Country Profile: Brunei

Brunei, officially known as Brunei Darussalam, is a small, prosperous nation located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. The country boasts a tropical climate and is bordered by Malaysia to the south, while its coastlines face the South China Sea. With a population of approximately 491,900, Brunei has a high per-capita GDP attributed primarily to its vast oil and gas reserves, forming the backbone of its economy. Governed as an absolute monarchy under Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who has reigned since 1967, Brunei's political system is characterized by a unique blend of Islamic law and English common law.

Geography

Brunei is situated along the northern coast of Borneo and has a total area of 5,765 square kilometers, slightly smaller than the state of Delaware. The country has a diverse terrain that includes flat coastal plains rising to mountainous regions in the east, with its mean elevation at 478 meters. Its warm and humid tropical climate experiences significant rainfall, and around 72.1% of the land is covered by forests.

Total area: 5,765 sq km
Coastline: 161 km
Highest point: Bukit Pagon at 1,850 m
Land boundaries: 266 km with Malaysia
Natural resources: Petroleum, natural gas, timber

People and Society

Brunei has an estimated population of 491,900, with a majority residing in coastal areas, particularly in and around the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. The population is predominantly Malay (67.4%), followed by ethnic Chinese and other groups. The nation has a youthful demographic structure, with a median age of 32.3 years and a low dependency ratio. Brunei is a predominantly Muslim country, with about 82.1% of the population practicing Islam.

Population (2024 est.): 491,900
Urban population: 79.1%
Median age: 32.3 years
Life expectancy at birth: 78.9 years
Birth rate: 15.8 births/1,000 population

Economy

Brunei's economy is almost exclusively oil and gas-based, contributing significantly to its high income status and extensive welfare system. In 2024, the real GDP (PPP) is estimated at $36.64 billion, with a per-capita GDP of $79,200. The government plays a major role in employment, with a majority of the workforce employed in public sectors. Efforts are being made to diversify the economy through initiatives like a nationalized halal brand.

Real GDP (PPP) 2024: $36.64 billion
Unemployment rate: 5.2%
GDP composition by sector: 1.2% agriculture, 61.7% industry, 38.7% services
Exports 2024: $11.483 billion
Imports 2024: $9.11 billion

Government

Brunei operates under an absolute monarchy, with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah serving as both the head of state and head of government since 1967. The country's legal framework is a hybrid of Islamic law and English common law, with a unicameral Legislative Council consisting entirely of appointed members. Brunei achieved independence from British protection in 1984, and its political structure is characterized by limited political freedom.

Government type: Absolute monarchy
Legislative Council seats: 45 (all appointed)
Suffrage: 18 years for village elections
Independence: 1 January 1984
National holiday: National Day, 23 February

Military and Security

The Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) are tasked with maintaining national security and include land, naval, and air force components. Brunei allocates around 3% of its GDP towards military expenditures. The military's structure reflects the close defense relationships it holds with the UK and Singapore.

Active military personnel: Approximately 7,000
Military expenditure: 3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military service age: 17 years for voluntary service
Military types: Royal Brunei Land Force, Navy, Air Force
Major defense relationships: UK and Singapore

Energy

Brunei is heavily reliant on fossil fuels for its energy needs, with 99.9% of electricity generated from conventional sources. The total installed generating capacity reached 904,000 kW in 2023, with the country boasting complete electrification for its population. Additionally, Brunei has substantial reserves of both petroleum and natural gas.

Total petroleum production: 95,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Natural gas production: 10.093 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Electricity consumption: 5.081 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 10.823 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Electricity access: 100% of the population

Environment

Brunei faces environmental challenges such as air pollution, particularly from seasonal haze related to forest fires in neighboring regions. The country is a party to several international environmental agreements aimed at addressing issues such as biodiversity and climate change.

Percentage of land used for agriculture: 2.5%
Forest coverage: 72.1% (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 8.5 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
Air pollutants: 6.86 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Waste generated: 216,253 tons annually (2016 est.)

Transportation

Brunei's transport infrastructure includes two airports and a merchant marine of 97 vessels. The country has a network that supports both domestic connectivity as well as international shipping, particularly for its petroleum exports.

Airports: 2 (2025)
Merchant marine: 97 vessels (2023)
Total ports: 5
Heliports: 14 (2025)
Key ports: Bandar Seri Begawan, Muara Harbor

Communications

Brunei enjoys high connectivity, with 99% of the population using the internet. The telecommunications sector includes fixed and mobile lines facilitated by a robust broadcasting system.

Internet users: 99% of the population (2023 est.)
Fixed line subscriptions: 122,000 (2023 est.)
Mobile cellular subscriptions: 541,000 (2023 est.)
Broadband subscriptions: 93,000 (2023 est.)
Telephones per 100 inhabitants: 26 fixed lines, 118 mobile

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	491,900 (2024 est.)
Area	5,765 sq km
GDP	$36.64 billion (2024 est.)	Purchasing Power Parity
Energy consumption	403.365 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Birth rate	15.8 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	5.2% (2024 est.)
Life expectancy	78.9 years (2024 est.)
Total fertility rate	1.73 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Military expenditure	3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Electricity access	100% of the population (2022 est.)