Oman

OMAN

The Sultanate of Oman is the second largest state on the Arabian Peninsula, located in its southeastern part. The area of ​​the country is 309.5 thousand square meters. km. The capital is Muscat. The official language is Arabic, English is also common.

The political system is an absolute monarchy, the sultan is at the same time the head of state, the supreme commander in chief, and leads the government. Since the 1970s, the country has pursued an open and non-conflict policy.

Oman is one of the most ancient countries in the world, its history goes back more than one millennium. At different times, the country fell under the rule of the Persian empires, the Arab Caliphate, the Portuguese and the British.

Population

The population of the country is 4.8 million people, and almost half of them are foreigners permanently residing here. About 80% of the population of the Sultanate is Arabs, but the culture of the Omanis differs markedly from other Arab countries – both in everyday life and in spiritual terms, it is much closer to the Yemeni, and African influence is also noticeable. Omani citizens have the right to free medicine, education, and land to build a home.

Economy

Oman’s economy is based on oil exports. Industry accounts for 49% of GDP. The most developed industries are oil and gas production and processing, construction, copper and steel smelting, chemical production, and optical fiber. Extraction of marble, limestone, cement production is in progress. Traditional crafts and trades are developed – leather, dyeing, carpet, jewelry.

In view of the reduction in natural hydrocarbon reserves, the authorities are trying to diversify the economy – to develop the metallurgical industry and the tourism business. The service sector accounts for 50% of GDP. Agriculture accounts for only 1% of GDP.

The main export items are oil, gas, petroleum products, chemical products, and metals. Imports are dominated by industrial equipment and electronics, vehicles, consumer goods, and foodstuffs. The main foreign economic partners are China, the United Arab Emirates, India, the Republic of Korea, and Japan. UK, USA.

Transport

Communication with Oman is carried out by flights through three international airports. You can get here by land only from the territory of the UAE, and the country’s seaports accept only cargo ships. About a hundred more airports serve domestic lines. There is no railway service in the Sultanate. The main mode of transport is buses and taxis, and car rental is also common. The length of highways is more than 60 thousand km, half of which have an asphalt surface.

Interesting

The climate in Oman is tropical and hot. 82% of the territory is occupied by deserts, there are no permanent rivers, and practically all fresh water is obtained as a result of desalination of sea water.

Due to the year-round heat, it is considered quite normal to start the working day at 6-7 am, and even work at night.

Oman has always been a maritime state with a rich tradition of navigation and maritime trade. All cities are located on the coast.

The national currency is the Omani rial (OMR).

GMT: +4 hours.