Everything you need to know about Oman: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more

Oman: Strategic Country on the South Western Arabian Peninsula

Islam was introduced in Oman only during the 7th Century although Arabs started inhabiting this Mediterranean country since 9th Century B.C. Oman was ruled by the Portuguese from 1508 to 1648 A.D. and later the Turkish rule followed that lasted till 1741 when Sultan Ahmad ibn Said finally overthrew the Turks. The Said dynasty continues to rule this strategically important country located at the western tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Oman was relatively isolated during the reign of Sultan Said bin Taimur who was finally deposed by his son Qaboos bin Said in 1970. The country has since undertaken important economic and political reforms including granting voting rights to everyone above 21. Oman also entered into a free trade pact with US in 2006.

Oman Facts and Stats:

· National Name: Sultanate of Oman
· Capital: Muscat
· Total area: 309,500 sq km
· Population: 2.6 million (UN, 2008)
· Currency: Rial
· Languages: Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects
· Ethnicity/ Races: Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi), African
· Religion: Islam: Ibadhi 75%, Sunni, Shi'a; Hindu
· GDP (Per Capita): $19,000 (2007 est.)
· Life Expectancy: 74 years (men), 77 years (women) (UN)
· Literacy: 81.4% (2003 est.)

Omanis enjoy a hot and dry climate in the interior while Omanis living along the coast are accustomed to a humid existence. Oman was covered by oceans long eons back and the greatest evidence of this are the fossilized shells found in the Omani deserts.

Oman Culture and Cuisine:
Although Arabic is the major language spoken in Oman, the country is linguistically diverse with a fair sprinkling of Balochi, Swahili, French, Zanzibar, Hindi and many local dialects across the Omani plains. Although Oman is a relatively conservative country its Sultan Qaboos bin Said allowed women to stand for the local council elections. Islam is the dominant religion and Oman is the last stronghold of the Ibadi sect of Islam. Oman is popular for the curved Khanjar knives worn during ceremonies with ceremonial dresses. Omanis are a hospitable creed and visitors to Omani homes would be greeted with a bowl of dates, qahwa and fruit.

Omani cuisine is quite simple and the preparation often involves marinade and generous sprinkling of meats and spices, the meat eaten include chicken, fish and mutton. No Mediterranean country can ignore Dates and dry fruits and Oman is no exception. Laban, a salty, buttermilk yoghurt drink is a favourite among the Omani people.

Oman Economy:
Oman economy is largely oil fuelled that has bestowed an affluent lifestyle upon the Omanis but the future may not be as rosy on account of Oman’s limited oil reserves in comparison to other Mediterranean states. Agriculture practised is of subsistence level and the main Omani agricultural produce includes dates, limes, grains and vegetables. Oman’s capital Muscat has recently become a tourist hub and also a financial centre.

Oman Tourist Attractions:
Oman has recently emerged as a preferred tourist hub owing to many sightseeing opportunities available to the tourists. Tourists who prefer hiking and trekking should definitely climb the beautiful Jebel Shams Mountain whereas those interested in sand skiing, camel safaris and swimming should let go at by the beautiful coastline that is laden with golden sands.

Other Places to See in Oman include:

· Bahla in Oman
· Jabel Akhdar
· Muscat
· Nizwa in Oman
· Salalah
· Sohar
· Sur