Oman |
|
| OVERVIEW |
| |
| Background |
In 1970, QABOOS bin Said Al Said
ousted his father and has ruled as sultan ever since. His extensive
modernization program has opened the country to the outside
world and has preserved a long-standing political and military
relationship with the UK. Oman's moderate, independent foreign
policy has sought to maintain good relations with all Middle
Eastern countries. |
| Natural
resources |
petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone,
chromium, gypsum, natural gas |
| Land
use |
arable land: 0.08%
permanent crops: 0.22%
other: 99.7% (1998 est.) |
| Population |
2,807,125
note: includes 577,293 non-nationals (July 2003 est.) |
| Ethnic
groups |
Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani,
Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi), African |
| Religions |
Ibadhi Muslim 75%, Sunni Muslim, Shi'a Muslim,
Hindu |
| Languages |
Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu,
Indian dialects |
| Literacy |
definition: NA
total population: 75.8%
male: 83.1%
female: 67.2% (2003 est.) |
| Capital |
Muscat |
| Government
type |
monarchy |
| Independence |
1650 (expulsion of the Portuguese) |
| National
holiday |
Birthday of Sultan QABOOS, 18 November (1940)
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