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.

Economical characteristics

 * Currency: Brunei dollar (ISO code: BND)
 * Central bank discount rate:
 * Commercial banks lending rate: 5.5% (31 December 2008)
 * Stock of money (M1): $3.374 billion (30 March 2009)
 * Quasi money (with M1 makes M2): $8.151 billion (30 March 2009)

Notable events:

 * Banking crisis: 1986

Links

 * Brunei on Wikipedia
 * Central bank of Brunei
 * BBC country profile