1989 Edition
CIA World Factbook 1989 (Internet Archive)
Geography
Agriculture
livestock (including poultry), fish, fruit, vegetables
Aid
NA
Budget
revenues $26.2 million; expenditures $25.4 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1988 est.)
Climate
tropical; hot, humid, rainy
Coastline
161 km
Comparative area
slightly larger than Delaware
Currency
US currency is used
Disputes
may wish to purchase the Malaysian salient that divides the country
Electricity
13,500 kW capacity; 59 million kWh produced, 4,870 kWh per capita (1989)
Environment
typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rare
Exchange rates
US currency is used Fiscal yean 1 April-31 March
Exclusive fishing zone
200 nm
Exports
$2.3 million (f.o.b., 1985); commodities— rum, fresh fish, gravel, sand, fruits, animals; partners — Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US
External debt
$4.5 million (1985)
GDP
$106.7 million, per capita $8,900; real growth rate 2.5% (1987)
Imports
$72.0 million (c.i.f., 1985); commodities— building materials, automobiles, foodstuffs, machinery; partners — Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US
Industrial production
growth rate —4.0% (1985)
Industries
tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshore financial center
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
1 .7% (January 1987)
Land boundary
381 km with Malaysia
Land use
1% arable land; 1% permanent crops; 1% meadows and pastures; 79% forest and woodland; 18% other; includes NEGL% irrigated
Natural resources
crude oil, natural gas, timber
Note
close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian and Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by Malaysia; almost an enclave of
Terrain
flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west
Territorial sea
1 2 nm
Total area
5,770 km2; land area: 5,270 km2
Total area
incorporation fees generated about $2 million in 1987. Livestock raising is the most significant agricultural activity. The islands' crops, limited by poor soils, are unable to meet food requirements.
Unemployment rate
NA%
Communications
Airports
3 total, 3 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways less than 1,220m
Highways
106 km motorable roads (1983)
Note
defense is the responsibility of the UK South China Sea BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Ports
Road Town
Telecommunications
3,000 telephones; worldwide external telephone service; submarine cable communication links to Bermuda; stations— 1 AM, no FM, 1 TV Defense Forces