Facts about Oman

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Where is Oman?

The Sultanate of Oman is located in Southwest Asia. It is situated on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It shares borders with United Arab Emirates to the northwest, Yemen to the southwest, Saudi Arabia to the west, Arabian Sea on the southeast, and Gulf of Oman to the northeast.

What is the capital of Oman?

Muscat is the capital of Oman. The etymology of the name is disputed. The city is situated in northeast Oman, along the Gulf of Oman. It used to be an important trading port between the eastern and the western world. Today, it is the seat of the government.

How big is Oman?

Oman covers an area of 119,498 square miles and has an estimated population of 3,608,545.

What is the currency of Oman?

The currency of Oman is rial. Its ISO 4217 code is OMR. One rial is divided into 1000 baisa.

Which is the largest city of Oman?

The capital of Oman, Muscat, is the largest city of Oman. Muscat metropolitan area stretches over approximately 580 square miles and has an estimated population of 1,090,797.

What is the official language of Oman?

Arabic is the official language of Oman. Other languages in Oman are English, Urdu, and other Indian dialects spoken by Indian immigrants and tourists.

What is the religion of Oman?

Majority of the people in Oman are Muslims. Non-Muslim religious communities comprise less than 5% of the population. Almost 67% of the population comprises Ibadhi, a distinct form of Islam, while 32% of the population is Sunni Muslim.

What is the literacy rate of Oman?

The adult literacy rate of Oman is 87%.

Who is the political leader of Oman?

Oman has no legal political parties and is an absolute monarchy. The hereditary sultan appoints a cabinet. The cabinet thus appointed is called “Diwans”. Legislative powers are exercised by the “Diwans”. Qaboos bin Said Al Said is the 14th and the current Sultan of Oman. He came to power after overthrowing his father in a palace coup in 1970. Fahd Bin Mahmoud al Said is the current deputy prime minister of the Sultanate of Oman. He assumed office on June 23, 1970.

When is the National Day of Oman celebrated?

November 18 is celebrated as the National Day of Oman. It is the longest continually independent Arab state in modern history. November 18 marks the beginning of Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s rule in 1970 and also coincides with his birthday.

What is the economy of Oman like?

The GDP of Oman in 2008 was $67.45 billion, while its per capita income was $20,400. Unemployment rate stands at 15%. Services sector dominates the economy and accounts 60.7% to the GDP. It is followed by industry (37.2%) and agriculture (2.1%). Major industries comprise crude oil production and refining, natural and liquefied natural gas production, construction, cement, copper, steel, chemicals, and optic fiber. Major trade flows are with China, South Korea, India, Iran, UAE, US, Germany, Japan. Export goods include petroleum, re-exports, fish, metals, and textiles.