Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

This tiny sultanate on the isle of Borneo is one of the smallest countries in the world, and one of the wealthiest. The economy is almost entirely fueled by oil from offshore wells, belonging to the sultan, and used to fund free medical care, schooling and other benefits for the entire population. The Brunei Museum is excellent, with exhibits featuring the cultural heritage of Brunei. Despite general prosperity, many people still prefer to live in riverside kampungs - whole villages built on stilts and connected by wooden boardwalks.