

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. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate. Independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries. 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. 

Topic: 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

Topic: People and Society
Population: 478,054 (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups: Malay 65.8%, Chinese 10.2%, other 24% (2020 est.)
Languages: Malay (Bahasa Melayu) (official), English, Chinese dialects
Religions: Muslim (official) 80.9%, Christian 7.1%, Buddhist 7.1%, other (includes indigenous beliefs) 5% (2016 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.45% (2022 est.)

Topic: 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

Topic: 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 exchangealmost 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): $27.23 billion (2020 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $62,200 (2020 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: $7.83 billion (2019 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: $6.81 billion (2019 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)Page last updated: Wednesday, May 11, 2022