Flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west
Climate
Tropical; hot humid rainy
Natural Hazards
Flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west
Note:
Close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian and Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by Malaysia; almost an enclave within Malaysia
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. Read more on Wikipedia
