This tiny oil-rich Islamic sultanate lying on the northwest coast of Borneo is known chiefly for the astounding wealth of its Sultan, its tax-free, subsidised society, and the fact that (statistically at least) its 280,000 people enjoy one of the highest per capita incomes on earth. Despite the ostentatious modern public buildings in the capital, most of the country remains undeveloped, unexploited and untouched by the outside world.

Brunei is a little slice of Islamic heaven. Alcohol is virtually unobtainable, there's no nightlife to speak of, and the political culture encourages quiet acquiescence to the edicts of the sultan. The folk of Brunei are amply rewarded for their conformist ways with free healthcare, free education, free sporting centres, cheap loans and high, tax-free wages.

Full country name: Negara Brunei Darussalam
Area: 5765 sq km (2248 sq mi)
Population: 322,000
Capital city: Bandar Seri Begawan (pop 60,000)
People: 69% Malays, 18% Chinese, 7% indigenous tribes (plus 20,000 expatriate workers)
Language: Malay, English, Chinese
Religion: 65% Muslim, 15% Buddhist, 10% Christian
Government: Monarchy
Head of state & Prime Minister: Sultan Sir Hassanal Bolkiah

GDP: US$4.5 billion
GDP per head: US$14,240
Annual growth: 5%
Inflation: 2%
Major products/industries: Oil and gas
Major trading partners: ASEAN, Japan, Taiwan, S.Korea, USA

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