Oman, officially the Sultanate of Oman, is a country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It borders Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen, and has coastlines along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. Its capital and largest city is Muscat. Oman is known for its long maritime history, mountainous landscapes, deserts, wadis, traditional architecture and oil-based economy. (apps.oman.om)
Quick Facts
- Official name: Sultanate of Oman
- Capital: Muscat
- Region: Middle East / Arabian Peninsula
- Area: About 309,500 km²
- Population: 5,494,691 (2025 World Bank estimate)
- Official language: Arabic
- Currency: Omani rial (OMR)
- Government: Hereditary monarchy
- Time zone: Gulf Standard Time (UTC+4)
- Highest mountain: Jabal Shams
- Major seas: Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman
- Country code: OM
- Calling code: +968 (data.worldbank.org)
Where Is Oman?
Oman is located in southeastern Arabia. It shares land borders with Saudi Arabia to the west, the United Arab Emirates to the northwest and Yemen to the southwest.
The country’s coastline extends along the Gulf of Oman in the north and the Arabian Sea to the south and east. Oman’s strategic position near the entrance to the Persian Gulf has historically contributed to its maritime trade and regional importance. (apps.oman.om)
History of Oman
Oman has a long history shaped by trade, seafaring, agriculture and connections with neighboring civilizations.
Its location at the entrance to the Indian Ocean made it an important center for maritime trade between Arabia, East Africa, India and other parts of Asia. Omani sailors and merchants established commercial connections across the Indian Ocean over many centuries.
Islam reached Oman during the 7th century, and Islamic traditions became an important part of Omani society and political history.
During later centuries, Omani rulers established influence along parts of the East African coast. Zanzibar became particularly important to Omani maritime and commercial networks.
In the modern period, Oman developed into a centralized state under the Al Said dynasty. Sultan Qaboos bin Said ruled from 1970 until his death in 2020, overseeing major changes in infrastructure, education, healthcare and the economy.
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq became Sultan in January 2020.
Population and People
Oman had an estimated population of 5,494,691 in 2025, according to the World Bank. The population has grown significantly over the past several decades, with migration also contributing to population changes. (data.worldbank.org)
Omani society includes citizens of Arab, Baluchi, African and other backgrounds, alongside a substantial expatriate population.
Arabic is the official language. English is widely used in business, education, tourism and international communication.
Geography and Climate
Oman covers approximately 309,500 square kilometres and has highly varied terrain. Its landscape includes mountains, deserts, gravel plains, coastal areas, valleys and oases. (data.worldbank.org)
The Al Hajar Mountains extend across northern Oman. Jabal Shams, the highest mountain in the country, rises to approximately 3,000 metres.
The interior includes extensive desert and gravel landscapes, while the coast contains beaches, rocky shorelines and fishing communities.
Oman generally has a hot and dry climate, although temperatures and rainfall vary by region. The southern Dhofar region experiences a seasonal monsoon known as the khareef, which brings greener landscapes and cooler conditions during part of the year.
Government and Politics
Oman is a hereditary monarchy headed by the Sultan.
The country’s constitutional framework is established by the Basic Law of the State, which provides the legal basis for government institutions, legislation and political administration. The Basic Law establishes the Council of Oman, consisting of the elected Majlis Al Shura and appointed Majlis Al Dawla, as well as an independent judiciary. (apps.oman.om)
Muscat is the national capital and the principal center of government administration.
Economy
Oman’s economy has historically depended heavily on oil and natural gas, while the government has pursued diversification into additional sectors.
Important parts of the economy include:
- Oil and natural gas
- Manufacturing
- Logistics
- Mining
- Fisheries
- Tourism
- Agriculture
- Trade and transportation
According to the World Bank, Oman’s GDP was approximately US$109.6 billion in 2025, with GDP growth of about 2.4% that year. GDP per capita was approximately US$19,947. (data.worldbank.org)
Natural Resources
Oman has significant natural resources, particularly hydrocarbons and mineral resources.
Important resources include:
- Crude oil
- Natural gas
- Copper
- Chromite
- Limestone
- Gypsum
- Industrial minerals
The country’s coastline also supports fisheries, while agricultural areas produce dates, fruits and other crops.
Culture and Traditions
Omani culture reflects the country’s Arabian, Islamic and maritime heritage.
Traditional clothing, architecture, crafts, music and festivals remain important parts of cultural life.
The khanjar, a traditional curved dagger worn with formal Omani dress, is an important cultural symbol. Omani architecture is also known for forts, castles, mosques and traditional houses.
Oman’s historic maritime connections have also influenced its cultural links with East Africa and the Indian Ocean world.
Food in Oman
Omani cuisine combines Arabian traditions with influences from the country’s long trading history.
Popular dishes include:
- Shuwa
- Majboos
- Harees
- Mashuai
- Omani halwa
- Dates
- Kahwa, or traditional Omani coffee
Fish and seafood are especially important in coastal communities.
Major Cities
Muscat
Muscat is the capital and main political, economic and cultural center of Oman. It contains government institutions, major businesses, museums, ports and historic sites.
Salalah
Salalah is the principal city of southern Oman and the capital of Dhofar Governorate. It is particularly known for the khareef season, coconut plantations and coastal landscapes.
Sohar
Sohar is an important industrial and commercial city on the northern coast. Its port plays a major role in Oman’s trade and logistics sector.
Nizwa
Nizwa is a historic inland city known for its fort, traditional souq and importance in Omani history and culture.
Landmarks and Places to Visit
Oman has numerous historical, cultural and natural attractions.
Important sites include:
- Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
- Nizwa Fort
- Bahla Fort
- Jabrin Castle
- Mutrah Souq
- Royal Opera House Muscat
- Wadi Shab
- Wahiba Sands
- Jebel Akhdar
- Salalah and the Dhofar region
Oman’s forts and castles are particularly important examples of the country’s architectural and military heritage.
Tourism
Tourism has become an increasingly important part of Oman’s economic diversification efforts.
Visitors are attracted by the country’s mountains, deserts, beaches, wadis, historic forts, traditional markets and cultural heritage.
Outdoor activities include hiking, camping, diving, snorkeling and desert excursions.
The Dhofar region is especially distinctive during the khareef season, when seasonal rains transform parts of the landscape.
Education
Oman has developed a modern education system with schools, colleges, universities and technical institutions.
Higher education institutions include Sultan Qaboos University, based in Muscat, as well as a number of public and private universities and colleges.
Education has expanded considerably during Oman’s modern development, alongside improvements in infrastructure and public services.
Transportation
Road transportation is the main way to travel within Oman. Major highways connect Muscat with northern, central and southern parts of the country.
Oman also has international airports, including Muscat International Airport and Salalah International Airport.
Ports such as Sohar, Duqm and Salalah support maritime trade and contribute to the country’s logistics sector.
Oman Today
Today, Oman is a modern state that combines a long cultural and maritime history with an economy undergoing diversification.
The World Bank estimates that Oman had approximately 5.49 million people in 2025 and a GDP of about US$109.6 billion. Economic activity continues to include hydrocarbons alongside manufacturing, logistics, tourism, mining, fisheries and other sectors. (data.worldbank.org)
Oman’s geography, strategic location, historic trading connections and distinctive cultural heritage make it an important country on the Arabian Peninsula and in the wider Indian Ocean region.