1.0 Introduction
Measures of Economic Development
GDP per capita
1. Population Growth
2. Occupational Structure of the Labor Force
3. Urbanization
4. Consumption per capita
5. Infrastructure
6. Social Conditions
• literacy rate
• life expectancy
• health care
• caloric intake
• infant mortality
• other
http://www.harpercollege.edu/mhealy/eco212/review/ldctextoutline.htm
1.1 Country profile: Brunei
A tiny country with a small population, Brunei was the only Malay state in 1963 to choose to remain a British dependency rather than join the Malaysian Federation.
It became independent in 1984 and, thanks to its large reserves of oil and gas, now has one of the highest standards of living in the world.
Its ruling royals, led by the head of state Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, possess a huge private fortune.
Overview
A country of dense forests and mangrove swamps whose people enjoy high subsidies and pay no taxes, Brunei is highly dependent on imports. Despite its immense wealth, most of the country outside the capital remains undeveloped and unexploited.
While oil and gas exports account for the bulk of government revenues, reserves are dwindling and Brunei is attempting to diversify its economy. It markets itself as a financial centre and as a destination for upmarket and eco-tourism.
About two-thirds of the people of Brunei are ethnic Malays, and these benefit from positive discrimination. Th ...