Brunei Darussalam 2024-2026 IFRC network country plan (3 ...

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JOINT SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS

Brunei Darussalam is located on the northwestern coast of the island of Borneo, neighbouring East Malaysia and the Kalimantan provinces of Indonesia. As of the year 2021, Brunei Darussalam’s population was approximately 440,715 individuals, making it the country with the lowest population in Southeast Asia. The fertility rate within Brunei Darussalam has been steadily declining over the last few decades. Between 2001 and 2011, the fertility rate was recorded at 1.7 per cent, which further decreased to 1.1 per cent in the year 2021. This declining trend suggests a potential shift in family planning and demographic dynamics within Brunei Darussalam.

Brunei Darussalam’s population is characterized by a gender distribution of 52.7 per cent men, comprising approximately 232,194 individuals, and 47.3 per cent women, accounting for an estimated population of 208,521 individuals.

Brunei Darussalam spans over 5,765 square kilometres and is divided into four districts, namely Brunei Muara, Belait, Tutong, and Temburong. Brunei Muara is the most populous, with approximately 72 per cent of the nation’s population residing within its boundaries. Despite being characterized as a small country, Brunei Darussalam is classified as a high-income country with GNI per capita of USD 31,410 in 2022, the second highest in the ASEAN. The country’s economy primarily relies on the oil and gas sector, which accounts for nearly 90 per cent of its export revenue. As of 2022, Brunei reported an unemployment rate of 5.2 per cent, which marked an increase from the 4.9 per cent recorded in 2021.

Brunei Darussalam operates as an absolute monarchy, where executive authority is concentrated in the Sultan, who holds full political control. The legal system in the country is based on the English common law and Islamic law.

Brunei’s commitment to continue prosperity and stable macroeconomic growth is underscored by Wawasan 2035, the government’s national vision. Wawasan 2035 provides for the promotion of investments both in downstream industries and economic clusters beyond the oil and gas industry.