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Oman

Country of Oman Flag

Capital: Muscat

Population: 4,974,986

Brief History of Oman:

Oman became an Islamic country early in its history in the 7th century. For most of Oman's history it has remained an independent country. There was a brief time when Persia conquered portions of the country as well as a time when the Portuguese set up fortifications along Oman's coast.

In the 1650's Oman managed to remove the Portuguese from their country. The Sultan of Oman expanded his empire into the east coast of Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula. In the early 1800s, Oman became the most powerful country in Arabia. Oman also became strong allies with Britain during this time.

In 1970, Qaboos bin Said Al-Said became sultan of Oman and has ruled ever since. He has opened country more to the outside world and trade. Oman tries to maintain good relationships with all the other Middle Eastern countries.



Country of Oman Map

The Geography of Oman

Total Size: 212,460 square km

Size Comparison: slightly smaller than Kansas

Geographical Coordinates: 21 00 N, 57 00 E

World Region or Continent: Middle East

General Terrain: central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south

Geographical Low Point: Arabian Sea 0 m

Geographical High Point: Jabal Shams 2,980 m

Climate: dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south

Major cities: MUSCAT (capital) 634,000 (2009)

The People of Oman

Type of Government: monarchy

Languages Spoken: Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects

Independence: 1650 (expulsion of the Portuguese)

National Holiday: Birthday of Sultan QABOOS, 18 November (1940)

Nationality: Omani(s)

Religions: Ibadhi Muslim 75%, Sunni Muslim, Shi'a Muslim, Hindu

National Symbol: Khanjar dagger superimposed on two crossed swords

National Anthem or Song: Nashid as-Salaam as-Sultani (The Sultan's Anthem)

Economy of Oman

Major Industries: crude oil production and refining, natural and liquefied natural gas (LNG) production; construction, cement, copper, steel, chemicals, optic fiber

Agricultural Products: dates, limes, bananas, alfalfa, vegetables; camels, cattle; fish

Natural Resources: petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum, natural gas

Major Exports: petroleum, reexports, fish, metals, textiles

Major Imports: machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, livestock, lubricants

Currency: Omani rial (OMR)

National GDP: $85,000,000,000




** Source for population (2012 est.) and GDP (2011 est.) is CIA World Factbook.

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