Compare Ashmore and Cartier Islands (2004) - Brunei (2003)

Ashmore and Cartier Islands (2004)

Brunei (2003)

Administrative divisions

-

4 districts (daerah-daerah, singular - daerah); Belait, Brunei and Muara, Temburong, Tutong

Age structure

-

0-14 years: 29.6% (male 54,118; female 51,902)

15-64 years: 67.6% (male 128,421; female 113,480)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 4,804; female 5,373) (2003 est.)

Agriculture - products

-

rice, vegetables, fruits, chickens, water buffalo

Airports

-

2 (2002)

Airports - with paved runways

-

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways

-

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)

Area

total: 5 sq km

land: 5 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island

total: 5,770 sq km

land: 5,270 sq km

water: 500 sq km

Area - comparative

about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

slightly smaller than Delaware

Background

These uninhabited islands came under Australian authority in 1931; formal administration began two years later. Ashmore Reef supports a rich and diverse avian and marine habitat; in 1983, it became a National Nature Reserve. Cartier Island, a former bombing range, is now a marine reserve.

The Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15th and 17th centuries when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequently entered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in the developing world.

Birth rate

-

19.68 births/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Budget

-

revenues: $2.5 billion

expenditures: $2.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.35 billion (1997 est.)

Capital

-

Bandar Seri Begawan

Climate

tropical

tropical; hot, humid, rainy

Coastline

74.1 km

161 km

Constitution

-

29 September 1959 (some provisions suspended under a State of Emergency since December 1962, others since independence on 1 January 1984)

Country name

conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands

conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands

conventional long form: Negara Brunei Darussalam

conventional short form: Brunei

Currency

-

Bruneian dollar (BND)

Death rate

-

3.39 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.)

Debt - external

-

$0

Dependency status

territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services

-

Diplomatic representation from the US

none (territory of Australia)

chief of mission: Ambassador Gene B. CHRISTY

embassy: Third Floor, Teck Guan Plaza, Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan

mailing address: PSC 470 (BSB), FPO AP 96507

telephone: [673] (2) 229670

FAX: [673] (2) 225293

Diplomatic representation in the US

none (territory of Australia)

chief of mission: Ambassador Anak Dato Haji PUTEH

chancery: 3520 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 237-1838

FAX: [1] (202) 885-0560

Disputes - international

Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore Reef; Australia has closed the surrounding waters to Indonesian traditional fishing and has created a national park in the region while continuing to prospect for hydrocarbons in the vicinity

Involved in dispute over the Spratly Islands with China, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam; Brunei established an exclusive economic fishing zone encompassing Louisa Reef in southern Spratly Islands in 1984 but makes no public territorial claim to the offshore reefs; claimants in November 2002 signed the "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea", a mechanism to ease tension but which fell short of a legally binding "code of conduct"

Economic aid - recipient

-

$4.3 million (1995)

Economy - overview

no economic activity

This small, wealthy economy encompasses a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation, welfare measures, and village tradition. Crude oil and natural gas production account for nearly half of GDP. Per capita GDP is far above most other Third World countries, and substantial income from overseas investment supplements income from domestic production. The government provides for all medical services and subsidizes rice and housing. Brunei's leaders are concerned that steadily increased integration in the world economy will undermine internal social cohesion, although it became a more prominent player by serving as chairman for the 2000 APEC (Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation) forum. 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.

Electricity - consumption

-

2.322 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - exports

-

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - imports

-

0 kWh (2001)

Electricity - production

-

2.497 billion kWh (2001)

Electricity - production by source

-

fossil fuel: 100%

hydro: 0%

nuclear: 0%

other: 0% (2001)

Elevation extremes

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location 3 m

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

highest point: Bukit Pagon 1,850 m

Environment - current issues

NA

seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires in Indonesia

Environment - international agreements

-

party to: Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Ethnic groups

-

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

Exchange rates

-

Bruneian dollars per US dollar - 1.79 (2002), 1.79 (2001), 1.72 (2000), 1.69 (1999), 1.67 (1998)

Executive branch

-

chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet: Council of Cabinet Ministers appointed and presided over by the monarch; deals with executive matters; note - there is also a Religious Council (members appointed by the monarch) that advises on religious matters, a Privy Council (members appointed by the monarch) that deals with constitutional matters, and the Council of Succession (members appointed by the monarch) that determines the succession to the throne if the need arises

elections: none; the monarch is hereditary

Exports

-

NA (2001)

Exports - commodities

-

crude oil, natural gas, refined products

Exports - partners

-

Japan 40.3%, South Korea 12.3%, Thailand 12.1%, Australia 9.2%, US 8.1%, China 6.4%, Singapore 5.7% (2002)

Fiscal year

-

calendar year

Flag description

the flag of Australia is used

yellow with two diagonal bands of white (top, almost double width) and black starting from the upper hoist side; the national emblem in red is superimposed at the center; the emblem includes a swallow-tailed flag on top of a winged column within an upturned crescent above a scroll and flanked by two upraised hands

GDP

-

purchasing power parity - $6.5 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - composition by sector

-

agriculture: 5%

industry: 45%

services: 50% (2001 est.)

GDP - per capita

-

purchasing power parity - $18,600 (2002 est.)

GDP - real growth rate

-

3% (2002 est.)

Geographic coordinates

12 14 S, 123 05 E

4 30 N, 114 40 E

Geography - note

Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983

close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian and Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by Malaysia; almost an enclave of Malaysia

Heliports

-

3 (2002)

Highways

-

total: 2,525 km

paved: 2,525 km

unpaved: 0 km (2000)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

-

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Illicit drugs

-

drug trafficking and illegally importing controlled substances are serious offenses in Brunei and carry a mandatory death penalty

Imports

-

NA (2001)

Imports - commodities

-

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicals

Imports - partners

-

Singapore 30.6%, Japan 21.5%, Malaysia 17.4%, UK 6.1%, Hong Kong 4% (2002)

Independence

-

1 January 1984 (from UK)

Industrial production growth rate

-

5% (2002 est.)

Industries

-

petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction

Infant mortality rate

-

total: 13.5 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 17.09 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 9.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

-

-2% (2002 est.)

International organization participation

-

APEC, ARF, ASEAN, C, ESCAP, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDB, IFRCS, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

-

2 (2000)

Irrigated land

0 sq km (1998 est.)

10 sq km (1998 est.)

Judicial branch

-

Supreme Court (chief justice and judges are sworn in by the monarch for three-year terms)

Labor force

-

143,400

note: includes foreign workers and military personnel; temporary residents make up about 40% of labor force (1999 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

-

government 48%, production of oil, natural gas, services, and construction 42%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 10% (1999 est.)

Land boundaries

0 km

total: 381 km

border countries: Malaysia 381 km

Land use

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (all grass and sand) (2001)

arable land: 0.57%

permanent crops: 0.76%

other: 98.67% (1998 est.)

Languages

-

Malay (official), English, Chinese

Legal system

the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia, where applicable, apply

based on English common law; for Muslims, Islamic Shari'a law supersedes civil law in a number of areas

Legislative branch

-

unicameral Legislative Council or Majlis Masyuarat Megeri (a privy council that serves only in a consultative capacity; NA seats; members appointed by the monarch)

elections: last held in March 1962

note: in 1970 the Council was changed to an appointive body by decree of the monarch; an elected Legislative Council is being considered as part of constitutional reform, but elections are unlikely for several years

Life expectancy at birth

-

total population: 74.3 years

male: 71.9 years

female: 76.82 years (2003 est.)

Literacy

-

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 91.8%

male: 94.8%

female: 88.5% (2003 est.)

Location

Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between north-western Australia and Timor island

Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia

Map references

Southeast Asia

Maritime claims

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 12 nm

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 NM or to median line

territorial sea: 12 NM

Merchant marine

-

total: 8 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 465,937 GRT/413,393 DWT

ships by type: liquefied gas 8

note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of convenience: UK 7 (2002 est.)

Military - note

defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force

-

Military branches

-

Land Forces, Navy, Air Force, Royal Brunei Police

Military expenditures - dollar figure

-

$329.7 million (FY02)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP

-

5% (FY02)

Military manpower - availability

-

males age 15-49: 110,888 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service

-

males age 15-49: 63,966 (2003 est.)

Military manpower - military age

-

18 years of age (2003 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually

-

males: 3,277 (2003 est.)

National holiday

-

National Day, 23 February (1984); note - 1 January 1984 was the date of independence from the UK, 23 February 1984 was the date of independence from British protection

Nationality

-

noun: Bruneian(s)

adjective: Bruneian

Natural hazards

surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards

typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rare

Natural resources

fish

petroleum, natural gas, timber

Net migration rate

-

3.75 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.)

People - note

the landing of illegal immigrants from Indonesia's Rote Island has become an ongoing problem

-

Pipelines

-

gas 665 km; oil 439 km (2003)

Political parties and leaders

-

Brunei Solidarity National Party or PPKB in Malay [Haji Mohd HATTA bin Haji Zainal Abidin, president]; note - the PPKB is the only legal political party in Brunei; it was registered in 1985 but became largely inactive after 1988; it was revived in 1995 and again in 1998; it has less than 200 registered party members; other parties include Brunei People's Party or PRB (banned in 1962) and Brunei National Democratic Party (registered in May 1965, deregistered by the Brunei Government in 1988)

Political pressure groups and leaders

-

NA

Population

no indigenous inhabitants

note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island (July 2004 est.)

358,098 (July 2003 est.)

Population below poverty line

-

NA%

Population growth rate

-

2% (2003 est.)

Ports and harbors

none; offshore anchorage only

Bandar Seri Begawan, Kuala Belait, Muara, Seria, Tutong

Radio broadcast stations

-

AM 3, FM 10, shortwave 0 (1998)

Railways

-

total: 13 km (private line)

narrow gauge: 13 km 0.610-m gauge (2001 est.)

Religions

-

Muslim (official) 67%, Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%, indigenous beliefs and other 10%

Sex ratio

-

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.13 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female

total population: 1.1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)

Suffrage

-

none

Telephone system

-

general assessment: service throughout the country is excellent; international service is good to East Asia, Europe, and the US

domestic: every service available

international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean); digital submarine cable links to Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore (2001)

Telephones - main lines in use

-

79,000 (1996)

Telephones - mobile cellular

-

43,524 (1996)

Television broadcast stations

-

2 (1997)

Terrain

low with sand and coral

flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west