Oman is situated in the south eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula. It is surrounded by the sea on two sides, the Sea of Oman to the Northeast and the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean to the Southeast.From Musandam it overlooks the Strait of Hormuz, the gateway to the Gulf. It has land borders with the Kingdom of Saudi …
Oman by region
Oman encompasses 11 Governorates (Muhafazah). Each Governorate includes several provinces (Wilayats). Population figures for each Governorate are according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information. The last Census was conducted in 2020.Musandam The Governorate of Musandam, located in the extreme north of the Sultanate faces the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Read more …Musandam …
History
The Sultanate of Oman has a long history. Archaeological research has found evidence of civilisation as long ago as 3,000 years BCE.By 2,500 years BCE the region was renowned for its metalworking, with traders in reed boats voyaging from Oman to what is now Pakistan and Iraq. A lucrative trade in frankincense with ancient Egypt, Rome, Jerusalem and Bethlehem, both …
Religious freedom
The Government of the Sultanate of Oman protects the basic rights of its citizens, including the freedom of religious belief, worship and education.Freedom of belief is guaranteed under the Basic Statute of the State. The vast majority of Omanis are Muslims and, while most of them belong to the Ibadi school, there are also Sunnis and Sh’ias. Omani society does …
Economy
Oman’s economy was traditionally based on fisheries, agriculture and trade before the discovery and development of its oil and gas reserves.Overlooking the Strait of Hormuz, the entrance to the Gulf, the source of two-thirds of the world’s oil exports, Oman sits on key East-West trade routes, ensuring easy access to markets in the Middle East, India, South East Asia, Africa …
Geography
The Sultanate of Oman is the third largest country on the Arabian Peninsula.It has a total area of 309,500 square kilometres (approximately 120,000 square miles). Oman is strategically located in the south east corner of the Arabian Peninsula at the junction of Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Its long coastline includes regions that can be green and habitable, unlike …
Key facts
Official nameThe Sultanate of Oman Head of StateHis Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik CapitalMuscat Population5,442,883 (September 2026) Area309,500 sq km (120,000 sq miles) Official languageArabic with widespread use of English ReligionIslam GovernmentHereditary monarchy ConstitutionThe Basic Law of the State 1996 CurrencyOmani Rial Time zoneUTC +4 International dialling code+968
Flag, Emblem and National Anthem
The Flag The National Flag of Oman was adopted by Royal Decree on December 17, 1970 and updated by Royal Decree on May 22, 2004. The flag is rectangular and consists of three horizontal bands of white, green and red, with a vertical red band on the left (hoist) side that contains the National Emblem of Oman in white. To …
Head of State
The head of state of the Sultanate of Oman is His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.He ascended to the throne on 11th January, 2020 following the passing away of His late Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who ruled Oman from 1970 to 2020. Like His late Majesty Sultan Qaboos, His Majesty Sultan Haitham is a member of the Al Bu …
