| variable | 1980-1989 | 1990-1999 | 2000-2007 | 2008-2009 | 2010-2019 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| real gdp growth | 0.08 | 3.07 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.35 | 1.1 | 4.1 | 0.6 | 2.6 | 2.6 |
| CPI % | 1.56 | 2.02 | 0.49 | 0.65 | 0.08 | 0.4 | -0.4 | -0.3 | 1.6 | 1.1 |
| Unemployment rate | - | - | - | - | 7.9 | 5.2 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.7 |
| Debt/GDP % | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.27 | 1.1 | 2.41 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.4 |
| Current account balance/GDP % | 57.6 | 26.59 | 35.51 | 35.0 | 17.99 | 12.9 | 14.5 | 13.7 | 14.5 | 15.6 |
Data derived from World Economic Outlook Database. To see main macroeconomic indicator in graphs click here
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. Internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy subsequently brought on a period of decline. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries, and in 2017, the country celebrated the 50th anniversary of Sultan Hassanal BOLKIAH’s accession to the throne. Brunei has one of the highest per-capita GDPs in the world, thanks to extensive petroleum and natural gas fields.
Area: 5,765 sq km km2
Climate: tropical; hot, humid, rainy
Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, timber
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.)
Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan
Government type: absolute monarchy or sultanate
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)
Description: Legislative Council (Majlis Mesyuarat Negara) - unicameral
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
petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction, agriculture, aquaculture, transportation
GDP by sector: Agriculture: 1.2% (2024 est.), Industry: 61.7% (2024 est.), Services: 38.7% (2024 est.)
Export partners: Australia 21%, Japan 17%, China 17%, Singapore 16%, Malaysia 6% (2023)
Export commodities: refined petroleum, natural gas, crude petroleum, hydrocarbons, fertilizers (2023)
Import partners: Malaysia 23%, UAE 10%, China 10%, UK 10%, Australia 6% (2023)
Import commodities: crude petroleum, gold, refined petroleum, coal, cars (2023)
Southeastern Asia, along the northern coast of the island of Borneo, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia
Military expenditure: 2023: 3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Information derived from worldfactbook.io (Lupon Media), open successor to the CIA World Factbook. Data sourced from World Bank, IMF, UN and other international organizations.