Brunei’s largest hospital, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS), is in the capital. Citizens who live in remote rural villages are flown by helicopter to the nearest hospital under the Flying Medical Services division.

Often, citizens are even sent overseas for special medical treatment at the government’s expense.

This may seem unbelievable to most Westerners, but thanks to its oil wealth the Brunei government is able to provide its small nation with one of Asia’s finest healthcare systems.

Malaria has been completely eradicated.

Cholera and other typical Southeast Asian diseases are also virtually nonexistent.

Health clinics are located throughout the country, supplementing the five general hospitals.

There is also a small but effective private medical sector for those seeking personalized or specialized medical treatment.

Institutes such as Jerudong Park Medical Center are as good as any in the world. Interestingly, none of Brunei’s hospitals have undergone international healthcare accreditation.

There are no medical schools in the country either, so all medical students must attend university overseas. This looks set to change, however, as the country wants to begin training its own doctors and nurses.