Brunei

National Name

Negara Brunei Darussalam

Government
Constitutional sultanate.

Geography
Brunei is an independent sultanate on the northwest coast of the island of Borneo in the South China Sea, wedged between the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak.

Historical Background
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. 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.

Capital

Bandar Seri Begawan

Government

Absolute monarchy
 -  Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah
 -  Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah

Religion

Islamic

Area

Total 5,765 km2 (172nd) 2,226 sq mi 

Population

2010 estimate 395,027[2] (175)
2001 census 332,844 

Currency

Brunei dollar (BND)