Oman:

General Country Guide

Oman - general country guide

Contents

Map

Source: CIA World Factbook

Summary Data

summary data  
Total Area (km2) 212,460
Land (km2) 212,460
Water (km2) 0
Population 3,311,640
Population Density (/km2) 16
Capital Muscat
Religion (%) Ibadhi Muslim 75%,
Other (incl. Sunni Muslim, Shi'a Muslim, Hindu) 25%
Time GMT+4
Climate Generally a dry desert climate, hot and humid along
the coast with a hot, dry interior. The country
experiences Monsoons from May to September in
the far south.
Source: CIA World Factbook

Geography

Situated in Southwest Asia, Oman is on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula bordering the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. With stunning beaches, a desert landscape and lush countryside Oman faces the Indian Ocean with several miles of coastline. The central terrain of the country is desert plain and mountainous areas are found in the north and south.

Government

Oman has been a sultanate since 1744, Sultan Qaboos bin Sa'id is currently the head of state and government. Sultan Qaboos is responsible for the modernization of Oman and the country enjoys a modern healthcare and education system. The government has ensured that it keeps tight bonds with neighboring Arab countries and continues to make relationships with western countries. The legal age to vote in Oman is 21 but members of the military and security forces are not allowed to vote.

Language

Arabic is the official language of Oman although English is widely spoken by most people throughout the country. Other languages such as Baluchi, Urdu and some Indian dialects are spoken in some parts of the country. Swahili is also spoken by some Omani descents from Africa.

Electricity

220/240 volts AC, 50Hz.

Plugs are of the flat 3-pin style.

Passports/Visa

Passport valid for a minimum of six months after return from Oman are required from all nationals.

Visas

Visa's required by all nationals to enter Oman, all nationals may apply for a single or multi entry visa on arrival at the airport.

Passport/Visa Information

Oman Embassy
167 Queen's Gate
London

SW7 5HE

Tel: (020) 7225 0001

Fax: (020) 7589 2505

Email: theembassy@omanembassy.org.uk

Airports and Airlines

Muscat International Airport (MCT)

  • Location: The airport is located approximately 32 km west of Muscat
  • Time: GMT +4
  • Contacts: Tel: +968 (0)519210.
  • Website: http://www.omanairports.com/seeb_departureguide.asp
  • Car rental: Car rental companies are available.
  • Facilities: The airport has banking facilities, duty free shopping, a medical clinic, prayer room – Mosque and disabled facilities. The airport also has several bars, restaurants and cafes to get food and drink.
  • Parking: Parking is available.
  • Departure tax: None.

Standard of Living

The standard of living in Oman is relatively good as the country boasts good healthcare and education systems, reliable public transport and good quality infrastructure. Tourism is building up which means more western style facilities are available throughout the country. Expatiates have to use private medical care although this is usually advised as the facilities are better and there are English speaking staff.

Principal commercial centres and towns

Muscat is the capital of Oman and with a population on 731,730 it has the same population as Nizwa, both very popular tourist destinations.

populati0n by city/town 2007  
Muscat 731,730
Nizwa 731,730
Salalah 190,348
Samail 40,000
Source: Wikipedia Top

Oman Country Guide

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