Southeast Asia: The Geographical South-Eastern Region of Asia
Brunei Background: The Sultanate of Brunei's heyday occurred 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. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in the less developed countries. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries. Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia Area: total: 5,770 sq km water: 500 sq km land: 5,270 sq km Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Delaware Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, timber People Population: 350,898 (July 2002 est) Ethnic groups: Malay 67%, Chinese 15%, Indigenous 6%, Other 12%