Forgotten World (202): Brunei
Brunei is a tiny country with a small population located in the north-west corner of the island of Borneo. In 1963, it was the only Malya state to choose to remain a British dependency rather than join the Malaysian Federation. It became independent in 1984 and, thanks to its large reserves of oil and gas, now has one of the highest standards of living in the world. Its ruling royals, led by the head of state Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, possess a huge private fortune.
The 400,000 citizens of Brunei enjoy high subsidies and pay no taxes, but the country is highly dependent on imports. Despite its immense wealth, most of the country outside the capital remains undeveloped and unexploited. While oil and gas exports account for the bulk of government revenues, reserves are dwindling and Brunei is attempting to diversify its economy. It markets itself as a financial centre and as a destination for upmarket and eco-tourism.