When we talk about the currencies of the world, the US dollar or Euro is often mentioned, but there is also a currency whose single note costs around seven lakh rupees in India. This note is a high denomination note of 10,000 Brunei dollars, whose Indian price is approximately Rs 6.8 lakh. The amount is so huge that anyone would be shocked to see it. Let us tell you that according to the report of Vice.com, the price of 1 Brunei dollar in Indian rupees is Rs 69.61.

Brunei is a very small but extremely prosperous country in South-East Asia. The main basis of its prosperity is its immense reserves of oil and natural gas. The population of the country is around 5 lakhs, hence the income earned is directly reflected in the standard of living of the citizens. This is the reason why the strength of its currency is also counted as an example in the world.

10,000 Brunei dollars—one of the most expensive notes in the world

This special denomination note of Brunei comes among the very few currencies in the world whose one unit commands such a high price. If 10,000 Brunei dollars are converted into US dollars, then its value becomes approximately 7,770 USD. Brunei prints it in limited quantities and its security facilities are also considered state-of-the-art, hence this note is considered very prestigious.

par value of brunei dollar and singapore dollar

An important agreement was signed between Brunei and Singapore in 1967, under which the value of the currencies of both the countries was kept the same. Even today, the Brunei dollar and the Singapore dollar move at equal rates and both countries accept each other’s currency. This arrangement makes the Brunei currency more reliable.

Why is Brunei’s economic foundation so strong?

The country’s economic strength comes from its oil and gas exports. The government has huge cash reserves and the country’s debt is considered among the lowest in the world—only 1.9 percent of GDP. Due to low population and abundant resources, Brunei’s per capita income remains at the top in Asia. This is the reason why its currency is counted among the strongest and stable currencies in the world.

Small country but strongest currency

On the basis of its natural wealth and well-organized economic policy, Brunei has achieved a reputation which even many big countries could not touch. His $10,000 note is not just a piece of paper, but a symbol of his economic power.

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The Covid pandemic dealt a huge blow to the economy of almost every country. Governments had to increase spending, take out loans, and budgets in many countries faltered, but during these turbulent years, a small country named Brunei seemed absolutely safe. While the world was struggling with increasing debt, Brunei’s government debt to GDP remained only about 1.9%, which is considered to be the lowest in the world.

The population of this country situated in South-East Asia is about 5 lakhs, but the facilities are no less than any developed nation. No income tax is taken from the citizens here. From education to treatment, everything is available free. The government also provides land and houses to needy families. This is why the Sultan of Brunei is counted among the list of the richest rulers in the world. The capital Bandar Seri Bagawan is among the safest cities in the world due to its clean and peaceful lifestyle.

Oil and gas the economic backbone of Brunei
According to Professor Ulrich Walz of the London School of Oriental and African Studies, Brunei is a “petro-state”, with about 90% of its economy powered by oil and natural gas. By 2017, the oil reserves here were above one billion barrels, while the gas reserves were estimated at more than 2.6 trillion cubic meters. Such a large amount of energy resources provides economic security to a small country.

Why does the government not need loans?
The earnings from oil and gas are so high that Brunei does not need to borrow externally. The country’s current account often remains in surplus and foreign exchange reserves remain strong. Even if there is a deficit, the government compensates it from its cash capital, that is why Brunei is often called a loan giving country, not a borrowing country.

The impact of global recession is also minimal
The economy of most countries slowed down during the pandemic. Big holes were created in the budget and foreign debt increased. In contrast, Brunei remained almost unaffected. The reason is simple, its entire system is based on income from energy, which continuously maintains its financial condition. Moody’s analysts also say that Brunei’s financial policies and government management reduce its burden.

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New Trump Tariff Announced: US President Donald Trump has announced to implement new tariff rates on 6 countries. These countries include the Philippines, Iraq, Moldova, Algeria, Libya and Brunei. The new tariff order will be applicable from 1 August 2025. This decision has come when Trump has already announced tariffs on 14 other countries including South Korea and Japan. Now these 6 new countries have also been added to the list of tariffs.

How much tariff is on which countries?

• Philippines: 25%
• Brunei: 25%
• Moldova: 25%
• Iraq: 30%
• Algeria: 30%
• Libya: 30%

President Trump has sent an official letter to the leaders of these countries giving complete information about the tariff. Under this decision, the maximum tariff has been fixed at 30%, which will apply to Iraq, Algeria and Libya. The Trump administration believes that this step is necessary to protect American trade interests.

10% tariff on BRICS countries also
Trump had announced a plan to impose a 10% tariff on goods coming from BRICS countries Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa a day earlier. This step may further increase commercial tension between the US and emerging economies.

Big rates on copper and medicines
President Trump also informed that 50% tariff will be imposed on copper (copper) in the US. Along with this, he indicated that the tariff on pharma products (medicines) can increase by 200% within a year.

Together, there has been an atmosphere of uncertainty and anxiety in the global markets, because these changes in business policies can have a big impact on international business.