Oman
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Geography
Area 300,000 sq.km. A mountainous land on the southeast coast of Arabia and the strategic tip of the Musandam Peninsula that dominates the entrance to the Arabian/Persian Gulf.
| Year | Population | Ann.Gr. | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 2,541,739 | +3.35% | 8 per sq. km. |
| 2010 | 3,517,471 | +3.28% | 12 per sq. km. |
| 2025 | 5,351,885 | +2.55% | 18 per sq. km. |
Capital Muscat. Muscat urban area pop: 600,000. Urbanites 72%.
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Peoples
About 27% of the population and 65% of the workforce are foreign. Percentages below are estimates:
Arab 67.1%. Mostly Omani, also Gulf State Arab, Saudi Arabian, Egyptian, Jordanian, Palestinian. Also Swahili-speaking groups.
South Asian 21%. Including Indian, Pakistani (Baluch), Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan.
Mahra 5.1%. Two non-Arab indigenous minorities.
Iranian 2.8%.
Other 4%. Filipino, African, European, North American.
Literacy 67.1%. Official language Arabic. All languages 13. Languages with Scripture 2Bi 2por 1w.i.p.
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Economy
A latecomer as a Middle Eastern oil producer. Oil revenues finance agricultural and industrial diversification. Oil wealth has been distributed wisely for the improvement of living standards. Unemployment 12% among nationals. HDI 0.725; 89th/174. Public debt 18.6% of GNP. Income/person $6,050 (19.2% of USA).
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Politics
An isolated feudal monarchy until 1970; a benevolent absolute monarchy since then when the Sultan was ousted by his son. No political parties permitted, but there is considerable personal freedom and political stability. One of the most socially progressive nations in the region.
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Religion
Ibadi Islam is the state religion. Churches and church activities for the expatriate communities are permitted, but proselytising Muslims is forbidden. The Sultan has consistently opposed fanatical Islam since his reign began in 1970.
| Religions | Population % | Adherents |
|---|---|---|
| Muslim | 92.66 | 2,355,175 |
| Hindu | 3.00 | 76,252 |
| Christian | 2.54 | 64,560 |
| Buddhist | 1.20 | 30,501 |
| other | 0.40 | 10,167 |
| Baha’i | 0.20 | 5,083 |
| Christians | Denom. | Affil.% | ,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protestant | 21 | 0.24 | 6 |
| Anglican | 1 | 0.14 | 4 |
| Catholic | 1 | 1.22 | 31 |
| Orthodox | 3 | 0.14 | 4 |
| Unaffiliated | 0.80 | 20 |
| Churches | Cong. | Members | Affiliates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 21 | 19,872 | 31,000 |
| Orthodox [3] | 13 | 2,632 | 3,500 |
| Anglican | 3 | 1,296 | 3,500 |
| Mar Thoma | 7 | 804 | 1,850 |
| S. Asian Prot grps [5] | 8 | 500 | 1,000 |
| Pentecostal groups [6] | 12 | 600 | 900 |
| Protestant Ch in Oman | 4 | 350 | 875 |
| Other denoms [8] | 22 | 804 | 1,370 |
| Total Christians [26] | 90 | 26,858 | 44,000 |
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Internet Links
- CIA World Factbook (http://www.cia.gov/) - Country profile, with only very brief information on religion or society. Brief, largely statistical information on geography, people, government, economy, and more.
- World Skip - Oman (http://www.worldskip.com/region.asp?PartnerID=&RegionID=om) - News, information, products and services from every nation on earth.
- Sultanate of Oman Home Page (http://members.tripod.com/~omanpage) - A variety of information on the country and culture, with photos. An official website.
- Julands Omani Oasis (www.geocities.com/Heartland/Acres/2692) - History, society, culture, links.