Brunei

The Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace (Brunei Darussalam) has an area of 5,765 square kilometres and a population of 423,200 people. Its capital is Bandar Seri Begawan. Brunei is led by the Head of State Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. The country is the fourth largest producer of liquefied natural gas in the world and the fifth largest oil producer in Southeast Asia.

Brunei's GDP is $11.64 billion. The country boasts one of the world's highest GDPs per capita — $72,570. Its economy grew by negative 0.8% in 2015. Foreign trade turnover amounts to $11.92 billion.

Diplomatic relations between Russia and Brunei were established on 1 October 1991. 2016 marks the 25th anniversary of this event.

Brunei-Russia relations are distinguished by their traditionally friendly character. The solid foundation of interaction is the personal contacts between the leadership of the two countries, which began with Vladimir Putin's meeting with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in the framework of the Russian President's participation at the APEC Summit in Bandar Seri Begawan in 2000. The first state visit of Hassanal Bolkiah to Russia took place in June 2005.

In 2015, trade with Russia totalled $25 million.

Interesting facts:

Bruneians are exempt from paying taxes and enjoy free medical care and education, including higher education. The adult literacy rate is one of the highest in the world (97.65 percent).