Brunei is a monarchy and the head of the country is the Sultan. The Sultan appoints ministers to assist him in governing the country and is also the self-appointed Prime Minister and Defense Minister. There are no plans for going democratic at the moment and the only democratic elections ever to be held was in 1962.

Judicial power is vested in the Supreme Court and Magistrate's Court. The Supreme Court comprises of the Court of Appeal and the High Court. The syariah or Islamic courts will deal with offences against Islam committed by Muslims. The judicial system used is roughly based on the British system. However, the philosophy of MIB is still being applied to the law.

Brunei is part of ASEAN and is close to its neighbors, Malaysia and Singapore.