In 1970, QABOOS bin Said al-Said ousted his father and has ruled as sultan ever since. His extensive modernization program has opened the country to the outside world and has preserved a longstanding political and military relationship with the UK. Oman's moderate, independent foreign policy has sought to maintain good relations with all Middle Eastern countries.
Country profile: Oman
The oldest independent state in the Arab world, Oman is one of the more traditional countries in the Gulf region and was, until the 1970s, one of the most isolated.Occupying the south-east corner of the Arabian peninsula, it has a strategically important position at the mouth of the Gulf.
At one time Oman had its own empire, which at its peak in the 19th century stretched down the east African coast and vied with Portugal and Britain for influence in the Gulf and Indian Ocean.
Oman under Sultan Said bin Taimur, who came to power in 1938, experienced decades of international isolation, a society run along feudal lines and internal rebellion.
AT-A-GLANCE- Politics: Sultan Qaboos seized power in 1970 and rules by decree; he has moved to increase popular participation in decision making
- Economy: Oman is heavily dependent on oil; a diversification drive includes tourism; the policy of Omanisation aims to replace expatriate workers with locals
- International: Oman is a long-standing US ally; there is a free trade agreement between the two countries
After deposing his father in 1970, Sultan Qaboos Bin Said opened up the country, embarked on economic reforms and boosted spending on health, education and welfare.
As with other Gulf nations, oil is the mainstay of the economy, providing a large chunk of GDP, but compared to its neighbours Oman is a modest producer. Agriculture and fishing are important sources of income.
Tourism, another source of revenue, is on the rise. Oman's attractions include a largely-untouched coastline, mountains, deserts and the burgeoning capital Muscat, with its forts, palaces and old walled city.
Most Omanis follow the Ibadi sect of Islam - the only remaining expression of Kharijism, which was created as a result of one of the first schisms within the religion.
The country has so far been spared the militant Islamist violence that has plagued some of its neighbours.
- Full name: Sultanate of Oman
- Population: 3 million (UN, 2005)
- Capital: Muscat
- Area: 309,500 sq km (119,500 sq miles)
- Major language: Arabic
- Major religion: Islam
- Life expectancy: 73 years (men), 76 years (women) (UN)
- Monetary unit: 1 Rial = 1000 biaza
- Main export: Oil
- GNI per capita: US $9,070 (World Bank, 2006)
- Internet domain: .om
- International dialling code: +968
Sultan, prime minister, foreign minister: Qaboos Bin Said Al Said
Sultan Qaboos seized power in a coup against his father, Said Bin Taimur, in 1970.
As sultan, he took on the role of prime minister and heads the foreign, defence and finance ministries.
His policies have proved popular in spite of the lack of a democratic government. He instigated the use of oil revenues to develop the country's infrastructure and modernised the government structure with the establishment of a Consultative Assembly in 1981, replaced by the Consultative Council - the majlis al-shura - in 1990 and the Council of State in 1997.
However, all important decisions are still made by the sultan.
The government operates Oman's television and radio stations. However, the go-ahead has been given for private, Omani-owned radio and TV stations.
The use of satellite dishes is permitted and stations from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Yemen may also be picked up.
A press act allows the government to censor publications for political or cultural reasons.
There are more than 20 publications, including dailies and weeklies.
Press
Television
Radio
News agency
Oman is a middle-income economy in the Middle East with notable oil and gas resources, a substantial trade surplus, and low inflation. Work on a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility progressed in 2005 and will contribute to slightly higher oil and gas exports in 2006. Oman continues to liberalize its markets and joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in November 2000. To reduce unemployment and limit dependence on foreign labor, the government is encouraging the replacement of foreign expatriate workers with local workers. Training in information technology, business management, and English support this objective. Industrial development plans focus on gas resources, metal manufacturing, petrochemicals, and international transshipment ports. In 2005, Oman signed agreements with several foreign investors to boost oil reserves, build and operate a power plant, and develop a second mobile phone network in the country.
Omani natural resources include petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum, natural gas
strategic location on Musandam Peninsula adjacent to Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil
Omani religion is Ibadhi Muslim 75%, Sunni Muslim, Shi'a Muslim, Hindu.
Natural hazards in Oman include summer winds often raise large sandstorms and dust storms in interior; periodic droughts.
Travel Advice on Oman
SUMMARY
- You should be aware of the threat from terrorism. Al Qa’ida continues to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on Western interests, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests.
- You should review your security arrangements carefully. You should remain vigilant, particularly in public places. You should avoid any large gatherings or demonstrations.
- Around 95,000 British tourists visit Oman every year. The main type of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in Oman is for road related incidents.
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see: Travel Insurance.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Many areas of the Gulf are highly sensitive, including near maritime boundaries and the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the southern Gulf. Vessels entering these areas have been detained and inspected; and there have been occasional arrests. Mariners should make careful enquiries before entering these waters or considering visiting ports.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Seat belts must be worn in the front seats and you are not allowed to use a mobile phone whilst driving (you can be given an on-the-spot fine). Speed limits are clearly posted on major roads. There is a minimum 48 hours in jail for any traffic offence in which the driver tests positive for alcohol. (The legal blood alcohol level in Oman is close to zero). Traffic laws in Oman are strictly imposed.
The import (even temporary) of right hand drive vehicles is not allowed.
Oman is a Muslim state and Islamic customs, in public, are strictly observed.
In public, general modesty of behaviour and dress is expected. Women who wear shorts or tight-fitting clothes, in particular in downtown areas, are likely to attract unwelcome attention. There have been some reported cases of sexual harassment.
The import and use of narcotics and obscene material are forbidden and can lead to imprisonment. There are severe penalties for drug offences including, in some cases, the death penalty. "Soft" drugs are treated as seriously as "hard" drugs. Possession of cannabis, even in quantities of less than one gram, will bring a minimum prison sentence of 12 months followed by deportation. Non-Muslims can import alcohol, to a maximum of 2 litres per family. It can be bought at a duty free shop at the airport on arrival, but within Oman, alcohol can be purchased only by personal licence or at licensed hotels and restaurants. Pork products are available at specially licensed food outlets.
Homosexual behaviour is illegal in Oman.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- A one-month combined tourist/business visa costing 6 Omani Rials (OR). This can be extended for one month for a further 6 OR;
- A one year multiple entry visa, which is valid for three weeks, after which nationals must leave Oman for at least three weeks before returning. The cost for this is 10 OR.
HEALTH
GENERAL