A piece of royal fortune: Brunei. (absolute monarchy)

From: The Economist (US) | Date: October 10, 1992 | Copyright information

The Sultan of Brunei holds absolute power over his small country. Political parties are outlaws and many political leaders are imprisoned. The Sultan has introduces Islamic law reforms that include a ban on alcohol, which angers foreign workers.

IF YOUR country is the size of a postage stamp, your population is unsophisticated and your borders are well-nigh indefensible, you need luck. Brunei Darussalam's has come in the form of oil and gas, which give the kingdom the highest GDP per head in Asia after Japan's. The good fortune has rubbed off on the Sultan of Brunei enough for him to be ...

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