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Brunei

Country Factsheet

2023 population pyramid

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

total: 491,900

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

1.4% (2024 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)
head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967)

Legislative branch

summary: unicameral Legislative Council (33 seats)

Diplomatic representation in the US

chief of mission: Ambassador Dato Paduka Haji SERBINI bin Haji Ali (since 28 January 2016)

Diplomatic representation from the US

chief of mission: Ambassador Caryn R. McCLELLAND (since December 2021)

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)

$35.26 billion (2023 est.)
$34.771 billion (2022 est.)
$35.347 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita

$77,900 (2023 est.)
$77,400 (2022 est.)
$79,400 (2021 est.)

Exports

$14.411 billion (2022 est.)
$11.202 billion (2021 est.)
$6.886 billion (2020 est.)

Exports - partners

Australia 19%, Japan 17%, China 16%, Singapore 14%, Malaysia 10% (2022)

Exports - commodities

refined petroleum, natural gas, crude petroleum, hydrocarbons, fertilizers (2022)

Imports

$10.106 billion (2022 est.)
$9.219 billion (2021 est.)
$6.382 billion (2020 est.)

Imports - partners

Malaysia 22%, UAE 11%, China 10%, Singapore 7%, Qatar 6% (2022)

Imports - commodities

crude petroleum, refined petroleum, cars, coal, gas turbines (2022)


Page last updated: Thursday, October 10, 2024