A Brief Description Many centuries before the country of Oman was formed, Muscat, its current capital, was a prosperous trading center and an influential regional city. Located on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman occupies a strategic position at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, one not unnoticed by western military powers. Long ruled by a sultanate, in 1774, it established a useful, long term relationship with Britain that lasted until it ceased to be a protectorate in 1951. Shortly after Qaboos bin Said Al Said replaced his father (in 1970) and took control of the country, this ancient land gained its complete independence. Among needed changes, the new sultan's priorities were social changes, as well as the modernization of the infrastructure and the improvement of its established oil industry. Then, in the early 1980s, this long closed country (for visitors and western businesses) partially opened its doors to the outside world. Recently, however, tourism has suffered based on Oman's close proximity to the on-going war in Iraq. Adventure travelers that do venture in describe the country as a stunning contrast of deserts, mountains, beaches, and plenty of friendly people. For more info on Oman, click here. A street market in Oman! Travel the World through Poster Art! Facts and Figures Name Oman (long form) Sultanate of Oman Population 3,001,600 Population & Density (all countries) here Capital City Muscat (242,000) Currency Omani Rial (OMR) Currency Converter here Languages Arabic (official), English, others Flag here National Day November 18 Religions Ibadhi Muslim (75%), Sunni & Shi'a Muslim, Hindu Geographic Coordinates Latitude/Longitude (Capital City) 23º 37' N, 58º 38' E Relative Location Oman, located on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. The country is bordered by Saudi Arabia, Yemen, the United Arab Emirates and by the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Land Statistics Coastline 1,299 miles (2,092 km) Land Areas (land) 82,031 sq miles (212,460 sq km) (water) 0 sq miles (0 sq km) (TOTAL) 82,031 sq miles (212,460 sq km) Land Area (all countries) here Landforms First note that much of Oman's borders with Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. are not clearly defined by all parties concerned. The northernmost part of Oman, the Musandam Peninsula, is separated from the rest of the country by a strip of land belonging to the United Arab Emirates. That peninsula is mostly low hills and mountains. In the north, a narrow and fertile coastal plain fronts the Gulf of Oman; from there the land rises into the rugged Hajar Mountains. Central and southeast, a few scrubby-hills and low-mountains dot the central desert landscape and coastal areas. In the west, the pebbly, desert-like land slopes gently into the sands of the Rub' Al Khali Desert. There are no perennial rivers or lakes of note. Highest Point Jabal Akhdar - 9,776 ft. (2,980 m) Lowest Point Arabian Sea - (0 ft.) (0 m) Land Divisions 5 regions including: Ad Dakhiliyah, Al Batinah, Al Wusta, Ash Sharqiyah and Az Zahirah, and 3 governorates, including: Masqat, Musandam and Zufur.

Maps Oman (large color) Map here Oman Outline Map here Oman CIA version here Oman Maps at UT here Strait of Hormuz Map here! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Asia Continent (printable) here Asia Outline Map here Asia (Southeast) Outline Map here Asia (Name the Country) Map Test here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Indian Subcontinent Map here Middle East Landforms here Middle East Map here Middle East Outline Map here Middle East Rivers here Tsunami Map (December 2004) here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - World Outline Maps (printable) here World Time Zone Map here Recommended Links Oman (Complete) info on the (GDP) economy, imports and exports, natural resources, government, population, military, transportation, and more here! OmanInfo.com here Oman Observer (newspaper) here Oman Photos at TrekEarth.com here Oman Study Centre (useful links and info) here Oman Tourism here A typical desert camel Travel the World through Poster Art! Time and Weather Time Zone (UTC +4) Note that UTC is also known as GMT, or Greenwich Mean Time. Conversion details and additional info: here Climate With the exception of the far southern region, which does experience a light monsoon season and cooler winds off the Indian Ocean, Oman is dry, extremely hot and humid throughout most of the year, with very little rainfall. The brief winter months do bring some mild cooling. July, August and September are the hottest months with high temps averaging near 100º f. Desert high temps above 120º f (in the shade) are not uncommon. Winter lows seldom fall below 55º f, except in the upper-reaches of the northern mountains. A sea of sand in Oman! Travel the World through Poster Art! Traveler Info Attractions The charms of the sparkling-white capital city of Muscat, and its architecture, museums and mosques; the coastal sea town of Sur; the historical monuments and history of Nizwa - the country's ancient capital; the Musandam Peninsula and its stunning topography; endless fishing, scuba diving, and trekking venues - to name but a few. As-salaam alaykum – Peace be with you! Country Dialing Code 968 Electricity Oman uses 220-240 volts AC (50 Hz) Electrical adapters, products and tips here Travel Warnings here Visa Information here

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Banknote reference numbers obtained from the Standard Catalogs of World Paper Money published by Krause Publications

Patrick Kennedy's World Currency Homepage
This page created by: Patrick Kennedy
Creation date: March 2007
Last update: 18 November 2009
URL: http://www.patricksworldcurrency.com/countries/oman.html