Brunei is a small, oil-rich Southeast Asian sultanate on the island of Borneo, known for its wealth, high standard of living, and strict Islamic laws, including Sharia law which can impose severe punishments. Officially Brunei Darussalam, or the "Abode of Peace," it gained independence from Britain in 1984 and is a member of the Commonwealth and ASEAN. The nation's economy relies heavily on petroleum exports, and while Malay is the official language, English is widely spoken and used in education. Key landmarks include the opulent Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, the world's largest residential palace, Istana Nurul Iman, and the historic Kampong Ayer water village.