THE mid-year population estimate of Brunei Darussalam for 2018 was 442,400 persons compared to 429,500 persons in 2017. This represented a growth rate of three per cent, according to the Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE).

The population was made up of 233,400 males (52.8 per cent) and 209,000 females (47.2 per cent). The sex ratio was 112 males for every 100 females.

The compilation for the estimates is based on the final data of the Population and Housing Census Update (KBPP) 2016 and incorporating the major components of population change, that is births and deaths for natural increase, and net migration.

Out of the overall total population in 2018, Brunei citizens accounted for the largest share of 74 per cent (327,400 persons), while the shares of the permanent residents and temporary residents were 7.5 per cent (33,200 persons) and 18.5 per cent (81,800 persons) respectively.

The Brunei-Muara District was the most populated district with 69.4 per cent (307,000 persons) of the total population. This was followed by the Belait District (16.5 per cent or 73,200 persons), the Tutong District (11.6 per cent or 51,300 persons), and the Temburong District (2.5 per cent or 10,900 persons).

From the age distribution aspect, about 20.7 per cent (91,600 persons) of the population were below 15 years of age, 74.7 per cent (330,600 persons) were in the working age group of 15-64 years and 4.6 per cent (20,200 persons) were aged 65 years and over. The median age in 2018 was 30.4 years compared to 30.3 years in 2017.

The Malays with 65.7 per cent (290,700 persons) of the total population formed the largest community in the country. The racial groups of Chinese and others comprised 10.3 per cent (45,600 persons) and 24 per cent (106,100 persons) of the population.

The Report of the Mid-Year Population Estimates 2018 is available from JPKE’s website at www.depd.gov.bn. For enquiries, the public can contact JPKE at 2230250 or 2230265, during working hours, or send an e-mail at [email protected]