Brunei

Safety and infrastructure

Brunei ranks as one of the safest countries on earth. Crime against people or property is virtually unheard of and penalties for such offences are severe. Brunei is free from malaria and other tropical diseases, and the nation’s healthcare system ranks among the best in Asia. The Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital in the capital is equipped with highly modern medical facilities, and a number of private clinics operate within other districts.

With a total GDP of around US$6.5 billion and a per capita GDP of around US$18.3 thousand (2002), Brunei's resource-rich (oil & natural gas) economy affords its population high living standards, resulting in positive social indicators such as high literacy rates, longer life expectancy, and low unemployment and crime rates. The government provides for all medical services and subsidizes rice and housing.

Since 1996 the Brunei government has attempted to improve public transit by expanding taxi and bus services in Bandar Seri Begawan and its vicinity. Bus services to other districts are infrequent and irregular. Other than a 13-kilometer private railway line, there are no rail services in Brunei.