Oman - Country facts
Location
Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf, between Yemen and UAE
Background
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 long-standing political and military relationship with the UK. Oman's moderate, independent foreign policy has sought to maintain good relations with all Middle Eastern countries.
Climate
dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south
Terrain
central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south
Population
3,001,583
note: includes 577,293 non-nationals (July 2005 est.)
Ethnic Groups
Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi), African
Religions
Ibadhi Muslim 75%, Sunni Muslim, Shi'a Muslim, Hindu
Languages
Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects
Map of Oman
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