Country Guide • Oman

Flag of Oman

Oman is located in the extreme south eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bound by the United Arab Emirates to the north west, Saudi Arabia to the north and west, Yemen to the south west, the Gulf of Oman to the north east and the Arabian Sea to the south east and east.

Official NameSultanate of Oman
Area309,500km² (119,500mile²)
Population2,807,000
ContinentMiddle East
Population per mile²34
Capital CityMuscat
ReligionsIbadhi Muslim 75%, 11% Sunni Muslim, and Shi'a Muslim, 13% Hindu
LanguageArabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects
GovernmentSultanate
CurrencyOmani Rial
GDP$22.4 billion
GDP per Head$8,300
Natural ResourcesPetroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum and natural gas
Land UseArable Land 0.08%
AgricultureDates, limes, bananas, alfalfa, vegetables; camels, cattle; fish
IndustryCrude oil production and refining, natural gas production, construction, cement, copper
TourismWith a year round temperature of 19-20°C and many sandy beaches, water sports and sunworshipping are generally order of the day. Oman is one of the more traditional middle eastern countries and as such has a more natural offering
Natural HazardsSummer winds often raise large sandstorms and dust storms in interior; periodic droughts
Health RisksMalaria
ClimateOman has an arid subtropical climate. The coastal areas are hot and humid from April to October while during summer the interior is hot and dry with temperatures as high as 54°C. Average annual rainfall is only 2 - 4 inches. Average temperature ranges in Muscat are from 19°C to 38°C all year
TimeGMT/UTC+4 hours
National DaysNovember 18
VisasBritish passport holders can obtain an entry visa upon arrival at any land, sea or air entry port in Oman. There are two options: A one-month combined tourist/business visa costing 6 Omani Rials (OR). This can be extended for one month for a further 6 or; a one year multiple entry visa, which is valid for three weeks, after which nationals must leave Oman for at least three weeks before returning. The cost for this is 10 OR.
British EmbassyEmbassy Details

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