Brunei Darussalem, wedged between two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo, has rich oil deposits. Brunei has the third largest domestic gross product per person in the world thanks to petroleum and natural gas that account for 99% of its exports.

The sultan is the last of Asia's absolute rulers. He controls all of the wealth. while he lives in luxury in a palace with 1788 rooms, he has invested some of the oil revenue in excellent health care and schooling for his populace.

the sultan offered his subjects modern ... (more)