic: Philippinespresidential republic

Topic: Pitcairn Islandsparliamentary democracy

Topic: Polandparliamentary republic

Topic: Portugalsemi-presidential republic

Topic: Puerto Ricounincorporated organized territory of the US with local self-government; republican form of territorial government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches

Topic: Qatarabsolute monarchy

Topic: Romaniasemi-presidential republic

Topic: Russiasemi-presidential federation

Topic: Rwandapresidential republic

Topic: Saint Barthelemyparliamentary democracy (Territorial Council); overseas collectivity of France

Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhaparliamentary democracy

Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevisfederal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm

Topic: Saint Luciaparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm

Topic: Saint Martinparliamentary democracy (Territorial Council); overseas collectivity of France

Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelonparliamentary democracy (Territorial Council); overseas collectivity of France

Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm

Topic: Samoaparliamentary republic

Topic: San Marinoparliamentary republic

Topic: Sao Tome and Principesemi-presidential republic

Topic: Saudi Arabiaabsolute monarchy

Topic: Senegalpresidential republic

Topic: Serbiaparliamentary republic

Topic: Seychellespresidential republic

Topic: Sierra Leonepresidential republic

Topic: Singaporeparliamentary republic

Topic: Sint Maartenparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchyparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy

Topic: Slovakiaparliamentary republic

Topic: Sloveniaparliamentary republic

Topic: Solomon Islandsparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm

Topic: Somaliafederal parliamentary republic

Topic: South Africaparliamentary republic

Topic: South Sudanpresidential republic

Topic: Spainparliamentary constitutional monarchy

Topic: Sri Lankapresidential republic

Topic: Sudanpresidential republic

Topic: Surinamepresidential republic

Topic: Svalbardnon-self-governing territory of Norway

Topic: Swedenparliamentary constitutional monarchy

Topic: Switzerlandfederal republic (formally a confederation)

Topic: Syriapresidential republic; highly authoritarian regime

Topic: Taiwansemi-presidential republic

Topic: Tajikistanpresidential republic

Topic: Tanzaniapresidential republic

Topic: Thailandconstitutional monarchy

Topic: Timor-Lestesemi-presidential republic

Topic: Togopresidential republic

Topic: Tokelauparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchyparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy

Topic: Tongaconstitutional monarchy

Topic: Trinidad and Tobagoparliamentary republic

Topic: Tunisiaparliamentary republic

Topic: Turkeypresidential republic

Topic: Turkmenistanpresidential republic; authoritarian

Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandsparliamentary democracy

Topic: Tuvaluparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm

Topic: Ugandapresidential republic

Topic: Ukrainesemi-presidential republic

Topic: United Arab Emiratesfederation of monarchies

Topic: United Kingdomparliamentary constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm

Topic: United Statesconstitutional federal republic

Topic: Uruguaypresidential republic

Topic: Uzbekistanpresidential republic; highly authoritarian

Topic: Vanuatuparliamentary republic

Topic: Venezuelafederal presidential republic

Topic: Vietnamcommunist state

Topic: Virgin Islandsunincorporated organized territory of the US with local self-government; republican form of territorial government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches

Topic: Wallis and Futunaparliamentary democracy (Territorial Assembly); overseas collectivity of France

Topic: Yemenin transition

Topic: Zambiapresidential republic

Topic: Zimbabwepresidential republic