Brunei
Brunei, officially the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace, is a small, wealthy country located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by the Malaysian state of Sarawak and has a coastline along the South China Sea. Brunei is known for its oil and gas wealth, Islamic culture, and high standard of living.
Brunei covers an area of approximately 5,765 square kilometres and has a population of around 460,000 people as of 2024–2025. Despite its small size, it has one of the highest GDP per capita in Asia.
Key Country Information
- Capital City: Bandar Seri Begawan
- Head of State (Sultan and Prime Minister): Hassanal Bolkiah
- Official Language: Malay
- Currency: Brunei Dollar (BND)
- International Dialing Code: +673
Population and Economy
Brunei has a population of approximately 460,000. The economy is heavily dependent on oil and natural gas, which contribute the majority of government revenue and exports.
Other sectors include finance, construction, trade, and small-scale tourism. Brunei maintains a high standard of living, low poverty rates, and strong social services.
International Memberships
- United Nations: Member since 1984
- Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN): Member since 1984
- Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC): Member since 1984
- Commonwealth of Nations: Member since 1984
Living and Working in Brunei
Brunei offers employment opportunities mainly in oil and gas, finance, government, education, and healthcare. The cost of living is relatively high, but salaries are competitive.
Foreign nationals require a residence permit and work authorization to work legally. Employers typically sponsor work permits, especially for skilled professionals and expatriates.
Summary
Brunei is a small, oil-rich Southeast Asian nation with a high standard of living and strong Islamic culture. It is a member of the UN, ASEAN, OIC, and Commonwealth, making it an active participant in regional and international cooperation.
