The State of North Borneo 1881–1946

Until June 26, 1946, the ihabitants of the State of North Borneo could claim the distinction of being the only population in the world still, subject to chartered company rule. On that date an area of nearly 30,000 square miles inhabited by over 300,000 people ceased to be governed by the British North Borneo Chartered Company and became a British Crown Colony. Not only was the British North Borneo Chartered Company the last of the chartered companies to survive, but it was distinct in character from its predecessors. It is the purpose of this article to describe within the limits of available information the unique political and economic pattern developed by the Company in North Borneo.