Independent since 1 January 1984 as part of the British Commonwealth, for over 500 years, the country has been ruled by the Bolkiah dynasty. The Sultan is the highest political and religious authority. He is assisted by a Council of Ministers and a Legislative Council (33 members, plus 3 ex officio members) appointed by him. Although political parties are permitted, they play only a marginal role.
The judicial system is based on Islamic (sharia) Law.

Economy, based on the export of hydrocarbons, is affected by variations in global demand and oil prices.
The oil deposits at Seria, Ampa and Jerudong are connected by a pipeline to the refinery at Lutong (in Malaysia).
Natural gas, extracted at Seria, is liquefied in the large plant of Lumut. The profits from the exportation are fuelling a considerable amount of foreign investments. The petro-chemical, food, pharmaceutical, information technology and telecommunications, shipbuilding, timber and rubber industries all operate. Bruneian citizens are not subject to income taxes; education and healthcare are free.