Brunei :: People

Population: 374,577 (July 2007 est.)
0-14 years: 27.8% (male 53,512; female 50,529)
Brunei is the smallest country in Southeast Asia by population but one of its wealthiest because of its natural resources of oil and natural gas. Some of its wealth is used to provide free medical treatment in hospitals and in rural clinics; free education up to university; and subsidies for pilgrimage to Mecca. Citizens do not pay taxes.
Ethnic groups: Malay 67%,
Chinese 15%, indigenous 6%, other 12%

Brunei's indigenous groups include the Belait, Bisaya, Dusun, Kedayan, Murut and Tutong peoples.

Religions: Muslim (official) 67%,
Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%, other (includes indigenous beliefs) 10%

Languages: Malay (official), English, Chinese

Literacy rate: 92.7% (of those age 15 and above) can read and write (2001 census)

Source of statistics: World Factbook, updated August 2007