town, Brunei, on the South China Sea, southwest of the national capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. It is the centre of an important petroleum-producing area that includes offshore wells. A tanker terminal at Seria accommodates ships carrying crude oil. Seria's oil has provided much of the revenue for Brunei's development since the mid-20th century. Brunei Shell Petroleum, among the sultanate's largest corporations, is headquartered there. Pop. (2004 est.) 23,500.