ECONOMIC CLIMATE. Brunei's economy is dependent on oil and gas and is the third biggest producer of crude oil in Southeast Asia right after Indonesia and Malaysia. Brunei is also the world's 4th largest producer of natural gas. Brunei's current oil and gas supplies are sufficient at least until 2015. Thus, Brunei's federal government has used its oil wealth for investments outside the region for future generations. Furthermore, the government seeks to develop the actual country's economy beyond on oil and gas but with little achievement.

Brunei's GDP was US$5. 2 billion with a GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT per capita of US$13, 879 in 2004. The economy increased at an average GDP growth of 3. 0% annually through 2000 to 2004 driven mainly by Brunei's foreign trade of oil and gas and therefore dependent by world oil and gas costs. Inflation was less than 1 . 5% in 2000-2001, encounter deflation in 2002-2003 but inflation eventually crept in 0. 9% in 2004. The government is Brunei's largest company and many of its citizens prefer to work with the government. The nation experienced increasing unemployment from 2002 to 2004 however remained below 5. 0%.

The industrial sector (mainly coal and oil related activities) contributed towards 56. 1% of Brunei's GDP in 2004. The service sector contributed towards forty. 3% while the agriculture sector contributed only 3. 6% during the period. Main industries are petroleum, petroleum improving, liquefied natural gas and construction. Major agriculture products consist of rice, vegetables, fruits, chicken and eggs.

DEMOGRAPHY. Brunei has a small population of slightly more than 370 1000. Brunei Malays are the largest ethnic group and take into account nearly 70% of population followed by Chinese accounting with regard to 15%. Others include indigenous people and immigrants that have settled in the country. Islam is the official religion of the state and 70% of the population practice the Muslim belief. Other religions include Buddhism, Christianity and indigenous methods. The official language is Malay while Brunei's Chinese local community often used the Chinese language within the community. The population is generally experienced in English since schools teach the language and utilized in higher education, business and the sciences.

Three quarters or 75% from the population live in the urban areas and mostly work throughout government services, oil and gas industry, wholesale and retail industry and construction. Major urban areas include the nation's capital Situs Seri Begawan, Muara, Tutong, Seria and Kuala Belait.
Poverty is practically nonexistent in the oil rich country of Brunei. Brunei's GDP per capita is half Singapore but based on purchasing power parity (PPP) it really is slightly less than Singapore. Nearly 70% of the households are part of the middle or high-income categories while the remaining 30% within the lower-income category.

INFRASTRUCTURE. Telecommunication services within the country beautifully shaped while reliability of services outside from Brunei is. Internet access is available throughout many parts of the country but broadband solutions are limited. Towns well connected by roads along with crosses the border into East Malaysia. Country offered by single international airport at Bandar Seri Begawan.

WORLDWIDE TRADE. Major trading partners include Japan, South Korea, Australia, US, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Singapore and Malaysia. Much of the imports from Singapore are Singapore's re-exports from a different nation. Major exports include crude oil, natural gas, refined oil products. Major imports include machineries and equipments, automobiles and vehicle parts, consumer goods, foods, construction components and chemicals.

CONSUMER USAGE OF TECHNOLOGY. Nearly all homes with Brunei have fixed-line telephones and the penetration of cell phones by population was 40% in 2004. Brunei's general human population have the financial means to install computers in their homes however the penetration in homes is low at 20%. Transmission of internet users is also low at 9% of the inhabitants or 34, 000 users. Nevertheless, nearly all homes around Brunei have televisions and refrigerators.

RETAIL MARKET. Marketers in to Southeast Asia often neglect Brunei as a potential marketplace because of its small consumer population. However , the country has the 2nd highest GDP per capita in the region after Singapore in addition to depends on imports for nearly all of its consumer goods plus foods. The estimated value of Brunei's retail market in 2004 had been US$390 million in 2004 of which foods accounted for nearly US$280 million. The "mom and pop" stores and small markets dominate the retail industry alongside a few shops and supermarkets. Consumers in Brunei often shop mix the border into Malaysia for wider choices of customer goods.

FOOD CULTURE. Foods eaten by the Malays are usually rice with spicy meat and vegetable dishes. But the people of Brunei are accustomed to Indian foods because of the numerous small Indian eateries across the country. Thus, homes frequently serve fish, chicken or beef curry dishes. Well-known food service establishments include Chinese, Indonesian, Indian, Thai and Japanese restaurants but interestingly few Malay dining places. Among the younger generation, many are accustomed to western style meals served by the fast food outlets and bakeries.

visit: http://bandartogelindonesia.com/