Country Summary
Introduction
Background
The inhabitants of the area of Oman have long prospered from Indian Ocean trade. In the late 18th century, the nascent sultanate in Muscat signed the first in a series of friendship treaties with Britain. Over time, Oman's dependence on British political and military advisors increased. In 1970, QABOOS bin Said Al-Said overthrew his father, and during his 50-year rule ushered Oman into the modern age.
Geography
Area
total: 309,500 sq km
land: 309,500 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Climate
dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south
Natural resources
petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum, natural gas
People and Society
Population
3,764,348 (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups
Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi), African
Languages
Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Swahili, Urdu, Indian dialects
Religions
Muslim 85.9%, Christian 6.4%, Hindu 5.7%, other and unaffiliated 2% (2020 est.)
Population growth rate
1.84% (2022 est.)
Government
Government type
absolute monarchy
Capital
name: Muscat
Executive branch
chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister HAYTHAM bin Tariq bin Taimur Al-Said (since 11 January 2020); note - the monarch is both chief of state and head of government
head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister HAYTHAM bin Tariq bin Taimur Al-Said (since 11 January 2020)
Legislative branch
description: bicameral Council of Oman or Majlis Oman consists of:
Council of State or Majlis al-Dawla (85 seats including the chairman; members appointed by the sultan from among former government officials and prominent educators, businessmen, and citizens)
Consultative Council or Majlis al-Shura (86 seats; members directly elected in single- and 2-seat constituencies by simple majority popular vote to serve renewable 4-year terms); note - since political reforms in 2011, legislation from the Consultative Council is submitted to the Council of State for review by the Royal Court
Economy
Economic overview
high-income, oil-based economy; large welfare system; growing government debt; citizenship-based labor force growth policy; US free trade agreement; diversifying portfolio; high female labor force participation
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$135.79 billion (2019 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$27,300 (2019 est.)
Agricultural products
dates, tomatoes, vegetables, goat milk, milk, cucumbers, green chillies/peppers, watermelons, sorghum, melons
Industries
crude oil production and refining, natural and liquefied natural gas production; construction, cement, copper, steel, chemicals, optic fiber
Exports
$43.69 billion (2019 est.)
Exports - partners
China 46%, India 8%, Japan 6%, South Korea 6%, United Arab Emirates 6%, Saudi Arabia 5% (2019)
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, natural gas, refined petroleum, iron products, fertilizers (2019)
Imports
$32.55 billion (2019 est.)
Imports - partners
United Arab Emirates 36%, China 10%, Japan 7%, India 7%, United States 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities
cars, refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, gold, iron (2019)
Exchange rates
Omani rials (OMR) per US dollar -
Page last updated: Friday, July 29, 2022
