Brunei

Region
🌍 Asia
Population
👥 458
Currency
💱 Brunei dollar
Languages
🗣️ Malay
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 34 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace
Continent
Asia
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Bruneian
Independence
January 1, 1984 (from the UK)
Top-Level Domain
.bn
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+673
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+08:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Bandar Seri Begawan
ISO Alpha-2
BN
ISO Alpha-3
BRN
UN Code
96
Geographic Coordinates
4.5,114.66666666
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
5,765#174 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
458,600#175 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
87.09
Highest Point (m)
1,850 meters (Bukit Pagon)
Lowest Point (m)
Sea level (South China Sea)
Land Use
Primarily forested with some agricultural land.
Irrigated Land
Relatively little land is irrigated.
Coastline Length
161 kilometers
Climate
Tropical; hot, humid, and rainy
Natural Resources
Oil, natural gas, timber
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Malaysia
Major Rivers
Belait River, Brunei River, Tutong River
Major Lakes
Brunei does not have any significant natural lakes.
Government Type
Absolute monarchy
Administrative Divisions
4 districts (daerahs)
Chief of State
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah
Head of Government
The Sultan, who is also the Prime Minister
Cabinet
The Cabinet is appointed by the Sultan.
Elections
There are no national elections.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court; Syariah (Islamic) Courts.
Legislative Branch
Legislative Council (appointed)
Major Political Parties
There are no active political parties.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Brunei dollar
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
15.03#147 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
43.1#139 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
32,234.64#54 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.18
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
60
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
40.24
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
-0.3#182 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
237,763
5.28#90 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Approximately 2.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
Budget
Brunei's budget is heavily influenced by oil and gas revenue.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
10.76#110 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
7.82#126 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Significant foreign reserves due to oil and gas revenues.
GDP by Sector
Primarily oil and gas, with smaller contributions from services and manufacturing.
Major Industries
Petroleum, natural gas, LNG, construction.
Major Export Partners
Japan, South Korea, China, Australia.
Major Import Partners
Singapore, Malaysia, United Kingdom, United States.

Society

96.09#71 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
13.3
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
5.3
Net Migration Rate
Approximately 0 migrants per 1,000 population (2023 est.)
Median Age
Approximately 32 years (2023 est.)
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
75.01#74 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Approximately 1.1% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
75.5#100 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Less than 0.1% (2021 est.)
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
2.23
Ethnic Groups
Malays (66%), Chinese (11%), indigenous groups, and others.
Religions
Islam (official), Buddhism, Christianity, and indigenous beliefs.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Malay

Education

Education System
The education system in Brunei is largely government-funded, structured around a 12-year system with primary, secondary, and pre-university levels. English and Malay are used as languages of instruction.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2019)Checked September 29, 2026
14.1
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education is relatively high, representing a significant portion of the national budget.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Major universities include Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB).

Culture

Cultural Overview
Brunei's culture is heavily influenced by Malay traditions and Islam. It emphasizes respect, modesty, and family values. The Sultanate's traditions and customs are deeply ingrained in daily life.
National Holidays
National holidays include Brunei National Day (February 23), Sultan's birthday, and Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Popular Music
Popular music includes traditional Malay music, along with contemporary genres like pop and rock. Local artists also produce songs in Malay.
Traditional Food
Traditional food often includes dishes like ambuyat, a starchy dish served with various side dishes, and nasi katok, rice with fried chicken and sambal.
Sports
Football (soccer) is a popular sport. Other sports include badminton, water sports, and martial arts.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include the Sultan's birthday celebration and religious festivals like Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr).
Famous People
Famous people include the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, and other prominent figures in business and the arts.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Brunei has many historical sites, including mosques and Istana Nurul Iman, the Sultan's official residence.
UNESCO Sites
Brunei has no UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Annual Tourist Visits
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Tourism Overview
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Top Tourist Attractions
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Famous Cities
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National Parks
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Protected Areas
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Best Time to Visit
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Tourist Visa Info
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Visa Requirements Overview
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Travel Advisory
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Healthcare

Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index for Brunei is around 63 (2018).
Medical Cost
Medical costs in Brunei are generally affordable, with subsidized healthcare.
Number of Hospitals
Brunei has a number of hospitals, including the main Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital.
Universal Healthcare
Brunei offers universal healthcare, primarily government-funded, accessible to citizens and permanent residents.
Medical Services Overview
Brunei offers a public healthcare system, with services available at hospitals and clinics.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available in Brunei, accessible via the emergency number.

Emergency & Safety

Emergency Number (Police)
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Emergency Number (Ambulance)
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Emergency Number (Fire)
—
Crime Rate
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Safety Index
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Military Expenditure
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Emergency Services Overview
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Safety Overview
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Military Branches
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Infrastructure

Electricity Access
—
Water Access
—
Sanitation Access
—
Railways
Brunei does not have a railway system.
Roadways
—
Transportation System
The transportation system relies heavily on road networks. Public transportation is available but limited.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Brunei International Airport (BWN)
Ports
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Public Transit
—

Technology & Communication

Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
96.3#21 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
—
Tech Startups
—
Innovation Index
—
ICT Development Index
—
TV Broadcast Stations
—
Radio Broadcast Stations
—
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
20.24#5 of 202
Air Quality Index
—
Water Pollution Level
—
Renewable Energy Usage
—
Environmental Issues
—
Natural Hazards
—
Waste Management
—
Environmental Agreements
—
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
—
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Commonwealth, ASEAN
Major Treaties
—
Visa-Free Countries
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