People and Society of Brunei

Nationality

Bruneian(s)

Ethnic Groups

Malay 67%, Chinese 15%, indigenous 6%, other 12%

Population

484,000

Population in Major Urban Areas

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (capital) 241,000 Note: the boundaries of the capital city were expanded in 2007, greatly increasing the city area; the population of the capital increased tenfold

There is adequate care for basic medical conditions in Brunei; however, for certain elective surgery or complicated care, the best medical care in the region is obtained in Singapore. Brunei has a number of public hospitals and clinics. The biggest ones are RIPAS Hospital in Bandar Seri Begawan and Tutong Hospital in the district of the same name. The largest private hospital is Jerudong Park Medical Center about 20 minutes by car outside of Bandar Seri Begawan, which is a facility comparable to those in the U.S. Brunei also hosts a number of private clinics, many of which are staffed by expatriates. More information can be found at the U.S. Embassy Website at Medication and prescriptions are readily available, but may not be the same brands as those found in the U.S. There are no major health concerns in Brunei.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in Brunei ranks among the highest in Southeast Asia, reflecting the country's well-funded healthcare infrastructure and relatively high standard of living. Current estimates place average life expectancy at birth at approximately 75 to 76 years overall, with women typically outliving men — around 77 to 78 years for females compared to roughly 73 to 74 years for males. Brunei's strong life expectancy figures are closely tied to the government's commitment to universal healthcare. The country operates a heavily subsidized public health system that provides citizens and permanent residents with access to hospitals, clinics, and specialist care at minimal or no cost. The Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital in Bandar Seri Begawan serves as the country's main referral hospital and is equipped with modern medical facilities and trained specialists. Several factors contribute to these favorable outcomes. Brunei benefits from a high per capita income, largely driven by its oil and gas sector, which enables significant government investment in health services, clean water infrastructure, and sanitation. These conditions reduce mortality risks associated with poverty-linked diseases that remain prevalent in less developed parts of the region. However, Brunei also faces health challenges that place pressure on longevity trends. Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity are growing concerns. The country has one of the higher rates of diabetes in Southeast Asia, and sedentary lifestyles combined with diets high in refined carbohydrates and fats have contributed to rising rates of metabolic conditions. The government has introduced public health campaigns and national wellness initiatives to address these trends and promote preventive care. Infant mortality rates in Brunei remain low, contributing positively to overall life expectancy figures. Comprehensive maternal and child health services provided by the government have helped keep neonatal and infant deaths at minimal levels. When compared globally, Brunei's life expectancy figures are competitive with many middle- and high-income nations, placing the country well above the global average and reflecting a healthcare system that, while not without challenges, successfully supports the long-term health and longevity of its population.

Infant Mortality Rate

Brunei maintains one of the lowest infant mortality rates in Southeast Asia, reflecting the country's robust healthcare infrastructure, high standard of living, and government commitment to universal health coverage. As of recent estimates, Brunei's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 9 to 10 deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure that places it well ahead of many of its regional neighbors and comparable to several developed nations. The government of Brunei funds a comprehensive public healthcare system that provides free or heavily subsidized medical services to citizens and permanent residents. This system ensures that expectant mothers have access to prenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal support — all critical factors in reducing infant deaths. Nearly all births in Brunei take place in medical facilities attended by trained healthcare professionals, which significantly lowers the risk of complications during delivery. Neonatal care units in Brunei's main hospitals, particularly the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital in Bandar Seri Begawan, are equipped with modern medical technology capable of managing premature births and newborn complications. This investment in specialized care has contributed meaningfully to the country's improving infant survival rates over recent decades. Brunei's high per capita income, driven largely by its petroleum and natural gas sector, supports a well-nourished population with access to clean water, sanitation, and adequate nutrition — all of which are closely linked to infant health outcomes. Maternal education levels are also relatively high, and health literacy among mothers contributes to better infant feeding practices, timely vaccination, and appropriate use of medical services. While Brunei's infant mortality rate remains low, continued vigilance is important. Health authorities continue to expand immunization programs, promote breastfeeding, and enhance neonatal monitoring protocols to drive the rate even lower. The country's trajectory suggests ongoing improvement, with the government targeting further reductions in child and infant mortality as part of its broader national development goals outlined in Wawasan Brunei 2035.

Literacy Definition

Age 15 and over can read and write

• Muslim (official)67.0%
• Buddhist13.0%
• Christian10.0%
• indigenous beliefs and other10.0%

Malay (official), English, Chinese

• English
• Malay

• His Majesty the Sultan's

  This is a joyous occasion during which the whole country celebrates with festivities. It usually starts when the people gather at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien, in the centre of Bandar Seri Begawan. The Sultan meets them and delivers the titah, speech, to mark the occasion. Following this is an investiture at the Istana Nurul Iman, and, for the next two weeks, a series of processions, parades and fireworks brighten the streets.

Crime Information

Most crimes that occur in Brunei are non-violent and crimes of opportunity, including residential burglaries and vehicle break-ins. While traveling or residing in Brunei, you can easily avoid being a victim of a crime of opportunity by simply practicing good security awareness. For example, securing valuables (remove from plain view), avoiding secluded locations, properly securing your residence and vehicle, and not traveling alone late at night. Crime in Brunei peaks in July and December, due to the holidays and schools being out of session. Overall, many crimes carry severe penalties, and punishments such as jail, fines, caning, or deportation (for foreigners).

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Brunei, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places, you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but are still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods, which are prevalent in Brunei. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Brunei, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going. If you violate Brunei laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use of, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Brunei are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences, heavy fines, and, possibly, death. Brunei has a mandatory death penalty for many narcotics offenses. Under the current law, possession of heroin, ecstasy, and morphine derivatives of more than 15 grams, Cocaine of more than 30 grams, Cannabis of more than 500 grams, Syabu (Methamphetamine) of more than 50 grams, or Opium of more than 1.2 kg., carries the death penalty. Possession of lesser amounts can result in a minimum twenty-year jail term and caning. Importation of firearms is prohibited; the illegal possession of firearms or explosives and drug use/possession carry severe penalties, including the possibility of the death penalty. Any attempts to circumvent alcohol controls can result in arrest and criminal prosecution. Gambling in Brunei is illegal. Prostitution is illegal and harsh penalties can result from engaging in the solicitation of prostitution. In addition, due to the conservative Muslim culture, any extramarital relations between a Muslim and non-Muslim, from simple acts such as holding hands or public displays of affection to sexual activity may be considered a crime in Brunei. If you are arrested in Brunei, authorities of Brunei are required to alert the U.S. Embassy of your arrest. If you are concerned the Department of State may not be aware of your situation, you should request the police to notify the closest U.S. Embassy of your arrest.