Brunei population religion. Malay is the official language, but English is widely used in commerce. Create custom graphs. Nov 6, 2018 · Religious Beliefs In Brunei A mosque in Brunei. About 66% of the population are Muslim. According to the government’s 2021 census (the most recent), there are 441,000 residents in the country; according to the census, 82. Though primarily Brunei is a Muslim country, people who belong to some religion also inhabit this place. Population of Brunei: today, historical, and projected population, growth rate, immigration, median age. According to the government’s 2022 census, 82. 8 percent of the population is Muslim, 8. However, other religions also have a considerable foothold in Brunei: 6. Islam is the official religion of Brunei, and it deeply permeates the country’s legal, social, and political systems. 3% is Buddhist. According to the CIA World Factbook, 78. . 7% of the population is Christian and another 7. 7% of the population is Christian and another 6. Sep 18, 2021 · Source: CIA World Factbook This page was last updated on September 18, 2021 The small but diverse population of Brunei Darussalam includes, alongside its ethnic Malay majority, a significant Chinese minority, a number of indigenous peoples and a variety of smaller immigrant communities from Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh and elsewhere. As of July 2019, the population of the country was estimated at approximately 433,000. 3 percent), and other faiths (4. The World Factbook served the Intelligence Community and the general public as a longstanding, one-stop basic reference about countries and communities around the globe. Its society is shaped by centuries of Malay heritage, the influence of Islam as the state religion, and the vision of a monarch whose Gross domestic product per capita in relation to Germany, 2023 Population Population total 1,000 453 (2023) Source: WB-WDI Islam is the official religion of Brunei Darussalam as stated in the Brunei Constitution, with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan as the head of the Islamic faith in the country. 1% of Brunei's population is Muslim. ( 2 ) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, ( 3 ) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, ( 4 ) United Nations Statistical Division. Update to date information about population of Brunei in 2026. The majority of the population identifies as Malay Muslims; though, various ethnic groups—including Chinese, Indigenous peoples, and Indians—substantially Sep 28, 2024 · The majority of the population being Muslim highlights the unique cultural and religious tapestry of the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam. Population clock live, current, historical and projected population. Feb 4, 2026 · One of CIA’s oldest and most recognizable intelligence publications, The World Factbook, has sunset. mostly Sunnis of Malay origin who follow the Shafi school of Islamic law. 1% are Christian, 7. Brunei is officially Muslim, and Malay is the official language. 7% (2011 est. French sociologist Émile Durkheim (one of the principal The U. This gave rise to structures of beliefs and practices that were later defined as religion. [2] The population has increased more than twelve-fold since the first decade of the twentieth century. Population, total - Brunei Darussalam ( 1 ) United Nations Population Division. Jul 2, 2019 · Brunei experienced an economic boom in the 1990s and 2000s with the GDP rising by 56% from 1999 to 2008 thanks to vast the extensive deposits of natural gas and petroleum. 9 percent). However, Brunei also practices religious tolerance as underwritten by the constitution. This Long Read considers the significance of political culture, demography, and religious elites’ training as factors contributing to contemporary trends. It achieved independence in 1984, having been a British protectorate since 1888. Linguistic Affiliation. 75 sq mi) and has a population of 72,133 as of 2025 estimate. 8 percent Buddhist, while the remaining 4. 8%, Christian 8. Demographics of Brunei The Citizens of Brunei are known as Bruneians. Other […] Religion In Brunei - Encyclopedia Information Among religions in Brunei, Sunni Islam is predominant. According to the latest estimates, around 79% of Brunei’s population identifies as Muslim. [1] Islam Find out how Brunei ranks internationally on Religion. ) Definition: This entry is an ordered listing of religions by adherents starting with the largest group and sometimes includes the percent of total population. Religion Islam is the official religion of Brunei Darussalam as stated in the Brunei Constitution, with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan as the head of the Islamic faith in the country. Learn about the philosophies, religious beliefs and long-held traditions of the people in Brunei Darussalam. The national philosophy of Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB), or Malay Islamic Monarchy, fuses Malay ethnic identity, Islamic doctrine Brunei: Largest Religious Groups (1900 - 2050) (World Religion Database, 2025) 2 The following groups with less than 1% of the population were hidden from this graph: Lamaists, Saktists, Shaivites, Shias, unaffiliated Christians, Vaishnavites. 7 percent), Buddhists (6. [4] It is the Islam is the official religion of Brunei Darussalam and has been since the 14th century. There is significant variation in religious identification among ethnic groups Christianity in Brunei is the second largest religion practiced by about 8. As per the World Population Prospects report, by the United Nations, the population of Brunei in 2026 is 462,104 (4. 3 percent Buddhist, while the remaining 4. Religious Life and Institutions in Brunei The Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam, located on the island of Borneo, has a small but diverse population. [3] It is part of Brunei–Muara District, the smallest yet most populous district which is home to over 70 percent of the country's population. Religious Demography s the total population at 478,054 (midyear 2022). Facts and statistics about the Ethnic groups of Brunei. It is officially a municipal area (kawasan bandaran) with an area of 100. Over many decades, The World Factbook evolved from a Jan 12, 2024 · World Population by Religion: A Global Tapestry of Faith By Pam Wasserman | January 12, 2024 Religion Demographics of the World Since the beginning of humanity, people have sought reasons for the creation of our world and our intelligent species. Brunei is the least populated country in Asia. The last third is almost evenly divided into Buddhists (primarily ethnic Chinese), Christians, and other belief systems, including indigenous belief systems. Get the facts and compare to other countries! Want to know the number and percentage of religions in Brunei. 9% subscribe to various religions, including indigenous religions. 2K views 2 years ago Total Population of Brunei Population of religion wise Bruneimore Sep 23, 2021 · In our latest post, Professor Ann Black of the University of Queensland Australia writes about covenantal pluralism in Brunei. Aug 5, 2024 · Sarawak and Brunei, as neighbouring entities, offer interesting insights through the divergence in their pluralist and conservative trajectories. Christians and Religion in Brunei is officially Islam under the Shafi'i school of Sunni Islam, practiced by 82. Islam was introduced to Brunei by traders arriving from Persia, Arabia, India, China and by the 14th century the royal house had by then converted to Islam. 7 percent Christian, and 7. The remaining 4. Data tables, maps, charts, and live population clock. As of 2025, the country had a population of 466,330, [22] of whom approximately 64,409 resided in the capital and largest city of Bandar Seri Begawan. 1% are Buddhist and the remaining 5. 7 percent Christian, and 6. 7%, Buddhist 7. Learn about other religions and practices in Brunei. CountryReports - Your World Discovered! Islam is Brunei's official religion, 83% of the population is Muslim, [1] most of the other Muslim groups are Malay Kedayans (converts from indigenous tribal groups), local Chinese and Dayak Iban converts. 0% practice several other religions. Jun 11, 2021 · Brunei Population and religion percentage Brunei, officially the Nation of Brunei, is a country located on the north coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. 36 square kilometres (38. Christians and Buddhists both account for about 8%. Updated as of 2020. The country covers a total area of 5,765 square km and has a population of around 423,196 individuals. Demographic data, ethnic groups population and demographics from Brunei. The distribution of population is Brunei-Muara, 66 percent; Belait, 20 percent; Tutong, 11 percent; and Temburong, 3 percent. A country that derives its name from "Abode of Peace", Black describes how the country's policies are shaped by particular Islamic beliefs and the challenge they pose to religious minorities and peace with the "other". [1] The Constitution of Brunei states that "The religion of Brunei Darussalam shall be the Muslim religion according to the Shafi'i sect of that religion", although it also guarantees religious freedom, albeit with restrictions. The remaining 5% subscribe to various religions, including indigenous 2 days ago · The current population of Brunei Darussalam is 476,598 as of Sunday, March 22, 2026. [2][3][4] According to Brunei's official 2016 data, 7% May 13, 2025 · Navigating the Ethno-Religious Complexity in Brunei Darussalam The ethno-religious complexity among minorities in Brunei Darussalam is both intricate and layered, shaped by historical developments as well as modern societal trends. S. There was no change Among religions in Brunei, Sunni Islam is predominant. A small percentage of the population also practices Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Hinduism, and some traditional religions. Sep 18, 2021 · Complete profile for Brunei. Other faiths practiced in the State include Christianity and Buddhism. government estimates the total population at 485,000(midyear 2023). List of religious populations in Brunei Demographics of Brunei Brunei population pyramid in 2020 The demographic features of Brunei include population density, ethnicity, education level, health of the populace, economic status, religious affiliations and other aspects of the population. About 79% of Brunei's population identifies as Muslim, primarily following the Sunni Islam's Shafi'i school of thought. government estimates the total population at 485,000 (midyear 2023). 7% of the population as of 2022. The Role of Islam in Brunei’s Legal System Brunei’s legal system is a mix of secular law and Sharia, the Islamic law. Population Pyramid, Age Structure, Sex Ratio (Males to Females), Life Expectancy, Dependency Ratio of Brunei Darussalam This Perspective offers a nuanced understanding of the interplay between religion and ethnicity among minority groups in Brunei Darussalam, a nation where Islam constitutes the majority religion and where religious proselytisation, except for Islam, is strictly forbidden. While Article 3(1) of the Constitution The U. Includes country demographics, geography, government, economy, telecommunications, transportation, military, and transnational issues. 9% of Bruneians are Muslims, 7. Buddhism is the second most widely practiced religion here with 13% of the population identifying as Buddhist. Mar 17, 2015 · Key facts about Brunei and its people, including figures for area, population, main languages, religions, exports, and more. 7 percent consis Sep 18, 2021 · Religions: Muslim (official) 78. Brunei Darussalam has a youthful population as 40% are below the age of 25 and 47% are of employment age (25-54 years old). " However, the Government imposed many restrictions on non-Shafi'i and non-Islamic religious practice. Freedom of religion in Brunei The constitution of Brunei states that while the official religion is the Shafi'i school of Sunni Islam, all other religions may be practiced "in peace and harmony. The majority of the population adheres to Islam, which is manifest at many levels of Brunei society. While Islam is the official religion, around a fifth of the population subscribe to Christianity, Buddhism, animism or other Section I. It is a Muslim-majority nation and one of the few Islamic sultanates in the world that has survived into the 21st century. Thus Islam plays a central role in the life of every Muslim in Brunei Darussalam. 62 Lakh) Mar 13, 2026 · Details and statistics about Brunei, a country in Asia known for its pristine rainforests and Islamic architecture. Subscribed 8 1. According to the 2011 census (the most recent), 78. The remaining 5% subscribe to various religions, including indigenous religions. World Population Prospects: 2022 Revision. The small Southeast Asian nation of Brunei is located on the northern coast of the island of Borneo. Its population, while not massive, is diverse, and the dominant religion plays a central role in daily life and governance. Islam is the official religion of Brunei; Muslims make up over 78% of the population. [2] Other reports suggest that this number may be as high as 12%. Bandar Seri Begawan[a] (BSB) is the capital and largest city of Brunei. Let’s take a quick look into the history of The World Factbook. 7 percent consist of other religions, including indigenous beliefs Mar 16, 2026 · Brunei, independent Islamic sultanate on the northern coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Le premier vicaire apostolique du diocèse de Miri-Brunei est Cornelius Sim, ordonné comme évêque en 2005, créé cardinal lors du consistoire du 28 novembre 2020 et décédé en 2021. Religious Demography The U. Baha'i - Founded by Mirza While Brunei is indeed a devoutly Muslim country, the national philosophy is one of respectful tolerance, allowing for the practice of other religions and beliefs. Setting its arguments in context, this paper engenders the discourse of integrational, religious and cultural ambivalence. Most Buddhists in Brunei adhere to the Mahayana school of Buddhism. Jun 9, 2025 · Find how many and what percent of people in 201 countries and territories identify with each religious group, and how diverse these places are as of 2010 and 2020. The constitution of Brunei declares that the state religion is Sunni Islam, but other religions may be practised ‘in peace and harmony’. Jul 6, 2024 · By Chang-Yau Hoon and Asiyah Kumpoh Since 1959, when Brunei Darussalam’s Constitution was established, Islam was formally declared the state religion. Situated on the northern coast of Borneo, Brunei Darussalam is a small but influential Southeast Asian nation where cultural pride and Islamic devotion converge. Majority of the population are Malays with an estimated 258,465 people (2011); followed by Chinese with 40,534 people; and 94,373 people comprising of other minor groups. The government actively promotes Islamic values and education, ensuring Mar 15, 2021 · Both Protestants and Roman Catholics live in Brunei. Brunei is a constitutional Islamic monarchy (commonly referred to as a sultanate). There is significant variation in religious identification among ethnic groups Brunei Darussalam has seven ethnics comprising of Malay, Kedayan, Belait, Tutong, Bisaya, Murut, Dusun. In-deed, this monarchy is founded upon the teachings of Islam and the state supports the institutional de-velopment of the faith. The Great Mosque in Brunei Yet, the population continues to grow because of the large number of women of reproductive age and a reliance on foreign labor – mainly from Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and South Asian countries – to fill low-skilled jobs. Brunei has a population of 382,000, and its GDP (gross domestic product) per capita is one of the highest in Asia. 8%, other (includes indigenous beliefs) 4. Many cultural and linguistic differences make Brunei Malays distinct from the larger Malay populations in nearby Malaysia and Indonesia BRUNEI BASICS: INTRODUCTION, GEOGRAPHY, CLIMATE, PEOPLE, LANGUAGE AND RELIGION INTRODUCTION Brunei Darussalam (Brunei) is mainly known for two things: First it is the home of the Sultan of Brunei, Sir Hassanal Bolkiah, once the richest man in the world, and still pretty rich, with an estimated worth $10 to $20 billion. Le sultanat compte trois paroisses catholiques romaines qui appartiennent au vicariat apostolique de Brunei. 9 percent identify with other religions, including Indigenous beliefs. Religion in Brunei explained Among religions in Brunei, Sunni Islam is predominant. 7 percent consists of other religions, including indigenous beliefs. Sep 24, 2025 · The story of Brunei Culture National Identity and Religion is one of harmony, faith, and tradition. [5] The ruling monarch is depicted as the defender of Islam in the country under The demographic features of Brunei include population density, ethnicity, education level, health of the populace, economic status, religious affiliations and other aspects of the population. Brunei is the only sovereign state entirely on Borneo; the remainder of the island is divided between its multi-landmass neighbours of Malaysia and Indonesia. The U. Brunei population. The capital is Bandar Seri Begawan, which is located in the country’s larger western segment. Births, deaths and migration of population. This paper sets out the conceptual imperatives of culture, ethnicity and integration in order to demonstrate how people from different origins, religions and ethnicities settled in Brunei and ended up melting in Brunei society. [2] Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque at Aug 4, 2022 · Brunei Population includes people from various ethnic groups such as Chinese (15%), Malay (67%), Indigenous (6%) and other groups (12%). Over many decades, The World Factbook evolved from a Dec 23, 2024 · Climate Natural resources People and Society Population Ethnic groups Languages Religions Brunei population. Religion Muslim is the official religion of Brunei and nearly two thirds of the population adheres to this religion; nearly all of whom are ethnically Malay. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Islam is Brunei’s official religion. government estimates the total population at 451,000 (July 2018 estimate). Section I. Sharia courts in Brunei follow the Shafi’i school of Islamic jurisprudence. The majority of Christians are ethnically Chinese. The country has a population of 484,991 the majority of whom are Muslim (82. government estimates the total population at 464,000 (midyear 2020 estimate). Religious freedom is protected by the national law, however, and several other religions are practiced here as well. 1 percent of the population are Muslim, 6. Population of Brunei Darussalam: current, historical, and projected population, growth rate, immigration, median age, total fertility rate (TFR), population density, urbanization, urban population, country's share of world population, and global rank. 1 percent of the population according to the 2022 census, with the remainder comprising Christians (6. Islam is Brunei's official religion, 64 percent of the population is Muslim. Brunei - Religion Although the constitution protects religious freedom, other laws and policies restrict this right, and in practice, the government generally enforced these restrictions. Buddhism is the third largest religion in Brunei, after the majority state religion of Islam, and the slightly larger minority religion Christianity. " Apostasy and blasphemy are legally punishable by corporal and capital punishment, including stoning to death, amputation of hands or feet, or caning. government estimates the total population at 478,054 (midyear 2022). 1 percent of the population are Muslim, 8. Data tables, maps, charts, and live population clock With Islam as the of cial religion of the country, 80. According to the 2011 census, 78. Oct 24, 2023 · The Sultanate of Brunei is a Malay Islamic Monarchy located on the north coast of the island of Borneo – an island shared with two other countries, namely Indonesia and Malaysia – in Southeast Asia. There is significant variation in religious identification among ethnic groups By examining how religion and ethnicity intersect and how religious minorities negotiate their space to practise their religions in Muslim-majority Brunei, this Perspective unveils the agency of religious minorities in navigating state-society relations. According to Boston University’s 2020 World Religions Database, the population Jun 25, 2019 · Practiced by almost the entire population, Islam is the main religion of Brunei Darussalam. Brunei takes its religion very seriously and has developed a strong Islamic reputation around the world. 1%). Maps, charts and statistics of Brunei ethnic people groups, languages and religions. This strong Islamic presence influences various aspects of life, from the legal system to cultural practices. Jan 20, 2009 · The Constitution states, "The religion of Brunei Darussalam shall be the Muslim religion according to the Shafi'i sect of that religion: Provided that all other religions may be practiced in peace and harmony by the person professing them in any part of Brunei Darussalam. Among religions in Brunei, Sunni Islam is predominant. government estimates the total population at 471,000 (midyear 2021). Jan 6, 2026 · The Religious Demographics of Brunei When we talk about religion in Brunei, Islam immediately comes to the forefront. A third of the Le christianisme à Brunei est la religion d'entre 7556 personnes 3 et 38 000 7 habitants du sultanat. What it means to be a Christian in Brunei Around 80% of Brunei’s population are Muslim. Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, a Nov 17, 2025 · Islam is the state religion of Brunei, and it plays a central role in the nation's identity. In 2021, the government census showed that 82. [1] Islam is the state religion of The U. Dec 5, 2018 · The Sultan of Brunei acts as both the political and religious leader of this country. Sortable and downloadable Brunei data. Among religions in Brunei, Sunni Islam is predominant. The official religion of Brunei Section I. 8% of the country’s population adhere to Islam. However, other religions also have a considerable foothold in Brunei: 8. Most of the other Muslim groups are Kedayans (converts from indigenous tribal groups) and Chinese converts. 8% is Buddhist. Detailed overview of religion by country, showcasing the diversity of religious beliefs and practices worldwide, including insights into the predominant religions practiced in different nations. Dec 4, 2025 · Brunei, officially known as the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace, is a small but incredibly rich country located on the north coast of the island of Borneo. The core characteristics and beliefs of the world's major religions are described below. [2] Estimates vary, but some reports place the number of Buddhists in Brunei around 30,000, [2] and the estimated percentage of Buddhists in Brunei around 7–8% of the total population. Three Roman Catholic parishes exist in the country. Islam is Brunei 's official religion, 83% of the population is Muslim, [1] most of the other Muslim groups are Malay Kedayans (converts from indigenous tribal groups), local Chinese and Dayak Iban converts. This chapter contributes to a further and deeper understanding of the demography of Brunei Darussalam, a country steeped in culture and religion, abundant in natural resources, but small in population size and pool of labour. Like neighbouring countries, Brunei is a Malay -majority country. nydn uztztb lewxj htez urfdfj xqi qqcdcgw zsfy isiz emcteiut