Country Profile: Brunei

Brunei Darussalam, located on the northern coast of Borneo in Southeast Asia, is known for its rich natural resources, particularly petroleum and natural gas, which contribute to its status as one of the highest per-capita GDPs globally. The Sultanate has a unique governance structure as an absolute monarchy, with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at the helm since 1967, reflecting a long-standing royal tradition. With a population of around 491,900, the majority reside in urban areas, particularly in the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan. The economy is heavily reliant on the oil and gas sector, supported by a robust welfare system and a predominantly government-employed workforce.

Geography

Brunei is situated in Southeastern Asia, bordered by Malaysia and the South China Sea. The nation encompasses a total area of 5,765 square kilometers, with a mix of flat coastal plains and hilly lowland terrain. The climate is tropical, marked by high humidity and rainfall, with the highest point being Bukit Pagon at 1,850 meters.

5,765 sq km: Total area.
266 km: Total land borders with Malaysia.
161 km: Coastline along the South China Sea.
72.1%: Forested area (2022).
2.5%: Land used for agriculture (2022).
10 sq km: Irrigated land as of 2012.
478 m: Mean elevation above sea level.

People and Society

Brunei's population is approximately 491,900, with a demographic composition that includes 67.4% Malays and 9.6% Chinese. The official language is Malay, while Islam is the state religion, practiced by 82.1% of the population. The country has a young demographic, with a median age of 32.3 years, and a high rate of urbanization, with 79.1% of residents living in urban settings.

491,900: Estimated population (2024).
32.3 years: Median age of the population (2024).
15.8 births/1,000: Birth rate (2024).
78.9 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
99.9%: Access to improved drinking water (2022).
54.3%: Proportion of currently married women (2023).
2.1 migrant(s)/1,000: Net migration rate (2024).

Economy

Brunei's economy is primarily driven by its oil and gas industry, boasting a high-income status and a generous welfare system. The real GDP based on purchasing power parity was estimated at $36.64 billion for 2024, with a real GDP per capita of $79,200. The government plays a significant role in the economy, with the majority of the workforce employed in public sector roles.

$36.64 billion: Real GDP (PPP) estimate for 2024.
4.2%: Projected real GDP growth rate for 2024.
5.2%: Unemployment rate (2024).
1.2%: Contribution of agriculture to GDP (2024).
61.7%: Contribution of industry to GDP (2024).
$11.483 billion: Estimated exports (2024).
$9.11 billion: Estimated imports (2024).

Government

Brunei is an absolute monarchy, with the Sultan serving as both chief of state and head of government. The Legislative Council, composed of appointed members, plays a limited role in governance. The country has a mixed legal system that incorporates both English common law and Islamic law. Brunei gained independence from the UK on January 1, 1984.

4: Number of administrative districts.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah: Reigning since October 5, 1967.
45: Members in the Legislative Council (all appointed).
18 years: Minimum voting age for village elections.
1984: Year of independence from British rule.
3%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2023).

Military and Security

The Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) oversees Brunei's defense and security. The nation's military is relatively small, with around 7,000 active personnel as of 2025, and focuses primarily on internal security and sovereignty. Military expenditures account for 3% of GDP as of 2023.

7,000: Active personnel in the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (2025).
3%: Military expenditures as a share of GDP (2023).
17 years: Minimum age for voluntary military service.
Gurkha Security Unit: Provides specialized security for the Sultan and critical infrastructure.
1961: Year the RBAF was established.
Various suppliers: Military equipment sourced from Asia, Europe, and the US.

Energy

Brunei is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with 99.9% of its electricity generated from fossil sources. The country's natural gas production and petroleum output play a vital role in the economy. Brunei boasts a 100% electrification rate across its population, reflecting its advanced energy infrastructure.

100%: Electrification rate (2022).
95,000 bbl/day: Oil production (2023).
10.093 billion cubic meters: Natural gas production (2023).
5.081 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
904,000 kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
403.365 million Btu/person: Energy consumption per capita (2023).

Environment

Brunei faces environmental challenges such as air pollution and potential seasonal haze from forest fires in neighboring Indonesia. The country is a party to various international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity. Roughly 72.1% of the land is forested, contributing to its ecological significance.

72.1%: Forest area (2022).
20%: Municipal solid waste recycled (2022).
10.823 million metric tonnes: Total CO2 emissions (2023).
216,300 tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024).
8.5 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022).
99.5%: Access to improved sanitation facilities (2022).

Transportation

Brunei's transportation infrastructure includes a small number of airports and a merchant marine fleet. The nation has two airports and a network of ports, with Bandar Seri Begawan being a key port city. The merchant marine fleet is primarily focused on commercial and cargo transport.

2: Airports (2025).
97: Total merchant marine vessels (2023).
5: Total ports (2024).
14: Heliports (2025).
18: General cargo vessels in the merchant fleet (2023).
Ports with oil terminals: 5.

Communications

Brunei has a high rate of internet penetration, with 99% of the population using the internet as of 2023. The nation has a state-controlled broadcast media system and a growing mobile communications sector, with a significant number of mobile subscriptions per capita.

99%: Internet user rate (2023).
541,000: Total mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
122,000: Total fixed line subscriptions (2023).
93,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
20: Fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023).
118: Mobile subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2022).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	491,900	Estimated for 2024
Area	5,765 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$36.64 billion	Estimated for 2024
Energy Consumption (per capita)	403.365 million Btu	Estimated for 2023
Birth Rate	15.8 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	5.2%	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	78.9 years	Estimated for 2024
Military Expenditure	3% of GDP	For 2023
Electrification Rate	100%	Total population (2022)
Internet Penetration	99%	Estimated for 2023