Brunei is an absolute monarchy in which the sultan exercises executive power. There are no elected representatives at the national level. Freedoms of the press and assembly are significantly restricted. Online speech is monitored by authorities, but people still express their views on many topics.

• In June, Brunei was downgraded from Tier 2 to Tier 3 in the US State Department’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report, the worst tier in terms of antitrafficking efforts. It was downgraded in part because the government decreased efforts to identify and protect victims of trafficking and also failed to appropriately address many trafficking cases, among other problems. Reportedly, authorities have not convicted any traffickers for the last seven years.
• Increasingly wary of Chinese activities in Southeast Asia and the South China Sea, Brunei’s government has more openly been pursuing relations with the United States, Singapore, Australia, and other countries. In January, Singapore’s new president made his first overseas visit to Brunei; in July, the sultan met with Singapore’s deputy prime minister and announced closer bilateral ties.

This report has been abridged for Freedom in the World 2025 due to ongoing budget constraints. Freedom in the World is entirely funded by nongovernmental sources such as private foundations, corporations, and individuals like you. Please consider making a donation to support future editions of this vital resource.

For additional background information, see last year’s full report.