Brunei

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 (2024 est.)

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)

Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires IZZATI Baharuddin (since 6 May 2025)

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)
$36.64 billion (2024 est.)
$35.163 billion (2023 est.)
$34.771 billion (2022 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$79,200 (2024 est.)
$76,600 (2023 est.)
$76,400 (2022 est.)

Exports
$11.483 billion (2024 est.)
$11.573 billion (2023 est.)
$14.405 billion (2022 est.)

Exports - partners
Australia 21%, Japan 17%, China 17%, Singapore 16%, Malaysia 6% (2023)

Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, natural gas, crude petroleum, hydrocarbons, fertilizers (2023)

Imports
$9.11 billion (2024 est.)
$9.077 billion (2023 est.)
$10.099 billion (2022 est.)

Imports - partners
Malaysia 23%, UAE 10%, China 10%, UK 10%, Australia 6% (2023)

Imports - commodities
crude petroleum, gold, refined petroleum, coal, cars (2023)

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.837, ranking it 60th out of 193 countries tested. (more information)