Map data for
Oman

Situated in western Asia, the Sultanate of Oman is the oldest independent state in the Arab world. It shares land borders with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Its coastline is along the mouth of the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea. The capital city is Muscat.
Tribes settled in Oman over the centuries, and by the early 1500s, the Portuguese discovered the strategic benefits of Oman’s location and began to use it as an outpost to protect their sea activities. In the late seventeenth century, Oman’s valuable position was evident as battle ensued between the Portuguese, Dutch and British - all of whom were trying to protect trading routes to the East Indies. Ottoman Turks and Persians tried unsuccessfully, to dominate Oman. By the twentieth century, Oman came under mutually beneficial British influence. It is a unitary state and an absolute monarchy, divided into eleven governorates.
The discovery of oil in the early 1960s has hastened Oman’s economic standing. Prior to this it was a strongly agricultural country, but the export of oil and petroleum-related products contributes over two-thirds of the country’s revenue. Oman is determined to diversify its economic reliance. It exports fruit-particularly dates, limes and bananas, and has successful irrigation systems. Its fishing industry is also important. The country is developing mining exports, including copper, gold and zinc and has invested heavily in the tourism sector, which is growing successfully. Heavily urbanised, over 80% of the population live in or around cities.
Oman has a rich Arabian heritage but is unlike many of its neighbours. Famed for its ship building and trading, Omani culture is more diverse, with influences from the Swahili coast and across the Indian Ocean. Music is important and art ranges from heritage woodwork and handicrafts through to traditional and modern painting. Oman’s traditional sports include dhow racing, falconry and camel racing, but soccer, tennis and cricket are popular, with the country hosting major events.
On the world stage, Oman is a member of the United Nations and the Arab League.