Oman | History, Capital, Language, Flag, Facts & Geography of Oman
History of Oman:
Early in its history, in the 7th century, Oman adopted Islam. The majority of Oman’s history has been spent as an independent nation. Parts of the nation were once ruled by Persia, while the Portuguese also briefly erected fortresses along Oman’s coast.
Oman was successful in driving the Portuguese out of their nation in the 1650s. The east coast of Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula were added to the Sultan of Oman’s empire. Oman rose to prominence as the most powerful nation in Arabia in the early 1800s. Additionally, Oman and Britain solidified their alliance at this period.
Qaboos bin Said Al-Said assumed the sultanate of Oman in 1970 and has been in power ever since. He has increased the country’s trade and exposure to the outside world. Oman makes an effort to keep friendly relations with all the other Middle Eastern nations.
Information about Oman:
| Capital | Muscat |
| Population | 4,644,384 (Source: 2023 worldometer) |
| Major Cities | Muscat (capital), Sohar, Salalah, Rustaq, Sur, Nizwa, Seeb, Ibri, Khasab |
| Borders | Southwest by Yemen, to the south and east by the Arabian Sea, to the north by the Gulf of Oman, to the northwest by the United Arab Emirates, and to the west by Saudi Arabia |
| Gross Domestic Product (GDP) | $114,667,000,000 (2022 worldometer) |
| Currency | Omani rial (OMR) |
Flag of Oman:
Oman Economy Key Industries:
Oman Major Industries: crude oil production and refining, natural and liquefied natural gas (LNG) production; construction, cement, copper, steel, chemicals, optic fiber
Oman Agricultural Products: dates, limes, bananas, alfalfa, vegetables; camels, cattle; fish
Oman Natural Resources: petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum, natural gas
Oman Major Exports: petroleum, reexports, fish, metals, textiles
Oman Major Imports: machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, livestock, lubricants
The Geography of Oman:
Total Size of Oman: 309,501 km² (source: wikipedia)
Geographical Low Point of Oman: Arabian Sea 0 m
Geographical High Point of Oman: Jabal Shams 2,980 m
Climate of Oman: dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south
General Terrain of Oman: central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south
World Region or Continent of Oman: Middle East
Geographical Coordinates: 21 00 N, 57 00 E
The People of Oman & Culture
Oman Government Type: monarchy
Oman Nationality: Omani(s)
Oman National Holiday: Birthday of Sultan QABOOS, 18 November (1940)
Oman Independence: 1650 (expulsion of the Portuguese)
Oman National Symbol: Khanjar dagger superimposed on two crossed swords
Oman National Anthem or Song: Nashid as-Salaam as-Sultani (The Sultan’s Anthem)
Oman Languages Spoken: Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects
Oman Religions: Ibadhi Muslim 75%, Sunni Muslim, Shi’a Muslim, Hindu
Interesting Facts about Oman:
The clock tower in Muscat is the oldest building still standing in modern Oman.
In Oman, both Arabic and English are accessible for almost all lettering and signage.
Unbelievably, Oman is a country where there is almost little crime.
Another claim is that Omanis are the best ship builders in the world.
Oman has the top Arabian horse breeders. When selling their horses around the world, they get big prices.
In Oman, you need to get a license in order to buy alcoholic beverages. Furthermore, Omanis are only allowed to drink up to 10% of their monthly earnings.
Before 1970, there were no hotels in the country. However, there are currently a lot of hotels. The tourism industry is a big one in Oman.
Before Islam arrived in Oman, Ibanism was prevalent there. The members of this cult lived ascetic and tolerant lives.
In Oman, it’s tradition to serve a bowl of dates, qahwa (coffee flavored with cardamom), and fruit as a greeting to guests.
Date palms are served with coffee at many hotels in Oman.
Oman’s flag is comprised of two Khanjars that are crossed. This insignia appears on both the national flag and other official logos. It stands for toughness and manliness. If you’re interested in buying a real khanjar, the price is OMR 500.
The month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast, and other Islamic holidays are highly regarded in Omani culture.
Long robes called dishdashas are worn by Omani men.
The Omani week ends on Friday. Omanis are happiest on Thursdays and Fridays. In the coming years, they want to switch their weekends to Friday and Saturday.
With 300,000 tons of Indian sandstone, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Oman, was built. The mosque’s construction was finished in six years and four months. Muscat may contain it.
Since eating pork is prohibited in Islam, Oman does not.
The majority of people have their main meal of the day between early and mid-afternoon. Usually, it has a lot of rice and fish in a tomato-based sauce.
