1984: Brunei, Independence.
At midnight on December 31, 1983, Great Britain relinquished responsibilities for Brunei's defense and foreign affairs. Thus, 1984 marked the first year of full independence for the tiny, oil-rich sultanate (whose full name is "Brunei Darussalam," meaning "Brunei Abode of Peace") on the north coast of the island of Borneo. Formal celebration of full independence was delayed until February 23, which was selected by religious officials as an auspicious date and designated as the first national day. Foreign guests included Britain's Prince Charles, the kings of Malaysia and Tonga, and the heads of government and other representatives of over 70 nations. The highlight of the four-day celebration was a banquet for more than 4,000 guests in the opulent new $250 million royal palace. The occasion received wide coverage from the international media, as much for the splendor of the palace, with its approximately 2,000 rooms and its air-conditioned stables, as for the festivities themselves.