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) Government Type: constitutional
sultanate
Population Demographics
Population:
379,444 (July 2006 est.) Languages: Malay (official),
English, Chinese Religion: Muslim (official) 67%,
Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%, indigenous beliefs and other
10% Life Expectancy: 75.01
Economic Information
Currency:
Bruneian dollar (BND) GDP(per capita): $23,600 (2003
est.) Overview: This small, well-to-do
economy encompasses a mixture of foreign and domestic
entrepreneurship, government regulation, welfare measures,
and village tradition. Crude oil and natural gas production
account for nearly half of GDP and more than 90% of
government revenues. Per capita GDP is far above most
other Third World countries, and substantial income
from overseas investment supplements income from domestic
production. The government provides for all medical
services and free education through the university level
and subsidizes rice and housing. Brunei's leaders are
concerned that steadily increased integration in the
world economy will undermine internal social cohesion,
although it became a more prominent player by serving
as chairman for the 2000 APEC (Asian Pacific Economic
Cooperation) forum. Plans for the future include upgrading
the labor force, reducing unemployment, strengthening
the banking and tourist sectors, and, in general, further
widening the economic base beyond oil and gas.
Exports: crude oil, natural
gas, refined products Import: machinery and transport
equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicals
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Geography
Information
Location:
Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia
Area: total: 5,770 sq km
land: 5,270 sq km
water: 500 sq km
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.
Brunei subsequently entered a period of decline brought
on by internal strife over royal succession, colonial
expansion of European powers, and piracy. In 1888, Brunei
became a British protectorate; independence was achieved
in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six
centuries. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum
and natural gas fields, the source of one of the highest
per capita GDPs in the developing world.
Independence Day: 1 January
1984 (from UK) Capital City: Bandar Seri Begawan
Administrative divisions: 4
districts (daerah-daerah, singular - daerah); Belait,
Brunei and Muara, Temburong, Tutong
