Factbook dossier
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. Internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy subsequently brought on a period of decline. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries, and in 2017, the country celebrated the 50th anniversary of Sultan Hassanal BOLKIAH s accession to the throne. Brunei has one of the highest per-capita GDPs in the world, thanks to extensive petroleum and natural gas fields.
Location
Southeastern Asia, along the northern coast of the island of Borneo, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia
Area
total : 5,765 sq km land: 5,265 sq km water: 500 sq km
Natural resources
petroleum, natural gas, timber
Natural hazards
typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rare
Population
total: 491,900 (2024 est.) male: 239,140 female: 252,760
Ethnic groups
Malay 67.4%, Chinese 9.6%, other 23% (2021 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) 82.1%, Christian 6.7%, Buddhist 6.3%, other 4.9% (2021 est.)
Environmental issues
air pollution, including seasonal haze from forest fires in Indonesia
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), who adopted the title of "Seri Begawan" (approximately meaning "honored lord") when he abdicated in 1967; "bandar" means "city" or "port" in Malay; the capital had previously been called Bandar Brunei (Brunei City)
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) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed and presided over by the monarch election/appointment process: none; the monarchy is hereditary note 1: the monarch is both chief of state and head of government, as well as Minister of Finance, Defense, and Foreign Affairs and Trade note 2: 4 additional advisory councils appointed by the monarch are the Religious Council, Privy Council for Constitutional Issues, Council of Succession, and Legislative Council
Legislative branch
legislature name: Legislative Council (Majlis Mesyuarat Negara) legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 45 (all appointed) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 1/20/2023 percentage of women in chamber: 11.4% expected date of next election: January 2028
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$36.64 billion (2024 est.) $35.163 billion (2023 est.) $34.771 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
$79,200 (2024 est.) $76,600 (2023 est.) $76,400 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
-0.4% (2024 est.) 0.4% (2023 est.) 3.7% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Exports - partners
Australia 21%, Japan 17%, China 17%, Singapore 16%, Malaysia 6% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Imports - partners
Malaysia 23%, UAE 10%, China 10%, UK 10%, Australia 6% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Military and security forces
Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) or Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei (ABDB): Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF), Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) (2025) note 1: the Gurkha Security Unit under the Ministry of Defense is a special guard force for the Sultan, the royal family, and the country s oil installations note 2: the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) is under the Prime Minister's Office
Military expenditures
3% of GDP (2023 est.) 2.6% of GDP (2022 est.) 3.1% of GDP (2021 est.) 3.7% of GDP (2020 est.) 3.1% of GDP (2019 est.)