HISTORY

HISTORY OF BRUNEI

1400

The sultanate of Brunei is now in control of Borneo, including the Sabah and Sarawak states of Malaysia and parts of the Sulu islands in the Philippines.

1846

Brunei develops into its present size after surrendering the island of Labuan to Britain.

1888

Brunei is now under British Government rule, while retaining internal independence but with British control over external affairs.

1929

Oil extraction begins.

1959

Brunei's first written constitution is introduced proclaiming Islam as the state religion and keeping Britain in charge of defense and foreign affairs.

1984

Brunei gains its independence and joins the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

2000

Brunei says it will retrain up to 25% of the workforce to diversify the economy away from oil and to develop alternative industries such as tourism.

2010

Malaysia and Brunei agree to develop two oil areas off Borneo cooperatively, resolving a border dispute dating from 2003, which held up exploration.