World Factbook Title
navigation arrows
Download Publication
page last updated on November 29, 2011
Flag of Brunei
(CONTAINS DESCRIPTION)
Location of Brunei
Click flag or map to enlarge Opens in New Window
 
Map of Brunei
Click map to enlarge Opens in New Window
Photos of Brunei
 
Navigation Arrow view 7 photos Opens in New Window
of Brunei
Expand All | collapse All
Introduction ::Brunei
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
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 Asia.
Back to Top
Geography ::Brunei
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
4 30 N, 114 40 E
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 5,765 sq km
country comparison to the world: 173
land: 5,265 sq km
water: 500 sq km
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
slightly smaller than Delaware
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 381 km
border countries: Malaysia 381 km
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
161 km
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm or to median line
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
tropical; hot, humid, rainy
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
lowest point: South China Sea 0 m
highest point: Bukit Pagon 1,850 m
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
petroleum, natural gas, timber
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
arable land: 2.08%
permanent crops: 0.87%
other: 97.05% (2005)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
10 sq km (2008)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
8.5 cu km (1999)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 0.09
per capita: 243 cu m/yr (1994)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rare
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires in Indonesia
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian and Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by Malaysia; almost an enclave within Malaysia
Back to Top
People and Society ::Brunei
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
noun: Bruneian(s)
adjective: Bruneian
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Malay 66.3%, Chinese 11.2%, indigenous 3.4%, other 19.1% (2004 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Malay (official), English, Chinese
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Muslim (official) 67%, Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%, other (includes indigenous beliefs) 10%
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
401,890 (July 2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 175
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0-14 years: 25.5% (male 52,944/female 49,729)
15-64 years: 70.9% (male 141,121/female 143,977)
65 years and over: 3.5% (male 6,881/female 7,238) (2011 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 28.4 years
male: 28.3 years
female: 28.6 years (2011 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
1.712% (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 65
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
17.87 births/1,000 population (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 106
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
3.35 deaths/1,000 population (July 2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 213
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
2.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 33
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
urban population: 76% of total population (2010)
rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (capital) 22,000 (2009)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
at birth: 1.047 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2011 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
21 deaths/100,000 live births (2008)
country comparison to the world: 124
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 11.51 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 140
male: 13.74 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 9.17 deaths/1,000 live births (2011 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total population: 76.17 years
country comparison to the world: 75
male: 73.91 years
female: 78.53 years (2011 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
1.86 children born/woman (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 148
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
3% of GDP (2009)
country comparison to the world: 177
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
1.417 physicians/1,000 population (2008)
country comparison to the world: 85
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
2.71 beds/1,000 population (2008)
country comparison to the world: 82
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
less than 0.1% (2003 est.)
country comparison to the world: 115
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
fewer than 200 (2003 est.)
country comparison to the world: 159
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
fewer than 200 (2003 est.)
country comparison to the world: 112
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
NA
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 92.7%
male: 95.2%
female: 90.2% (2001 census)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 14 years
male: 14 years
female: 14 years (2009)
Back to Top
Government ::Brunei
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
conventional long form: Brunei Darussalam
conventional short form: Brunei
local long form: Negara Brunei Darussalam
local short form: Brunei
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
constitutional sultanate (locally known as Malay Islamic Monarchy)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
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)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
4 districts (daerah-daerah, singular - daerah); Belait, Brunei-Muara, Temburong, Tutong
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
1 January 1984 (from the UK)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
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
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
29 September 1959 (some provisions suspended under a State of Emergency since December 1962, others since independence on 1 January 1984)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
mixed legal system based on English common law and Islamic law
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
18 years of age for village elections; universal
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967)
cabinet: Council of Cabinet Ministers appointed and presided over by the monarch; deals with executive matters; note - there is also a Religious Council (members appointed by the monarch) that advises on religious matters, a Privy Council (members appointed by the monarch) that deals with constitutional matters, and the Council of Succession (members appointed by the monarch) that determines the succession to the throne if the need arises
(For more information visit the World Leaders website Opens in New Window)
elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
the Sultan appointed a Legislative Council with 29 members in September 2005; he increased the size of the council to 33 members in June 2011; the council meets annually in March
elections: last held in March 1962 (date of next election NA)
note: the Legislative Council met on 25 September 2004 for first time in 20 years with 21 members appointed by the Sultan; it passed constitutional amendments calling for a 45-seat council with 15 elected members; no timeframe for an election was announced
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Supreme Court - chief justice and judges are sworn in by monarch for three-year terms; Judicial Committee of Privy Council in London is final court of appeal for civil cases; Sharia courts deal with Islamic laws (2006)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
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
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
NA
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, C, CP, EAS, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDB, 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
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
chief of mission: Ambassador Yusoff Abd HAMID
chancery: 3520 International Court NW #300, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 237-1838
FAX: [1] (202) 885-0560
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel L. SHIELDS III
embassy: Simpang 336-52-16-9, Jalan Kebangsaan, Bandar Seri Begawan, BC4115
mailing address: Unit 4280, Box 40, FPO AP 96507; P.O. Box 2991, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8675, Negara Brunei Darussalam
telephone: [673] 238-4616
FAX: [673] 238-4604
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
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"
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
name: "Allah Peliharakan Sultan" (God Bless His Majesty)
lyrics/music: Pengiran Haji Mohamed YUSUF bin Abdul Rahim/Awang Haji BESAR bin Sagap
note: adopted 1951
Back to Top
Economy ::Brunei
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Brunei has a small well-to-do economy that encompasses a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation, welfare measures, and village tradition. Crude oil and natural gas production account for just over half of GDP and more than 90% of exports. Per capita GDP is among the highest in Asia, and substantial income from overseas investment supplements income from domestic production. The government provides for all medical services and free education through the university level and subsidizes rice and housing. A new monetary authority was established in January 2011 with responsibilities that include monetary policy, monitoring of financial institutions, and currency trading activities.
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$20.38 billion (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 123
$19.58 billion (2009 est.)
$19.93 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$13.02 billion (2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
4.1% (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 94
-1.8% (2009 est.)
-1.9% (2008 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$51,600 (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 8
$50,400 (2009 est.)
$52,300 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
agriculture: 0.9%
industry: 72.1%
services: 27% (2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
188,800 (2008)
country comparison to the world: 172
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
agriculture: 4.2%
industry: 62.8%
services: 33% (2008 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
3.7% (2008)
country comparison to the world: 30
3.4% (2007)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
NA%
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
16.1% of GDP (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 158
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
revenues: $4.689 billion
expenditures: $4.869 billion (2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
36% of GDP (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 61
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
-1.4% of GDP (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 64
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0.4% (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 12
1.1% (2009 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
5.5% (31 December 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 157
5.5% (31 December 2009 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$2.954 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 111
$3.841 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$9.731 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 103
$8.548 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$3.019 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 121
$2.209 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$NA
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
rice, vegetables, fruits; chickens, water buffalo, cattle, goats, eggs
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
-5.4% (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 164
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
3.218 billion kWh (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 125
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
3.054 billion kWh (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 127
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 kWh (2009 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 kWh (2009 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
159,400 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 43
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
17,000 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 137
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
153,000 bbl/day (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 59
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
138 bbl/day (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 205
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
1.1 billion bbl (1 January 2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 38
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
11.5 billion cu m (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 39
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
2.69 billion cu m (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 77
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
8.81 billion cu m (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 22
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 cu m (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 94
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
390.8 billion cu m (1 January 2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 33
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$3.977 billion (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 37
$3.977 billion (2008 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$10.67 billion (2008)
country comparison to the world: 84
$8.25 billion (2007)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
crude oil, natural gas, garments
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Japan 45.6%, South Korea 12%, Australia 11.9%, Indonesia 7.4%, China 7.1%, India 5.8%, NZ 5.1% (2010)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$2.61 billion (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 145
$2.055 billion (2007 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicals
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Singapore 33.5%, Malaysia 19.9%, China 13%, UK 6.9%, Japan 5.3%, Thailand 4.6%, US 4.4% (2010)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$1.563 billion (2010)
country comparison to the world: 126
$1.357 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$0 (2005)
country comparison to the world: 199
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Bruneian dollars (BND) per US dollar -
1.36 (2010)
1.45 (2009)
2 (2006)
2 (2005)
2 (2004)
Back to Top
Communications ::Brunei
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
79,900 (2010)
country comparison to the world: 152
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
435,100 (2010)
country comparison to the world: 166
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
general assessment: service throughout the country is good; international service is good to Southeast Asia, Middle East, Western Europe, and the US
domestic: every service available
international: country code - 673; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 optical telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; the Asia-America Gateway submarine cable network, scheduled for completion by late 2008, will provide new links to Asia and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) (2009)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
state-controlled Radio Television Brunei (RTB) operates 4 channels; 3 Malaysian TV stations are available; foreign TV broadcasts are available via satellite and cable systems; RTB operates 5 radio networks broadcasting 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 (2009)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
.bn
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
50,997 (2010)
country comparison to the world: 88
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
314,900 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 128
Back to Top
Transportation ::Brunei
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
2 (2010)
country comparison to the world: 198
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 2
over 3,047 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
3 (2010)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
condensate 33 km; gas 37 km; oil 18 km (2010)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 2,971 km
country comparison to the world: 167
paved: 2,411 km
unpaved: 560 km (2008)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
209 km (navigable by craft drawing less than 1.2 m; the Belait, Brunei, and Tutong rivers are major transport links) (2011)
country comparison to the world: 97
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 9
country comparison to the world: 117
by type: chemical tanker 1, liquefied gas 8 (2010)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Lumut, Muara, Seria
Back to Top
Military ::Brunei
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Royal Brunei Armed Forces: Royal Brunei Land Forces, Royal Brunei Navy, Royal Brunei Air Force (Tentera Udara Diraja Brunei) (2011)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
18 years of age (est.) for voluntary military service; non-Malays are ineligible to serve (2007)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
males age 16-49: 112,688
females age 16-49: 117,536 (2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
males age 16-49: 95,141
females age 16-49: 99,386 (2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
male: 3,572
female: 3,465 (2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
4.5% of GDP (2006)
country comparison to the world: 21
Back to Top
Transnational Issues ::Brunei
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
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 Lousia Reef
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
current situation: Brunei is a destination, and to a lesser extent, a source and transit country for men and women who are subjected to forced labor and forced prostitution; men and women from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, China, and Thailand migrate to Brunei for domestic work or other low-skilled employment, but sometimes face conditions of involuntary servitude after arrival
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - the government has yet to prosecute a human-trafficking case using its 2004 anti-trafficking law, has not shown evidence of increased efforts to address human trafficking over the previous year, and has not identified or assisted any trafficking victims (2011)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
drug trafficking and illegally importing controlled substances are serious offenses in Brunei and carry a mandatory death penalty
Back to Top
Expand All | collapse All