Oman

Oman spurs job growth, but mind the oil price

The Sultanate tries to create new jobs through cheap business loans and diversification projects. But waning oil reserves means that the government must be cautious about its future spending, writes Bassam...

17 jailed Omani activists on hunger strike

Seventeen jailed Omani cyber activists have begun a hunger strike in protest against delays in their appeals, local media reported, The activists in Samayl central...

“McDiesel” is now served in the UAE and Oman

In cooperation with the Dubai-based consulting firm Coeja Eco Solutions, McDonalds is using cooking oil converted into eco-friendly bio-diesel for its fleet of delivery...

Oman raises spending in 2013 budget

Oman announced Wednesday a $33.54-billion budget for 2013, increasing spending by $7.5 billion over last year's forecasts, and keeping deficit at five percent of...

Oman holds first local elections

Omanis went to the polls on Saturday for the Gulf sultanate's first ever local elections though the 192 elected councillors will have only advisory powers. By...

BAE unveils £2.5-billion deal for military jets to Oman

British defence giant BAE Systems unveiled on Friday a £2.5-billion ($4.1-billion, 3.1-billion-euro) deal to sell 12 Eurofighter Typhoon combat jets and eight Hawk...

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Fast Facts

Official Name:	Sultanate of Oman

Population:	3 million

Capital:	Muscat

Government:	Monarchy

Leaders:	Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said

Religion:	Ibadhi Muslim 75%; Sunni Muslim, Shia Muslim, Hindu

Languages:	Arabic (official)

GDP:	$75.84 billion (CIA 2010 est.)

GDP/Capita:	$25,600 (CIA 2010 est.)

Main exports:	Petroleum, reexports, fish, metals, textiles

Time zone:	GMT + 4

International dialing code:	+968

Currency:	1 Omani Rial (OMR) = USD 2.5975

Country briefing

Despite close ties with Britain since the early and mid-19th century, Oman has managed successfully to avoid foreign occupation. It is consequently the oldest independent state in the Arab world. Its location at the banks of the southeast corner of the Arabian Peninsula makes it a strategic partner for larger foreign powers. An ally of the US, Oman has been able to isolate and clamp down on extremist groups in the country and has thus seen stable societal and economic development since the 1970s. Oman maintains a moderate foreign policy that seeks to stimulate good relations with other Middle East states.