History

Oman converted to Islam in the seventh century during Prophet Muhammad’s lifetime and this still plays a major part in the everyday life of Omanis. The Portuguese were one of the first travellers to land here and their influence can still be seen to this day in the architectural remnants of the country. Muscat quickly established itself as the major strategic naval station in the country but it wasn’t until 1622, when the Portuguese lost Hormuz, that Muscat became the headquarters of their fleet and the most important place held by them on the Arabian coast until they were driven out in 1650. Under local rule Oman had a tumultuous time and in 1908, after centuries of rivalry, it signed an agreement with the British, which culminated in recognition of independence for the state in 1951. But it wasn’t until Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the current ruler, assumed power in 1970 that stability ensued. The country was called ‘Muscat and Oman’ before 1970, and not the Sultanate of Oman, or simply Oman, as it is now known.

Politics

Oman’s system of government is an absolute monarchy and hereditary through the male line of the Al Busaidi Dynasty. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said is the head of state, supreme commander of the armed forces, prime minister, defence minister and foreign minister. The day-today running of these and other ministries is performed by the Council of Ministers. Women play a very visible role in the governing of the country. In 1988 the first female under-secretary in a ministry was appointed and in 2003 its first female minister. The legal system is based on Islamic Shariah law and English common law, with ultimate appeal to the Sultan.

Religion

Islam is the official religion of Oman, with most Omanis following the Ibadhi sect. Upwards of a quarter of the population are Sunni Muslims, while the Shi’a minority live in the Muscat-Mutrah area of the country. Muslims are required to pray to Mecca five times a day according to the position of the sun. Most pray in mosques although it’s not uncommon to see people praying on the side of the road following the call to prayer.

Economy

Oil is still the largest industry in the country comprising about 40% of the GDP, and reserves, if produced at the existing three quarters of a million barrels a day, should last for the next 20 years or so. With relatively modest reserves in the grand scheme of things the country has invested a huge amount into non-oil industries of late in an attempt to make sectors such as tourism, agriculture and mining more sufficient. At the same time the development of natural gas as an alternative fuel is being aggressively pursued across the country. The nation’s economy has mushroomed in recent years and is now regarded as the 18th most liberal in the world, with GDP growing on average 5% a year over the past 20 years.

Population

According to figures released during the last national census, held in December 2003, the population is made up of 76.1% Omani and 23.9 % expatriates, the majority of which are Indo/Pakistani males. The population growth rate is 1.84%. In line with recent developments Omanis now have a life expectancy of 72 years for males and 75 for females. Illiteracy among Omanis has dropped from 22.8% in 1993 to 11.6% in 2003.