And Now.... BRUNEI
Data Page
Except for the tropical forests covering 75% of Brunei, this country's only major resources are gas and oil. Brunei uses them! It's the third largest oil producer in Southeast Asia and the world's fourth largest producer of liquefied natural gas. Exports of both products rack up trade surpluses (see below) and allow the government to employ almost half the workforce. Oil wealth also helps maintain the standard of living. The UN's "Human Development Report" ranks Brunei 32nd, worldwide, for achievements in life expectancy, education, and income.
Here's a profile of Brunei Darussalam at the start of the new millennium:
| Area | 2,226 sq mi (slightly smaller than Delaware) |
| Population | 344 thousand (31% are under 15 years of age) |
| Urban Percent | 67% (most live in or near the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan) |
| Languages | Malay (official), English, Chinese |
| Religion | Islam (official) 67%, Buddhism 13%, Christianity 10%, Others (including indigenous forms) 10% |
| Government | Constitutional sultanate (monarchy)*; Chief of state and head of government, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah |
| GDP (2000) | $5.9 billion |
| Inflation | 1% |
| Sources of GDP | Agriculture 5%, Industry 46%, Services 49% |
| Industries | Petroleum, petroleum products, natural gas, construction |
| Exports (1999) | $2.55 billion |
| Imports | $1.3 billion |
| Trading Partners | Japan, Singapore, USA, UK, USA, Malaysia, South Korea |
*Some provisions of Brunei's constitution have been suspended under
a state of emergency that was declared in 1962.
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© Learning Enrichment, Inc. Content last updated: January 2002. Page last reviewed: February 2002 .