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Situated on the tip of the Arabian Gulf between the Rub Al Khali
(Saudi Arabia) and the Arabian Sea (Indian Ocean), the Sultanate
of Oman is steeped in maritime history. Although officially
only formed as a nation in 1970 under the rule of Sultan Qaboos
bin Said, the nation has existed in various forms for centuries.
Archaeologists date certain artefacts back as far as 500 years,
but believe there may be evidence of civilisation in the area as
far back as 4000 years ago.
Containing some of the most dramatic scenery in the Gulf region,
and possessing a warm and welcoming population, Oman makes an interesting
visit for any traveller. Whether you are looking for the turquoise
waters of the Indian Ocean, the rural life of the Bedhouin, the
vastness of an empty desert (Wahiba Sands), the monsoon drenched
tropical shores of the Salalah region or the stark mountainous interior
(Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams), Oman has scenery that will cause
even the most seasoned traveller to gasp in amazement.
Facts about Oman:
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Location: |
21,00.0N
057,00.0E (Approx) - strategic location on Musandam Peninsula
adjacent to Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world
crude oil |
| Population: |
2,533,389
(includes 527,078 non nationals) est 2000 |
| Area: |
212,460
Sq Km |
| Coastline: |
2,092
Km |
| Elevation: |
Low
0m, High 3,074m (Jebel Akhdar) |
| Climate: |
Dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong
Southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south |
| GDP: |
$19.6
Billion (est 1999) |
| Currency: |
Omani
Riyal |
| Resources: |
petroleum,
copper, asbestos, marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum, natural
gas and limited agriculture |
| Government: |
Monarchy
(Hereditary) - Sultan is Head of state and Head of Government |
| Capital: |
Muscat
|
| Language: |
Arabic
(official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects |
| Religion: |
Ibadhi
Muslim 75%, Sunni Muslim, Shi'a Muslim, Hindu |
| Ethnic
origin: |
Arab,
Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi),
African (Zanzibar) |
Useful websites about Oman:
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