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   Brunei

Introduction:

The Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15th and 17th centuries when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequently entered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in the developing world.


Official name:

Negara Brunei Darussalam

Capital:

Bandar Seri Begawan

Government type:

constitutional sultanate

Population:

358,098 (July 2003 est.)

Languages:

Malay (official), English, Chinese

Official Currency:

Bruneian dollar (BND)

Currency code:

BND

Area:

total: 5,770 sq km
water: 500 sq km
land: 5,270 sq km

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid, rainy

Map of Brunei

map of Brunei