[Country Name] The Sultanate of Oman (The Sultanate of Oman)

[Area] 309,500 square kilometers

[Population] 5.29 million (March 2025), of which Omani nationals account for 57%. Islam is the state religion, with 85.9% of the population being Muslims, mostly belonging to the Ibadi sect.

[Language] Arabic is the official language, and English is widely spoken.

[Capital] Muscat, covering an area of approximately 3,900 square kilometers, with a population of 1.51 million.

[Head of State] Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik Al-Said, ascended to the throne on January 11, 2020.

[National Day] November 20

[Geography] Located in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula. It borders the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and faces the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Its coastline is 3,165 kilometers long. Except for the northeastern mountain areas, the country has a tropical desert climate. The year is divided into two seasons: the hot season from May to October, with temperatures exceeding 40°C ; and the cool season from November to April, with an average temperature of about 24°C .

[Brief History] Oman is one of the oldest countries on the Arabian Peninsula. By 2000 BC, it was extensively engaged in maritime and overland trade and had become a center of shipbuilding on the peninsula. In the 7th century AD, it became part of the Arab Caliphate, gaining independence by the end of the 11th century. In 1429, the Ibadi sect established its rule in Oman. In 1507, Oman was invaded by Portugal and endured a long period of colonial rule. In 1649, local Omanis overthrew Portuguese rule and established the Yaruba dynasty. In 1742, Oman was invaded by the Persian Afsharid dynasty. By the mid-18th century, local Omanis expelled the Persians and founded the Al Said dynasty, naming the state the "Sultanate of Muscat". It became one of the more powerful states along the Indian Ocean coast at the time, extending its influence to the East African coast. After the death of Sultan Said bin Sultan in 1856, his two sons took charge of mainland Oman and the East African territories respectively. In 1861, the two regions formally split. In 1871, Britain invaded mainland Oman, forcing it to accept unequal treaties. In 1913, tribes in the Omani mountains launched an anti-British uprising, establishing the "Imamate of Oman". In 1920, British colonialists signed the Treaty of Seeb with the "Imamate", recognizing its independence. Oman was thus divided into two parts: the "Sultanate of Muscat" and the "Imamate of Oman". In December 1955, British colonialists and forces of the "Sultanate" they supported captured Nizwa, the capital of the "Imamate". Local resistance forces retreated into the mountains and launched another anti-British uprising in July 1957, which was ultimately suppressed on a large scale by British forces and failed. In 1967, Sultan Said bin Taimur of the "Sultanate of Muscat", with British support, unified the entire territory of Oman and renamed the country the "Sultanate of Muscat and Oman". On July 23, 1970, Sultan Taimur was forced to abdicate, and his only son, Qaboos, ascended the throne. The country was renamed the "Sultanate of Oman", a name which has been used to the present day. In 1973, British troops withdrew from Oman.

[Politics] Oman is a hereditary monarchy where all political party activities are prohibited. The Sultan holds absolute authority, enacting laws, appointing the cabinet, leading the military, and approving and concluding international treaties. On January 11, 2020, Sultan Qaboos passed away, and his cousin Haitham, then Minister of Heritage and Culture, succeeded to the throne in accordance with Qaboos’s will.

[Parliament] Known as "Oman Council," it consists of The State Council (equivalent to an upper house) and The Majlis A'shura (equivalent to a lower house). Members of the two councils cannot hold dual positions.

The State Council, established in December 1997, primarily reviews national laws and social, economic, and other issues. It comprises 86 members, mostly former senior officials in politics, the military, and prominent figures from various sectors. All are appointed by the Sultan for 4-year renewable terms. Its current chairman, Abdul Malik Bin Abdullah Al Khalili, assumed office in August 2020.

The Majlis A'shura, established in November 1991, succeeded the State Consultative Council founded in 1981. Before 2003, its members were elected only by a limited pool of Omani citizens. Since 2003, universal suffrage has been implemented, allowing all Omani citizens aged 21 or above to vote. In 2007, Sultan Qaboos issued a decree further relaxing candidacy restrictions. In October 2011, Sultan Qaboos promulgated the revised Basic Statute of the State, granting the Shura Council greater powers—including the right to amend and propose laws, budgets, treaties, and audit reports, as well as oversight and interrogation authority over government bodies. The method of selecting its chairman was also changed from royal appointment to direct election by council members. In late October 2023, The Majlis A'shura held its 10th election, selecting 90 members for 4-year renewable terms. Khalid Bin Hilal Al Ma'awali, elected chairman in October 2011, remains in office.

[Constitution] In November 1996, Sultan Qaboos issued a decree promulgating the Basic Statute of the State (equivalent to a constitution), defining the state structure, guiding principles of national policy, citizens’ rights and duties, the Sultan’s powers, cabinet responsibilities, the functioning of the Oman Council, and the judicial system. In October 2011, Sultan Qaboos revised the Basic Statute, primarily clarifying rules for succession and expanding The Majlis A'shura’s authority. In January 2021, Sultan Haitham issued a decree further amending the Basic Statute to establish a crown prince system based on primogeniture.

[Administrative Divisions] Administratively, Oman is divided into 11 governorates: Muscat, Dhofar, Musandam, Al Buraimi, Al Batinah North, Al Batinah South, Al Dhahirah, Al Dakhiliyah, Al Sharqiyah South, Al Sharqiyah North, and Al Wusta. These governorates are further subdivided into 63 wilayats (provinces).

[Judicial System] The Ministry of Justice, Religious Affairs, and Endowments oversees judicial and religious matters. The country has 47 courts, with appellate courts established in the capital and select provinces.

[Prominent Figures] Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik Al-Said: Born in October 1955 in Oman, he is a cousin of the late Sultan Qaboos. He served as Undersecretary for Political Affairs at the Foreign Ministry (1986–1994), Secretary General of the Foreign Ministry (1994–2002), and Minister of Culture and Heritage (2002–January 2020). He ascended to the throne on January 11, 2020.

Fahd Bin Mahmoud Al-Said: Deputy Prime Minister for Cabinet Affairs. Born in 1940, he is a distant uncle of Sultan Haitham. After graduating in economics from Cairo University (1965) and studying political science in France, he became the first Foreign Minister following Sultan Qaboos’s accession in 1970. He later held ministerial portfolios for culture, tourism, and information. Appointed Deputy Prime Minister for Legal Affairs in May 1979, he has served as Deputy Prime Minister for Cabinet Affairs since January 1994. He visited China in September 2005 and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the first China-Arab States Summit and China-GCC Summit in December 2022.

Shihab Bin Tarik Al-Said: Deputy Prime Minister for Defense Affairs. Born in 1956, he is the younger brother of Sultan Haitham. He served as Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman (1990–2004) and as Advisor to the Sultan and Chairman of the Research Council (2004–March 2020). He was appointed Deputy Prime Minister for Defense Affairs in March 2020.

[Economy]

The oil and natural gas industry is the backbone of Oman's economy. Oil and gas revenues account for 68% of state fiscal revenue and 41% of GDP. The industrial sector is dominated by oil extraction, though the natural gas industry has gained increasing importance in recent years. Oman implements a free and open economic policy, utilizing oil revenues to vigorously develop the national economy, actively attract foreign investment, introduce technology, and encourage private investment.

To gradually reduce the economy's dependence on oil, diversify fiscal revenue sources, and achieve sustainable economic development, the Omani government vigorously promotes industrial diversification, Omanization of employment, and economic privatization. It increases investment in infrastructure construction and expands private capital participation. Agriculture is underdeveloped, and the country relies mainly on imports for food. Fishery resources are abundant and represent a traditional industry. Besides meeting domestic demand, fisheries provide for export and are one of the main sources of non-oil export revenue.

Key economic indicators for 2024 were as follows:

Gross Domestic Product (GDP): $99.58 billion USD.

GDP per capita: $19,000 USD.

GDP Growth Rate: 1.7%.

Total Imports and Exports: $106.45 billion USD.

Imports: $43.45 billion USD.

Exports: $63 billion USD.

[Resources]

Oil exploration began in the 1960s. By the end of 2022, Oman's proven oil reserves were approximately 650 million tons (4.8 billion barrels), with annual production that year reaching about 51 million tons (388 million barrels), averaging about 1.06 million barrels per day. Proven natural gas reserves were about 0.7 trillion cubic meters, with annual production of 32.3 billion cubic meters in 2022.

Besides oil and natural gas, mineral resources discovered in Oman include copper, gold, silver, chromium, iron, manganese, magnesium, coal, limestone, marble, gypsum, phosphate, quartz, kaolin, etc. Specific details include:

Copper reserves: ~15 million tons

Chromium reserves: ~2.5 million tons

Iron reserves: ~120 million tons

Manganese reserves: ~1.5 million tons

Coal reserves: ~122 million tons

Limestone reserves: ~300 million tons

Marble reserves: ~150 million tons

Gypsum reserves: ~1.2 billion tons

[Industry]

The industrial sector is dominated by oil and gas industries, with other industries starting relatively late. Industrial projects mainly include petrochemicals, iron smelting, fertilizers, plastics, and pipe casting. Apart from a few large enterprises like refineries, cement plants, and flour mills, which are government-owned and operated, most are privately-owned small and medium-sized enterprises. These primarily engage in the production of non-metallic minerals, wood processing, food, textiles, etc.

[Agriculture]

Agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries play a significant role in the non-oil sectors of the national economy, meeting 47.6% of domestic food demand and 69% of animal feed demand. However, agriculture overall remains underdeveloped. The country has about 100,000 hectares of arable land, of which 73,000 hectares are cultivated. Main crops include fruits and vegetables like dates, lemons, and bananas. Staple crops like wheat, barley, and sorghum are insufficient for self-sufficiency. Fishery resources are rich and represent a traditional industry. Besides satisfying domestic needs, they provide for export and are a major source of non-oil export revenue.

[Transportation]

Transportation relies primarily on roads.

Roads: Total paved road length: 35,522 km. Total unpaved road length: 1,222 km.

Water Transport: Major ports include Sultan Qaboos Port (Muscat), Sohar Port, Salalah Port, Duqm Port, and Khasab Port. Sultan Qaboos Port (Muscat) has been transformed into a tourist port; Sohar Port and Salalah Port mainly handle container and cargo transport; Duqm Port and Khasab Port are still under construction. Additionally, the National Ferries Company operates several passenger routes between Musandam Governorate (an Omani exclave), Masirah Island (Oman's largest island), and mainland Oman.

Air Transport: Oman Air, established in May 1981 as a public-private partnership, primarily handles domestic passenger and cargo transport. In recent years, Oman Air has expanded its international operations, launching routes from Muscat to destinations like London, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta. Major civilian airports include Muscat International Airport, Salalah International Airport, and Sohar Airport.

Oil Pipelines: An oil pipeline runs from the interior oil fields to the port of Fahud, with a total length of 279 km and a natural flow capacity (without pumping) of 725,000 barrels per day.

[Foreign Trade]

Major exports are oil and natural gas, accounting for about 68% of total state fiscal revenue. Non-oil exports include copper, chemical products, fish, dates, fruits, and vegetables. Main export destinations are the UAE, Saudi Arabia, India, and China. Major imports are machinery, transportation equipment, food, and manufactured industrial goods, primarily sourced from the UAE (re-exports), China, India, and the US. Oman's total foreign trade volume in 2024 was $106.45 billion USD, with exports valued at $63 billion USD and imports at $43.45 billion USD.

[Foreign Investment]

Foreign capital is primarily invested in oil exploration and the financial sector. The UK and Gulf countries are the main sources of investment.

[People's Livelihood]

The state provides free medical care. The average life expectancy is 76.6 years. Oman has over 70 hospitals and 203 health centers. The country has 423,000 fixed-line telephone subscribers and 6.8663 million mobile phone subscribers. Internet users number 269,500. The rate of private home ownership nationwide has reached a relatively high level globally.

[Military]

Oman implements compulsory military service. Sultan Haitham is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Oman is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and coordinates militarily and defensively with other member states. Total military personnel number 43,500, consisting of:

Army: 25,000

Navy: 4,200

Air Force: 4,100

Royal Guard: 5,500

Sultan's Special Forces: 1,000

Tribal and Militia Forces: 4,400

[Education]

The state provides free education. Literacy campaigns and adult education are conducted nationwide. There are 1,642 schools of various types with 690,000 students enrolled, and 14 literacy centers. Sultan Qaboos University, opened in September 1986, is Oman's highest institution of learning, with an enrollment of approximately 15,000 students.

[Press and Publications]

There are over 30 newspapers and periodicals nationwide. Major ones include:

Oman Daily: Daily circulation approx. 40,000

Observer: Daily circulation approx. 22,000

Al Watan: Semi-official, Arabic daily.

Times of Oman: Private, English daily.

Oman News Agency (ONA): The official news agency, established in May 1986, headquartered in Muscat.

Sultanate of Oman Radio: Founded in Muscat in 1970. Salalah Radio was built in 1974 and later merged into Sultanate of Oman Radio. A satellite ground receiving station was built in 1979. FM broadcasting began in 1982, broadcasting 12 hours daily. Since 1998, its Arabic General Service channel has broadcast 24 hours a day to all regions of Oman.

Oman TV: The state-owned and largest television broadcaster in Oman, established in 1974, operating 4 channels.

[Foreign Relations]

Oman pursues a foreign policy of non-alignment, good neighborliness, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. It is committed to maintaining the security and stability of the Gulf region, actively participates in regional affairs, and advocates resolving differences between countries through dialogue and peaceful means. Oman maintains close relations with the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and Germany, while simultaneously engaging in diversified diplomacy.