The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque in the water village of Kampong Ayer is a major landmark and tourist attraction in Brunei Background 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 the world. Natural resources petroleum, natural gas, timber Natural hazards: typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rare Environment current issues: seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires in Indonesia