Brunei/Society

Society in Brunei

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
458.9K(2023)
Population Growth
0.8%(2023)
Fertility Rate
1.75(2023)
Death Rate
5.2 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
0(2024)

Public Health

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Life Expectancy
75.3 years(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
9.4 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
36 per 100k(2023)
Health Expenditure (as share of GDP)
1.8%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

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Literacy Rate
97.6%(2021)
Primary Enrollment
93.1%(2018)
Secondary Enrollment
88.8%(2023)
Tertiary Enrollment
38.3(2023)
Education Expenditure (as share of GDP)
4.4%(2016)

Living Standards & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
99%(2023)
Access to Electricity
100%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
99.9%(2022)
Urban Population
363.3K(2023)
Rural Population
95.7K(2023)

Current Snapshot Overview

A summary of key social and demographic indicators for Brunei

  • Brunei has an estimated population of 459K
    2023
    , with a modest annual growth rate of 0.8%
    2023
    , suggesting a mature demographic transition with stable, but limitated, population increase. A below-replacement fertility rate of 1.7 births per woman
    2023
    suggests gradual population aging and potential future workforce shortages.
  • Regarding public health, the country maintains a reasonable health standard with a life expectancy of 75.3 years
    2023
    , though there is scope for further improvements to achieve higher global benchmarks. Concurrently, maternal and child health indicators show solid progress, with child mortality (under 5 years) at 9.4 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and maternal mortality at 36 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    , indicating improving but still developing services. These outcomes are supported by limited healthcare spending, at 1.8% of GDP
    2022
    , which may constrain comprehensive health system improvements and the attainment of higher health outcomes.
  • Strong educational foundations are evident in the high adult literacy rate of 98%
    2021
    , which significantly contributes to human capital development. Complementing this, educational access shows solid progress through 93% primary enrollment
    2018
    and 89% secondary participation rates
    2023
    . This educational framework is supported by moderate public support, with 4.4% of GDP allocated to public educational expenditure
    2016
    , reflecting a balanced approach to funding.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the predominantly urban character, with 79% urban population
    2023
    , supports modern economic structures while maintaining important rural-urban linkages. Furthermore, infrastructure modernization is highly advanced, with near-universal electricity access and high digital connectivity (99% internet penetration
    2023
    ), strategically positioning the country for robust participation in the global digital economy.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

The combination of low fertility and net emigration poses significant long-term risks to workforce sustainability and economic vitality.

Public Health System

Public health outcomes are a core indicator of national development and quality of life. Access to healthcare is essential for sustainable growth.

Human Capital Formation

Educational attainment is a direct driver of economic innovation and global competitiveness. Investment in education is key to unlocking human potential.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

A highly urbanized, digitally connected society creates a strong foundation for service-based industries and global market access.

More About This Country

Neighbors & Regional Peers

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.