Posted on July 15, 2018
Since today is a Sunday, the tiny Southeast Asian nation of Brunei will be on holiday tomorrow, Monday, in honor of the sultan. But today is the actual birthday of His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah.
Not only is Hassanal Bolkiah the sultan and the head of state - with "emergency powers" under martial law, but that's been ever since 1962, so not what we normally think of as an emergency! - but he is also the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and Defense Minister.
So that makes Bolkiah an absolute ruler - a dictator, of sorts - which is unusual for modern monarchs. There are some problems with absolute power, and in Brunei that includes reports of discrimination against women, restrictions of the freedoms of speech and press, restricted labor rights, and more.
However, because the nation is rich, with its biggest resources being natural gas and oil, citizens have free medical care and schooling. The nation is ranked as the fifth richest in the world (per capita, which means per person).
Here are some cool places to visit in the nation:
Ulu Temburong National Park
Kampong Ayer - the Water Village
Pantai Meragang
Labi
Tasek Merimbun
Also on this date:
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