About
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.
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Source: The World Factbook
Population: 372,361 (July 2005 est.)
Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan
Languages: Malay (official), English, Chinese
Religions: Muslim (official) 67%, Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%, indigenous beliefs and other 10%
Government: constitutional sultanate
Climate: tropical; hot, humid, rainy
Terrain: flat coastal plain rises
to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west
Geography: close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian and Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated
by Malaysia; almost an enclave of Malaysia
Ethnic groups: Malay 67%, Chinese 15%, indigenous 6%,
other 12%
Economy: 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. 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.
GDP per capita: purchasing power parity - $23,600 (2003 est.)
GDP real growth: 3.2% (2003 est.)
Unemployment rate: 3.2% (2002 est.)
Internet country code: .bn
Dial code: +673
Cities
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Find a flight to any city in Brunei Darussalam
Local currency is the Brunei Dollar
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