Brunei Darussalam, with Bandar Seri Begawan as capital, is an Islamic sultanate located on the northwest coast of Borneo. With a total land area of 5,765 km2, it is bounded on the north by the South China Sea while the Malaysian State of Sarawak borders all the other sides.

The country's population is about 358,000 (UN, 2003) growing at an average rate of 2.16% per annum. It has a multi-racial society, comprising mainly of Malays (67%) and Chinese (11%). The rest of the population comprises other races such as Indians, other ethnic groups and expatriates.

Brunei is a monarchy with a national ideology based on Islam. His Majesty Sultan Sir Hassanal Bolkiah governs the country as prime minister, minister of defense and minister of finance. He is assisted, advised and consulted on state affairs by Cabinet Ministers, Religious and Legislative councils. To strengthen national identity, the government promotes Melayu Islam Beraja or Malay Muslim Monarchy, national ideology affirming Brunei's cultural and religious traditions and absolute monarchy.

Economy

Oil and gas industry dominates Brunei's small and wealthy economy, accounting for nearly half of the country's GDP and 90% of total exports. Per capita GDP is far above most other developing countries. Citizens are tax exempt and enjoy free education and health care.

Relevant Indicators

Infrastructure

Brunei's infrastructure is well developed and ready to cater to the needs of the vigorous economic activities under the economic diversification program currently pursued by the Government.

Airport

Brunei International Airport at Bandar Seri Begawan has recently expanded both passenger and cargo facilities to meet an expected substantial increase in demand. The new terminal, designed to handle 1.5 million passengers and 50,000 tons of cargo a year, is expected to meet demand until the end of the decade.

Ports

The country is strategically close to vital sea-lanes through the South China Sea linking the Indian and Pacific Ocean. The country's main port in Muara and Kuala Belait offers direct shipping to Hong Kong, Singapore and several other Asian destinations. The facilities at the multi-purpose berth at Muara are capable of servicing conventional cargo carriers, self-sustained container carriers and "Ro-Ro" car-carriers. A smaller port is located at Kuala Belait. Belait servicing mainly the shell petroleum field and Seria.

Roads

The road network designed to integrate commercial and industrial development in Brunei is the primary means of movement for people, goods and services. The 2,400 km of road network serving the entire country is being expanded and modernized. A main highway runs the entire length of the country's coastline. It conveniently links Muara, the port entry point at one end, to Belait, the oil-production center, at the western end of the state.

Telecommunications

Brunei has one of the best telecommunications systems in Southeast Asia with a ratio of 1 telephone per 3 citizens at present. Digital exchanges have been installed and two new earth satellite stations provide direct international telecommunications links. A Submarine cable links Brunei with Singapore, Philippines and Malaysia.

Key Indicators links:

Land - http://www.brunei.gov.bn/about_brunei/land.htm

Population - http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/People

Government - http://www.brunei.gov.bn/government/system.htm

Economy - http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/Econ

Currency - http://www.finance.gov.bn/tt/EDITKKW/bcb/bcb_notes&coins.htm

Airport - http://www.civil-aviation.gov.bn/

Brunei International Airport - http://www.brunet.bn/gov/dca/fids/

Ports - http://www.ports.gov.bn/

Roads - http://www.asiatradehub.com/brunei/roads.asp

Telecommunications - http://www.asiatradehub.com/brunei/telecom.asp

Related links:

Brunei Direct - http://www.brudirect.com/BruneiInfo/info/brudirect__brunei_at_a_glance.htm

HSBC Brunei Business Profile - http://www.hsbc.com.hk/hk/bps/bsb/bsb_eco.htm