Although greatly reduced in size since its heyday of the 16th century, the Sultanate of Brunei sits atop extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in the less developed countries.
Location
Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia
Area Comparative
Slightly smaller than Delaware
Maritime Claims
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm or to median line
Territorial sea: 12 nm
Climate
Tropical; hot, humid, rainy
Natural Hazards
Typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are very rare
Environment Current Issues
Seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires in Indonesia
Environment International Agreements
Party to: Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Geography Note
Close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian and Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by Malaysia; almost an enclave of Malaysia
