General background: The Sultanate of Brunei's
heyday occurred 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. Brunei
benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields,
the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in
the less developed countries. The same family has now
ruled Brunei for over six centuries.
Area
comparative: Slightly smaller than Delaware
Climate: Tropical; hot, humid, rainy
Terrain: Flat coastal plain rises to mountains
in east; hilly lowland in west .
Population: 350,898 (July 2002 est.)
Ethnic groups: Malay 67%, Chinese 15%, indigenous
6%, other 12%
Religions: Muslim (official) 67%, Buddhist
13%, Christian 10%, indigenous beliefs and other 10%
Language: Malay (official), English, Chinese
Government type: Constitutional sultanate
Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan
Legal system: Based on English common law;
for Muslims, Islamic Shari'a law supersedes civil
law in a number of areas.
Economic overview: This small, wealthy economy
is 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 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.
Communication/Telephone system: Service throughout
country is excellent; international service good to
Europe, US, and East Asia, satellite earth stations
- 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean);
digital submarine cable links to Malaysia, Singapore,
and Philippines (2001).
Places of interest:
Travel Tips: Alcohol is virtually unobtainable,
there's no nightlife to speak of, and the political
culture encourages quiet acquiescence to the edicts
of the sultan. The folk of Brunei are amply rewarded
for their conformist ways with free healthcare, free
education, free sporting centres, cheap loans and
high, tax-free wages.
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