Brunei
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 Asia. Malay is the official language;
English and Chinese are also spoken.
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