Brunei, officially known as the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace, is a small sovereign state located on the north coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by the South China Sea to the north and Sarawak, a state of Malaysia, to the east, south, and west. The capital city is Bandar Seri Begawan, and the official language is Malay.

Brunei's economy is dominated by the oil and gas industry, which accounts for the majority of the country's GDP and exports. The country is one of the wealthiest in the world, with a high standard of living and a comprehensive social welfare system. Brunei is also a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Brunei is an absolute monarchy, with the Sultan of Brunei serving as both the head of state and government. The country has a legal system based on Islamic law, and Sharia courts have jurisdiction over certain criminal and civil cases. Brunei is known for its strict laws, including the imposition of the death penalty for certain crimes.

Brunei has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its history as a center of the Malay archipelago. The country has a variety of festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, and the Sultan's birthday celebration. Brunei is also home to many mosques and other Islamic landmarks, such as the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque.

Despite its many strengths, Brunei faces challenges such as limited economic diversification and a lack of political and social freedoms. The government has taken steps to address these issues, including implementing economic reforms and investing in education and infrastructure. Brunei is also working to promote tourism and attract foreign investment, with a focus on sustainable development and preserving its cultural and natural heritage.

National holiday
National Day, 23 February (1984); note - 1 January 1984 was the date of independence from the UK, 23 February 1984 was the date of independence from British protection; the Sultan's birthday, 15 June

Telephone Code
673

Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 991; Fire: 995; Police: 993

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

Climate
Tropical; hot, humid, rainy

Currency (Code)
Brunei dollars (BND)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
240 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G

Major Languages
Malay, English, Chinese

Major Religions
Muslim 78.8%, Christian 8.7%, Buddhist 7.8%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Left

Tourist Destinations
Muara Beach; Jerudong Park Playground; Gadong Night Market; Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque; Ulu Temburong National Park; Royal Regalia Museum; Tasek Merimbun

Major Sports
Soccer, basketball

Cultural Practices
In Brunei, it is impolite to point with one's index finger; instead use the right thumb.

Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is not customary. Large hotels and restaurants may add a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.

Souvenirs
Kris ceremonial daggers, native costumes and textiles, silver work, brass items, spices

Traditional Cuisine
Ambuyat — a starchy substance derived from the interior trunk of the sago palm, which is dipped into a variety of sauces

Geography
Area
total: 5,765 sq km
land: 5,265 sq km
water: 500 sq km

Climate
tropical; hot, humid, rainy

Natural resources
petroleum, natural gas, timber

People and Society
Population
484,991 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Malay 67.4%, Chinese 9.6%, other 23% (2021 est.)

Languages
Malay (Bahasa Melayu) (official), English, Chinese dialects

Religions
Muslim (official) 82.1%, Christian 6.7%, Buddhist 6.3%, other 4.9% (2021 est.)

Population growth rate
1.43% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
absolute monarchy or sultanate

Capital
name: Bandar Seri Begawan

Economy
Economic overview
almost exclusively an oil and gas economy; high income country; expansive and robust welfare system; the majority of the population works for the government; promulgating a nationalized halal brand; considering establishment of a bond market and stock exchange

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$26.779 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$60,100 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
poultry, eggs, fruit, cassava, bananas, legumes, cucumbers, rice, pineapples, beef

Industries
petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction, agriculture, aquaculture, transportation

Exports
$11.202 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
Japan 34%, Australia 12%, Singapore 10%, India 8%, Malaysia 8%, Thailand 7%, China 6%, South Korea 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
natural gas, crude petroleum, refined petroleum, industrial alcohols, industrial hydrocarbons (2019)

Imports
$9.219 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
Singapore 18%, China 14%, Malaysia 12%, Nigeria 5%, United Arab Emirates 5%, United States 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, cars, tug boats, valves (2019)