Brunei population by religion. 2 days ago · The current population of Brunei Darussalam is 476,598 as of Sunday, March 22, 2026. There is significant variation in religious identification among ethnic groups Sep 18, 2021 · Source: CIA World Factbook This page was last updated on September 18, 2021 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. Jun 25, 2019 · Practiced by almost the entire population, Islam is the main religion of Brunei Darussalam. Other faiths practiced in the State include Christianity and Buddhism. Mar 13, 2026 · Details and statistics about Brunei, a country in Asia known for its pristine rainforests and Islamic architecture. 1 Indonesia is the country with the world’s largest Muslim population (203 million); about 13% of all Muslims in the world live in Indonesia. 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. Data for this map and article is sourced from the U. ) Definition: This entry is an ordered listing of religions by adherents starting with the largest group and sometimes includes the percent of total population. The capital is Bandar Seri Begawan, which is located in the country’s larger western segment. 9 percent of the population; 44,000 followers of Indigenous religions, 10 percent of the population; and 42,000 Buddhists, 9. Setting its arguments in context, this paper engenders the discourse of integrational, religious and cultural ambivalence. Islam Source Islam is the most widely practised religion in Southeast Asia with majorities in Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia. Brunei is the least populated country in Asia. Includes country demographics, geography, government, economy, telecommunications, transportation, military, and transnational issues. In 2021, the government census showed that 82. Christians and 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. A small percentage of the population also practices Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Hinduism, and some traditional religions. Department of Census & Statistics, Sri Lanka. State Department’s Religious Freedom Report (2022). Oct 9, 2023 · Southeast Asia is primarily made up of 3 religions: Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. Population, total - Brunei Darussalam ( 1 ) United Nations Population Division. Data tables, maps, charts, and live population clock. 3%). It is officially a municipal area (kawasan bandaran) with an area of 100. Like neighbouring countries, Brunei is a Malay -majority country. Bandar Seri Begawan[a] (BSB) is the capital and largest city of Brunei. Mar 5, 2026 · Brunei’s population is predominantly Sunni Muslim, although the Chinese usually follow Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, or Christianity. The core characteristics and beliefs of the world's major religions are described below. There was no change 2 days ago · The current population of Brunei Darussalam is 476,598 as of Sunday, March 22, 2026. The majority of the population adheres to Islam, which is manifest at many levels of Brunei society. The remaining 5% subscribe to various religions, including indigenous religions. Jul 2, 2019 · English is mostly used by the business community, as a working language, and in the education system. Religion in Brunei explained Among religions in Brunei, Sunni Islam is predominant. 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. 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. government estimates the total population at 471,000 (midyear 2021). Islam is Brunei's official religion, 64 percent of the population is Muslim. Brunei’s population is predominantly Sunni Muslim, although the Chinese usually follow Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, or Christianity. 6%), Taoism and folk beliefs (8. What it means to be a Christian in Brunei Around 80% of Brunei’s population are Muslim. 8%) are the minority religions. Approximate Percentage of Muslim Population that is Shia Approximate Percentage of World Shia Population Approximate Percentage of Muslim Population that is Shia Approximate Percentage of World Shia Population Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life • Mapping the Global Muslim Population, October 2009 Shia by Country (cont. government estimates the total population at 451,000 (July 2018 estimate). The document summarizes religious life and institutions in Brunei. Detailed data on freedom index by country throughout the years, including scores for Human Freedom, Personal Freedom, and Economic Freedom. About 66% of the population are Muslim. S. Create custom graphs. 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. 62 Lakh) Maps, charts and statistics of Brunei ethnic people groups, languages and religions. 15 babies born daily (birth rate: 12 per 1,000). [5] The ruling monarch is depicted as the defender of Islam in the country under Religious Life and Institutions in Brunei The Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam, located on the island of Borneo, has a small but diverse population. 7 percent consists of other religions, including indigenous beliefs. 7 percent Christian, and 6. Islam is Brunei’s official religion. 9 percent). Chinese and Indian ideologies spread all over Southeast Asia through the medium of trade during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd centuries. CountryReports - Your World Discovered! Gross domestic product per capita in relation to Germany, 2023 Population Population total 1,000 453 (2023) Source: WB-WDI Sep 18, 2021 · Complete profile for Brunei. One-fifth of the population had no religious affiliation. 2. 7%) and Buddhism (7. Section I. . Find out how Brunei ranks internationally on Religion. Among religions in Brunei, Sunni Islam is predominant. Mar 17, 2015 · Key facts about Brunei and its people, including figures for area, population, main languages, religions, exports, and more. 1% of Brunei's population is Muslim. Interactive population pyramid for Brunei in 2025. The constitution of Brunei declares that the state religion is Sunni Islam, but other religions may be practised ‘in peace and harmony’. The national philosophy of Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB), or Malay Islamic Monarchy, fuses Malay ethnic identity, Islamic doctrine Aug 1, 2017 · Indian and Nepali Languages Brunei has a significant population of Indians who form a minority group in the country. According to the government’s 2022 census, 82. 8 percent of the population is Muslim, 8. 7% (2011 est. Retrieved 23 January 2021. Most Buddhists in Brunei adhere to the Mahayana school of Buddhism. Nov 6, 2018 · Religious Beliefs In Brunei A mosque in Brunei. Linguistic Affiliation. 7 percent consist of other religions, including indigenous beliefs Islam is the official religion of Brunei Darussalam and has been since the 14th century. 7 percent of the population. [1] Islam 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. View age distribution, birth statistics, demographic trends. Among religions in Brunei, Sunni Islam is predominant. The document outlines several 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. 3% is Buddhist. Births, deaths and migration of population. 36 square kilometres (38. The country covers a total area of 5,765 square km and has a population of around 423,196 individuals. Brunei has a population of 382,000, and its GDP (gross domestic product) per capita is one of the highest in Asia. 9 percent identify with other religions, including Indigenous beliefs. Mar 16, 2026 · Brunei, independent Islamic sultanate on the northern coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. According to the CIA World Factbook, 78. Islam Islam is the only major religion whose sacred texts arguably endorse polygamy. 7 percent Christian, and 7. A large expatriate community of about 7,500 Indians also resides here. This population, however, was unevenly distributed within the region. ) Nov 20, 2025 · Islam is the official religion of Malaysia and Brunei, and an officially recognized religion of Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Total population: 466,341. [4] It is the The U. [1] Islam is the state religion of The U. 8 percent Buddhist, while the remaining 4. Verse 3 of Surah 4 An-Nisa (Women) declares that a man may marry up to four women under specific (and debated) circumstances. Detailed data on the most diverse countries, where African countries often rank highly because of many tribal groups and languages including which country is the most diverse in the world. For Christians in Brunei, practicing their faith can be challenging. According to the 2011 census, 78. The dominance of Islam is attributed to a large number of the Malay people, most of whom are Muslim. government estimates the total population at 478,054 (midyear 2022). It is a Muslim-majority nation and one of the few Islamic sultanates in the world that has survived into the 21st century. It achieved independence in 1984, having been a British protectorate since 1888. Mar 11, 2026 · Southeast Asia - Ethnic Groups, Religions, Languages: By the late 20th century, Southeast Asia’s population (including Indonesia and the Philippines) was approaching a half billion, or about one-twelfth of the world’s total. Brunei is officially Muslim, and Malay is the official language. ( 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. 8%, Christian 8. 7%, Buddhist 7. Religion in Brunei Islam is the dominant religion in Brunei (78. Sharia courts in Brunei follow the Shafi’i school of Islamic jurisprudence. This gave rise to structures of beliefs and practices that were later defined as religion. ^ "Population by religion and district, census 1981,2001,2012". Sortable and downloadable Brunei data. 3 percent), and other faiths (4. The official religion of Brunei Brunei is a constitutional Islamic monarchy (commonly referred to as a sultanate). 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". 7 percent), Buddhists (6. In-deed, this monarchy is founded upon the teachings of Islam and the state supports the institutional de-velopment of the faith. While Islam is the official religion, there are also significant populations of Christians and Buddhists in the country. By far the nation with the largest population was Indonesia, with about two-fifths of the Population Pyramid, Age Structure, Sex Ratio (Males to Females), Life Expectancy, Dependency Ratio of Brunei Darussalam Oct 7, 2009 · Very few Muslims, however, live in the Pacific (<1%). Buddhism is the most widely practised religion, with 31% of residents declaring themselves adherents in the 2020 census. The Role of Islam in Brunei’s Legal System Brunei’s legal system is a mix of secular law and Sharia, the Islamic law. The small Southeast Asian nation of Brunei is located on the northern coast of the island of Borneo. French sociologist Émile Durkheim (one of the principal 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. While Article 3(1) of the Constitution 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. 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. 1 percent of the population are Muslim, 6. However, other religions also have a considerable foothold in Brunei: 6. Most Indians in Brunei originate from southern India and therefore Tamil, a South Indian language, is the most common language spoken by the Indians of Brunei. Brunei population. The remaining 5% subscribe to various religions, including indigenous The population has increased more than twelve-fold since the first decade of the twentieth century. Christianity can be found in the Philippines and East Timor. 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. e 42% of Southeast Asia’s population, most of them are Sunni and follow the religious law. " Apostasy and blasphemy are legally punishable by corporal and capital punishment, including stoning to death, amputation of hands or feet, or caning. Demographic data, ethnic groups population and demographics from Brunei. Some of the indigenous peoples are Christian, while others follow their own local religions. Population of Brunei: today, historical, and projected population, growth rate, immigration, median age. 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. 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. [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 U. Indonesia’s Muslim population accounts for about 80% of all Muslims living in Southeast-East Asia. 8%), while Christianity (8. The last third is almost evenly divided into Buddhists (primarily ethnic Chinese), Christians, and other belief systems, including indigenous belief systems. According to the government’s 2021 census (the most recent), there are 441,000 residents in the country; according to the census, 82. Islam is a majority in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. Malay is the official language, but English is widely used in commerce. According to the latest estimates, around 79% of Brunei’s population identifies as Muslim. Today, Buddhism is the most important and second largest religion in the region. 75 sq mi) and has a population of 72,133 as of 2025 estimate. 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. Islam is the official religion of Brunei; Muslims make up over 78% of the population. A third of the Brunei population. Jan 6, 2026 · The Religious Demographics of Brunei When we talk about religion in Brunei, Islam immediately comes to the forefront. 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. Learn about other religions and practices in Brunei. 1 percent of the population according to the 2022 census, with the remainder comprising Christians (6. Islam is the official religion of Brunei, and it deeply permeates the country’s legal, social, and political systems. Le sultanat compte trois paroisses catholiques romaines qui appartiennent au vicariat apostolique de Brunei. Vietnam Sep 9, 2024 · An Introduction to Brunei and Its Religious Landscape Brunei, a small Southeast Asian nation on the island of Borneo, is home to a diverse religious landscape. Baha'i - Founded by Mirza Learn about the philosophies, religious beliefs and long-held traditions of the people in Brunei Darussalam. 8% of the country’s population adhere to Islam. Though primarily Brunei is a Muslim country, people who belong to some religion also inhabit this place. Christians and Buddhists both account for about 8%. Christianity was the second largest religion at 18. government estimates the total population at 464,000 (midyear 2020 estimate). While Islam is dominant, there are also significant Buddhist, Christian, and Chinese folk religion populations. The majority of the population identifies as Malay Muslims; though, various ethnic groups—including Chinese, Indigenous peoples, and Indians—substantially Section I. While Article 3(1) of the Constitution Religion In Brunei - Encyclopedia Information Among religions in Brunei, Sunni Islam is predominant. 7% of the population is Christian and another 7. The Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, lies in the western part of the peninsula. Sep 18, 2021 · Religions: Muslim (official) 78. [1] Islam 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. Thus Islam plays a central role in the life of every Muslim in Brunei Darussalam. Buddhist majority countries are found in the mainland portion of Southeast Asia: Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. The distribution of population is Brunei-Muara, 66 percent; Belait, 20 percent; Tutong, 11 percent; and Temburong, 3 percent. 0%) and Sikhism (0. Sep 23, 2021 · In our latest post, Professor Ann Black of the University of Queensland Australia writes about covenantal pluralism in Brunei. The majority of Christians are ethnically Chinese. Brunei takes its religion very seriously and has developed a strong Islamic reputation around the world. Jul 20, 2024 · We map out the largest religious group (by percentage of the population) in every Southeast Asian country. 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. 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. 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. The remaining 4. Most of the other Muslim groups are Kedayans (converts from indigenous tribal groups) and Chinese converts. Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, a Mar 15, 2021 · Both Protestants and Roman Catholics live in Brunei. mostly Sunnis of Malay origin who follow the Shafi school of Islamic law. 8%), Hinduism (5. Three Roman Catholic parishes exist in the country. Get the facts and compare to other countries! According to Boston University’s 2020 World Religions Database, the population includes approximately 258,000 Muslims, 59 percent of the population; 52,000 Christians, 11. Le christianisme à Brunei est la religion d'entre 7556 personnes 3 et 38 000 7 habitants du sultanat. government estimates the total population at 485,000(midyear 2023). 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. Religious Demography The U. 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. As per the World Population Prospects report, by the United Nations, the population of Brunei in 2026 is 462,104 (4. Population clock live, current, historical and projected population. In observance of this text, many Muslim countries allow a man to have up to four wives. The majority of people in Singapore are also Buddhists. 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. Maps, charts and statistics of Brunei ethnic people groups, languages and religions. 7% of the population is Christian and another 6. According to the 2011 census (the most recent), 78. Want to know the number and percentage of religions in Brunei. " However, the Government imposed many restrictions on non-Shafi'i and non-Islamic religious practice. Aug 4, 2022 · Brunei Population includes people from various ethnic groups such as Chinese (15%), Malay (67%), Indigenous (6%) and other groups (12%). Historically, it is not clear exactly how and when Islam came to Southeast Asia, but there is little doubt it was spread for the most part by merchants in the 12th century. 8% is Buddhist. World Population Prospects: 2022 Revision. However, Brunei also practices religious tolerance as underwritten by the constitution. [5] The ruling monarch is depicted as the defender of Islam in the country under 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. With approximately 242 million Muslims i. government estimates the total population at 485,000 (midyear 2023). The population has increased more than twelve-fold since the first decade of the twentieth century. There is significant variation in religious identification among ethnic groups Mar 16, 2026 · Malaysia is a country of Southeast Asia, lying just north of the Equator, that is composed of two noncontiguous regions: Peninsular Malaysia, which is on the Malay Peninsula, and East Malaysia, which is on the island of Borneo. A third of the Sep 28, 2024 · The majority of the population being Muslim highlights the unique cultural and religious tapestry of the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam. 8%, other (includes indigenous beliefs) 4. 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. 3 percent Buddhist, while the remaining 4. 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. 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. 1 percent of the population are Muslim, 8. While Islam is the official religion, around a fifth of the population subscribe to Christianity, Buddhism, animism or other Religion in Brunei is officially Islam under the Shafi'i school of Sunni Islam, practiced by 82. The majority of Muslims in Brunei follow the Shafici madhab. However, other religions also have a considerable foothold in Brunei: 8. 9% subscribe to various religions, including indigenous religions. Islam acts as a state religion for Brunei and Malaysia while Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand follow Buddhism as their official religion. 9%, followed by Islam (15. List of religious populations in Brunei 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. ^ "Religionszugehörigkeit 2021: drei Viertel bekennen sich zu einer Religion" [2021 religious affiliation: three fourths profess a religion] (PDF) (with comparative data from the censuses from 1951 to 2021). It notes that Islam is the official religion in Brunei, with over two-thirds of the population identifying as Muslim. ofj yrlt lxzqm fpd jnlfb rqme khxaulh znmrk goaihw asin