Sultanate of Oman

The Sultanate of Oman also known as the Essence of Arabia enjoys a strategic location in the South-East coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Muscat is its capital. As per 2007, Oman's population sits at 3,204,897 (incl. 577,293 non-nationals).

 

 Ø      HEAD OF STATE: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said

Ø      AREA: 309,500 sq. km

Ø      NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES; Yemen Arab Republic, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates

Ø      THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Arabic, also, English and  other different spoken languages.

Ø       CAPITAL: Muscat

Ø      MAJOR CITIES: Muscat, Sohar, Salalah, Nizwa and Sur

Ø      RELIGION: Islam but other religions are tolerated

Ø      CURRENCY: One Rial Omani (OR) = US$2.58

Ø      NATIONAL DAY: 18th November

Ø      LIFE EXPECTANCY: 73.8 years

Ø      POPULATION GROWTH RATE: 2% (2003)

Ø      POPULATION DENSITY: 7.5

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* The flag is in three colours: White, Red and Green with the Khangar (dagger) as the country's emblem.

White:  the sign of peace and prosperity ,

Red: Symbolizes the long battles fought by the Omani people

Green: Represents the country's fertility and agriculture

 * Oman is encased in long sandy beaches, majestic mountains and golden deserts mesmerizing every person who walks on this land. The forts built by the Portuguese during their 140 year colonization fortifies the country are visible from many angles.

  * The Omani culture is steeped into the religion of Islam. Arabic is the official language; however English, Swahili and Hindi are widely spoken.

  National Dress

Men:

Wear a simple straight (usually white), collarless gown known as a dishdasha. Its main adornment is a tassel (furakha) sewn into the neckline, which can be impregnated with perfume. A turban (Mussar) is worn during formal occasions. On normal days, a hat (Kumma) is worn. Men usually wear sandals.

Women:

Every region in Oman has its own traditional costume. These come in various colours and styles. The main components are: a 3/4 length dress and trousers with heavy embroidery and a scarf (hijab)

 Oman is a key player in protecting the environment and promoting animal conservations. Tourists enjoy visiting the various natural and animal reserves. These include visiting the hatching turtles in Ras Al-Had to witnessing the white Oryx and gazelle in the desert. Some prefer to relax and enjoy the flights of migratory birds coming in from Africa or the south of Oman. For the more adventurous, climbing down the world's second largest chamber cave, Majlis Al Jinn, is a must do. 

 Omani Food

Oman enjoys a wide range of dishes. This is due to Oman's trading expeditions in the seventeenth and eighteenth century with India and Africa. Marinated meat, fish and poultry are regularly used. Omani Halwa is a traditional sweet and a symbol of the Omani hospitality both locally and internationally. A favourite drink is Laban (a salty yogurt drink, flavoured with cardamom). Dates, dry fruits and pistachio nuts are also very popular.