If you’ve ever visited Brunei Darussalam, one thing might strike you before anything else: the roads are full of cars—but surprisingly, there’s very little traffic. How can that be? Well, this tiny oil-rich kingdom in Southeast Asia has quietly earned itself a unique global distinction: Brunei has one of the highest car ownership rates in the world.
And we’re not talking just high—we’re talking astronomically high. According to the International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), Brunei records 805 registered vehicles per 1,000 people. That’s more cars per capita than most developed nations. In Southeast Asia, Brunei isn’t just leading the race—it’s cruising several laps ahead.
It’s not even close.
So, how does this tiny nation with fewer than half a million people beat countries ten, twenty, even fifty times its size in car ownership?
Oil, Wealth, and the Easy Road to Car Ownership
Brunei’s story begins with black gold—oil and gas. The country’s rich petroleum reserves have fueled not just its economy, but also its lifestyle. With generous government subsidies and high GDP per capita, owning a car in Brunei is about as normal as owning a phone.
Petrol? Dirt cheap.
Import taxes? Almost negligible.
Car loans? Easily accessible.
While Singaporeans save for years and pay sky-high premiums for the right to even own a car, Bruneians can simply walk into a showroom and drive out with a shiny new vehicle. And not just one. Some families own three or four cars—one for dad, one for mum, one for each kid, and maybe one extra just because the garage has room.
No Trains, Few Buses—So Everyone Drives
Now, imagine you’re a student, a worker, or a parent in Brunei. You want to go to the supermarket, your campus, or the beach. What’s your public transport option?
Well… good luck with that.
Brunei’s public transport system is, in a word, basic. Buses do exist, but they’re infrequent and often inconvenient. There are no trains, subways, or light rail systems. So if you want to be on time—or even arrive at all—your safest bet is to drive.
This isn’t just a matter of preference—it’s practical. In a country where population centers are spread out and urban sprawl is common, a car is your ticket to freedom, convenience, and efficiency.
Cars as Lifestyle, Culture, and a Bit of Flex
But this isn’t just about necessity—it’s also about style. Brunei has developed a low-key but strong car culture. Modified cars, souped-up engines, sleek imports, and weekend car meets aren’t just for the movies—they’re part of life.
Cars here are often seen as a reflection of personal identity. Driving a Toyota Alphard? You’re family-oriented and comfortable. Rolling in a Honda Civic Type R? You’ve got performance on your mind. Driving an old Pajero? You’re probably the nostalgic uncle everyone loves.
Even among the youth, a first car is a rite of passage. It’s a symbol of independence, maturity, and yes, a little bit of status.
Is All This a Problem? It Might Be.
But all that metal comes with a price—though perhaps not at the pump.
Brunei’s roads, while generally wide and well-maintained, are starting to feel the weight. Congestion is creeping in during peak hours, especially in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan. And with more cars than ever, parking has become a surprisingly stressful part of daily life.
Then there’s the environment. With hundreds of thousands of internal combustion engines pumping out carbon dioxide daily, Brunei’s vehicle emissions are far from negligible. As the rest of the world talks about EVs, climate targets, and urban sustainability, Brunei risks falling behind if it sticks to its car-first mindset.
So far, electric vehicle adoption is still in its infancy. Charging infrastructure is limited, and the general public hasn’t rushed to plug in. Yet.
The Government’s Next Steps: Slow and Steady?
Brunei’s Vision 2035 includes goals for a dynamic and sustainable economy—but transport reform hasn’t been in the fast lane. There have been murmurs about investing in green infrastructure and boosting EV adoption, but for now, cars still rule the road.
If Brunei wants to shift gears, it will need to do more than encourage hybrid cars. It will need to rethink urban planning, invest in reliable public transport, and offer meaningful incentives for greener choices.
Until then, don't be surprised if every Bruneian you meet not only has a car—but has a favorite one, a backup one, and a dream one they’re saving for.
Brunei may be small in size, but when it comes to car ownership, it drives like a giant. Its vehicle-centric lifestyle reflects not just wealth, but a unique combination of policy, geography, and personal taste.
While the rest of Southeast Asia wrestles with public transport upgrades, rising fuel costs, and traffic headaches, Brunei glides along—each driver in their own bubble of air-conditioned peace.
But as cities grow, resources tighten, and climate warnings get louder, the question for Brunei isn't just how many cars it can own—but how many it should.
For now, though, it’s full throttle ahead.
