Brunei :: Economy

Agriculture rice, vegetables, fruits; chickens, water buffalo, cattle, goats, eggs

Industries petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction

Exports: crude oil, natural gas, refined products, clothing

Imports: machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicals

Currency: Bruneian dollar (BND)

Exchange rates: Bruneian dollars per US dollar - 1.5886 (2006)

Overview: Brunei has a small well-to-do economy that encompasses a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation, welfare measures, and village tradition. Crude oil and natural gas production account for just over half of GDP and more than 90% of exports. Per capita GDP is among the highest in Asia, and substantial income from overseas investment supplements income from domestic production. The government provides for all medical services and free education through the university level and subsidizes rice and housing.

Brunei's leaders are concerned that steadily increased integration in the world economy will undermine internal social cohesion. Plans for the future include upgrading the labor force, reducing unemployment, strengthening the banking and tourist sectors, and, in general, further widening the economic base beyond oil and gas.

Source: World Factbook, updated August 2007