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{{Short description|Country in West Asia}}
{{Short description|Country in West Asia}}


{{About|the Sultanate of Oman|the adjacent historical confederation named Trucial Oman|Trucial States|other uses}}
{{About|the country|other uses}}
{{Distinguish||text=[[Amman]], which has a similar spelling in Arabic as Oman}}


{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
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| image_flag            = Flag of Oman.svg
| image_flag            = Flag of Oman.svg
| image_coat            = National emblem of Oman.svg
| image_coat            = National emblem of Oman.svg
| symbol_type            = National emblem
| symbol_type            = Emblem
| national_anthem        = {{lang|ar|نشيد السلام السلطاني}}<br />"[[As-Salam as-Sultani|as-Salām as-Sultānī]]"<br />"Sultanic Salutation"{{parabr}}{{center|[[File:Peace to the Sultan (نشيد السلام السلطاني).ogg]]}}
| national_anthem        = {{lang|ar|نشيد السلام السلطاني}}<br />"[[As-Salam as-Sultani|as-Salām as-Sultānī]]"<br />"Sultanic Salutation"{{parabr}}{{center|[[File:Peace to the Sultan (نشيد السلام السلطاني).ogg]]}}
| image_map              = File:Oman (better) (orthographic projection).svg
| image_map              = File:Oman (better) (orthographic projection).svg
| map_caption            = Location of Oman in the Arabian Peninsula (dark green)
| map_caption            = Location of Oman (dark green)
| capital                = [[Muscat, Oman|Muscat]]
| capital                = [[Muscat, Oman|Muscat]]
| coordinates            = {{Coord|23|35|20|N|58|24|30|E|type:city}}
| coordinates            = {{Coord|23|35|20|N|58|24|30|E|type:city}}
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| official_languages    = [[Modern Standard Arabic|Arabic]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Basic Statute of the State promulgated by Royal Decree 101/96 |url=https://mola.gov.om/eng/legislation/laws/details.aspx?id=1 |website=MINISTRY OF JUSTICE AND LEGAL AFFAIRS }}</ref>
| official_languages    = [[Modern Standard Arabic|Arabic]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Basic Statute of the State promulgated by Royal Decree 101/96 |url=https://mola.gov.om/eng/legislation/laws/details.aspx?id=1 |website=MINISTRY OF JUSTICE AND LEGAL AFFAIRS }}</ref>
| religion              = {{tree list}}
| religion              = {{tree list}}
*87% [[Islam in Oman|Islam]] ([[State religion|official]])
*88.9% [[Islam in Oman|Islam]] ([[State religion|official]])
**34.2% [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]]
**47.2% [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]]
**45.2% [[Ibadi Islam|Ibadi]]  
**35.2% [[Ibadi Islam|Ibadi]]
**6.9% [[Shia Islam|Shia]]
**6.5% [[Shia Islam|Shia]]
*5.5% [[Hinduism in Oman|Hinduism]]  
*5.5% [[Hinduism in Oman|Hinduism]]  
*3.6% [[Christianity in Oman|Christianity]]
*3.6% [[Christianity in Oman|Christianity]]
*2.0% [[Religion in Oman|Others]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thearda.com/world-religion/national-profiles?u=171c | title=National Profiles }}</ref>
*2.0% others<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thearda.com/world-religion/national-profiles?u=171c | title=National Profiles }}</ref>
{{tree list/end}}
{{tree list/end}}
| religion_year          = 2023
| religion_year          = 2023
| demonym                = [[Omanis|Omani]]
| demonym                = [[Omanis|Omani]]
| government_type        = [[Unitary state|Unitary]] [[Islamic state|Islamic]] [[absolute monarchy]]
| government_type        = Unitary Islamic [[absolute monarchy]]
| leader_title1          = [[List of rulers of Oman|Sultan]]
| leader_title1          = [[List of rulers of Oman|Sultan]]
| leader_name1          = [[Haitham bin Tariq]]
| leader_name1          = [[Haitham bin Tariq]]
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| lower_house            = [[Consultative Assembly of Oman|Consultative Assembly (Majlis al-Shura)]]
| lower_house            = [[Consultative Assembly of Oman|Consultative Assembly (Majlis al-Shura)]]
| sovereignty_type      = Establishment
| sovereignty_type      = Establishment
| established_event1    = The [[Azd]] tribe migration
| established_event1    = [[Azd]] tribe migration
| established_date1      = 130
| established_date1      = 130
| established_event2    = Al-Julanda
| established_event2    = Al-Julanda
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| established_event8    = [[Muscat and Oman]]
| established_event8    = [[Muscat and Oman]]
| established_date8      = 8 January 1856
| established_date8      = 8 January 1856
| established_event9     = [[Jebel Akhdar War]]
| established_event9    = Sultanate of Oman
| established_date9      = 1954–1959
| established_date9     = 9 August 1970
| established_event10    = [[Dhofar Rebellion]]
| established_event10   = [[Basic Statute of Oman|Basic Statute]]
| established_date10    = 9 June 1963 – 11 March 1976
| established_date10     = 6 January 2021<ref>{{cite web |title=Oman |url=https://carnegieendowment.org/2010/07/15/oman-pub-41227 |publisher=Carnegie Endowment for International Peace |access-date=31 December 2021 |date=15 July 2010}}</ref>
| established_event11   = Sultanate of Oman
| established_date11     = 9 August 1970
| established_event12    = [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 299|Admitted to the]] United Nations
| established_date12    = 7 October 1971
| established_event13   = [[Basic Statute of Oman|Current constitution]]
| established_date13     = 6 January 2021<ref>{{cite web |title=Oman |url=https://carnegieendowment.org/2010/07/15/oman-pub-41227 |publisher=Carnegie Endowment for International Peace |access-date=31 December 2021 |date=15 July 2010}}</ref>
| area_km2              = 309,500
| area_km2              = 309,500
| area_rank              = 70th
| area_rank              = 70th
| area_sq_mi            = 119,498 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
| area_sq_mi            = 119,498 <!--Do not remove per [[BP:MOSNUM]]-->
| percent_water          = negligible
| percent_water          = negligible
| population_estimate    = {{UN_Population|Oman}}{{UN_Population|ref}}
| population_estimate    = {{UN_Population|Oman}}{{UN_Population|ref}}
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| population_census_year = 2010
| population_census_year = 2010
| population_density_km2 = 15
| population_density_km2 = 15
| population_density_sq_mi = 40 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
| population_density_sq_mi = 40 <!--Do not remove per [[BP:MOSNUM]]-->
| population_density_rank = 177th
| population_density_rank = 177th
| GDP_PPP                = {{increase}} $165.947&nbsp;billion<ref name=imf2>{{cite web |url=https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2019/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=64&pr.y=5&sy=2017&ey=2024&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=449&s=NGDPD%2CPPPGDP%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPPC&grp=0&a= |title=World Economic Outlook Database, October 2019 |website=IMF.org |publisher=[[International Monetary Fund]] |access-date=20 October 2019}}</ref>
| GDP_PPP                = {{increase}} $200.295 billion<ref name="IMFWEO.OM">{{cite web |url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2023/October/weo-report?c=449,&s=NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,&sy=2020&ey=2028&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |title=World Economic Outlook Database, October 2023 Edition. (Oman) |publisher=[[International Monetary Fund]] |website=IMF.org |date=10 October 2023 |access-date=13 October 2023}}</ref>
| GDP_PPP_year          = 2022
| GDP_PPP_year          = 2023
| GDP_PPP_rank          = 78th
| GDP_PPP_rank          = 78th
| GDP_PPP_per_capita    = {{increase}} $35,286
| GDP_PPP_per_capita    = {{increase}} $39,336<ref name="IMFWEO.OM" />
| GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 71st
| GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 71st
| GDP_nominal            = {{increase}} $110.127&nbsp;billion<ref name=imf9>{{cite web | url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2022/April/weo-report?c=512,914,612,171,614,311,213,911,314,193,122,912,313,419,513,316,913,124,339,638,514,218,963,616,223,516,918,748,618,624,522,622,156,626,628,228,924,233,632,636,634,238,662,960,423,935,128,611,321,243,248,469,253,642,643,939,734,644,819,172,132,646,648,915,134,652,174,328,258,656,654,336,263,268,532,944,176,534,536,429,433,178,436,136,343,158,439,916,664,826,542,967,443,917,544,941,446,666,668,672,946,137,546,674,676,548,556,678,181,867,682,684,273,868,921,948,943,686,688,518,728,836,558,138,196,278,692,694,962,142,449,564,565,283,853,288,293,566,964,182,359,453,968,922,714,862,135,716,456,722,942,718,724,576,936,961,813,726,199,733,184,524,361,362,364,732,366,144,146,463,528,923,738,578,537,742,866,369,744,186,925,869,746,926,466,112,111,298,927,846,299,582,487,474,754,698,&s=NGDPD,&sy=2022&ey=2022&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1  |title=World Economic Outlook Database, April 2022 |website=IMF.org |publisher=[[International Monetary Fund]] |access-date= August 22, 2022 }}</ref>
| GDP_nominal            = {{decrease}} $108.282 billion<ref name="IMFWEO.OM" />
| GDP_nominal_year      = 2022
| GDP_nominal_year      = 2023
| GDP_nominal_rank      = 66th
| GDP_nominal_rank      = 66th
| GDP_nominal_per_capita = {{increase}} $23,416
| GDP_nominal_per_capita = {{decrease}} $21,265<ref name="IMFWEO.OM" />
| GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 55th
| GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 55th
| Gini                  = 30.75 <!--number only-->
| Gini                  = 30.75 <!--number only-->
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| official_website      = [http://www.oman.om www.oman.om]
| official_website      = [http://www.oman.om www.oman.om]
}}
}}
'''Oman''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=En-us-Oman.ogg|oʊ|ˈ|m|ɑː|n}} {{respell|oh|MAHN}}; {{lang-ar|عُمَان}}, {{IPA-ar|ʕʊˈmaːn|}}), officially the '''Sultanate of Oman''' ({{lang-ar|سلْطنةُ عُمان}} {{transliteration|ar|''Salṭanat(u) ʻUmān''}}), is a country located in [[West Asia]]. It is situated on the southeastern coast of the [[Arabian Peninsula]], and spans the mouth of the [[Persian Gulf]]. Oman shares land borders with [[Saudi Arabia]], the [[United Arab Emirates]], and [[Yemen]], while sharing [[Maritime boundary|maritime borders]] with [[Iran]] and [[Pakistan]]. Oman has a population of 5,492,196 and is ranked the [[Countries with highest population|120th most populous country in the world.]]
'''Oman''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=En-us-Oman.ogg|oʊ|ˈ|m|ɑː|n}} {{respell|oh|MAHN}}; {{lang-ar|عُمَان}}, {{IPA-ar|ʕʊˈmaːn|}}), officially the '''Sultanate of Oman''' ({{lang-ar|سلْطنةُ عُمان}} {{transliteration|ar|''Salṭanat(u) ʻUmān''}}), is a country located in [[West Asia]]. It is situated on the southeastern coast of the [[Arabian Peninsula]], and spans the mouth of the [[Persian Gulf]]. It shares land borders with [[Saudi Arabia]], [[United Arab Emirates]], and [[Yemen]], while sharing [[Maritime boundary|maritime borders]] with [[Iran]] and [[Pakistan]]. The capital and largest city is [[Muscat]]. Oman has a population of 5,492,196 and is ranked the [[Countries with highest population|120th most populous country]]. The coast is formed by the [[Arabian Sea]] on the southeast, and the [[Gulf of Oman]] on the northeast. The [[Madha]] and [[Musandam Governorate|Musandam]] [[exclaves]] are surrounded by United Arab Emirates on their land borders, with the [[Strait of Hormuz]] (which it shares with Iran) and the Gulf of Oman forming Musandam's coastal boundaries.


The coast is formed by the [[Arabian Sea]] on the southeast, and the [[Gulf of Oman]] on the northeast. The [[Madha]] and [[Musandam Governorate|Musandam]] [[exclaves]] are surrounded by the United Arab Emirates on their land borders, with the [[Strait of Hormuz]] (which it shares with Iran) and the Gulf of Oman forming Musandam's coastal boundaries. [[Muscat]] is the nation's capital and largest city.
From the 17th century, the Omani Sultanate was [[Omani Empire|an empire]], vying with the [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese]] and [[British Empire|British]] Empires for influence in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean. At its peak in the 19th century, Omani influence and control extended across the Strait of Hormuz to Iran and Pakistan, and as far south as [[Zanzibar]].<ref name="etn.sagepub.com">{{Cite journal | doi = 10.1177/1468796811432681| title = The ethnic label Zinjibari: Politics and language choice implications among Swahili speakers in Oman| journal = Ethnicities| volume = 12| issue = 3| pages = 335–353| year = 2012| last1 = Kharusi | first1 = N. S.| s2cid = 145808915}}</ref> In the 20th century, the sultanate came under the influence of the [[United Kingdom]]. For over 300 years, the relations built between the two empires were based on mutual benefit. The UK recognized Oman's geographical importance as a trading hub that secured their trading lanes in the [[Persian Gulf]] and Indian Ocean and protected their empire in the Indian sub-continent. Oman is an [[absolute monarchy]] led by a [[Sultan]], with power passed down through the male line. [[Qaboos bin Said]] was the Sultan from 1970 until his death on 10 January 2020.<ref name="rule"/> Qaboos, who died childless, had named his cousin, [[Haitham bin Tariq]], as his successor in a letter, and the family confirmed him as the Sultan of Oman.<ref name="ALJAZEERA2">{{cite news|date=12 January 2020|title=Haitham bin Tariq sworn in as Oman's new sultan|publisher=Al Jazeera|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/haitham-bin-tariq-named-successor-oman-sultan-qaboos-200111060309444.html|access-date=12 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111074932/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/haitham-bin-tariq-named-successor-oman-sultan-qaboos-200111060309444.html|archive-date=11 January 2020}}</ref>
 
From the 17th century, the Omani Sultanate was [[Omani Empire|an empire]], vying with the [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese]] and [[British Empire|British]] empires for influence in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean. At its peak in the 19th century, Omani influence and control extended across the Strait of Hormuz to Iran and Pakistan, and as far south as [[Zanzibar]].<ref name="etn.sagepub.com">{{Cite journal | doi = 10.1177/1468796811432681| title = The ethnic label Zinjibari: Politics and language choice implications among Swahili speakers in Oman| journal = Ethnicities| volume = 12| issue = 3| pages = 335–353| year = 2012| last1 = Kharusi | first1 = N. S.| s2cid = 145808915}}</ref> When its power declined in the 20th century, the sultanate came under the influence of the [[United Kingdom]]. For over 300 years, the relations built between the two empires were based on mutual benefit. The UK recognized Oman's geographical importance as a trading hub that secured their trading lanes in the [[Persian Gulf]] and Indian Ocean and protected their empire in the Indian sub-continent. Historically, [[Muscat, Oman|Muscat]] was the principal trading port of the Persian Gulf region.
 
Oman is an [[absolute monarchy]] led by a [[Sultan]], with power passed down through the male line. [[Qaboos bin Said]] was the Sultan from 1970 until his death on 10 January 2020.<ref name="rule"/> Qaboos, who died childless, had named his cousin, [[Haitham bin Tariq]], as his successor in a letter, and the family confirmed him as the new Sultan of Oman.<ref name="ALJAZEERA2">{{cite news|date=12 January 2020|title=Haitham bin Tariq sworn in as Oman's new sultan|publisher=Al Jazeera|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/haitham-bin-tariq-named-successor-oman-sultan-qaboos-200111060309444.html|access-date=12 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111074932/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/haitham-bin-tariq-named-successor-oman-sultan-qaboos-200111060309444.html|archive-date=11 January 2020}}</ref>


Formerly a maritime empire, Oman is the oldest continuously independent state in the Arab world.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14654150 |title=Oman profile – Overview |work=BBC News |date=11 September 2012 |access-date=18 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312141232/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14654150|archive-date=12 March 2020}}</ref><ref>[[Royal Air Force Museum London|Royal Air Force Museum]], [https://web.archive.org/web/20201119092207/https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/online-exhibitions/an-enduring-relationship-a-history/a-history-of-oman.aspx A History of Oman]. Retrieved 19 November 2020</ref> It is a member of the [[United Nations]], the [[Arab League]], the [[Gulf Cooperation Council]], the [[Non-Aligned Movement]] and the [[Organisation of Islamic Cooperation]]. It has oil reserves ranked 22nd globally.<ref name="autogenerated1"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/business/economy/private-sector-gets-omanisation-targets-1.761024 |title=Private sector gets Omanisation targets |work=[[Gulf News]] |date=13 February 2011 |access-date=18 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009110635/https://gulfnews.com/business/private-sector-gets-omanisation-targets-1.761024|archive-date=9 October 2019}}</ref> In 2010, the [[United Nations Development Programme]] ranked Oman as the most improved nation in the world in terms of development during the preceding 40 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hdr.undp.org/en/mediacentre/news/announcements/title,21573,en.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109205813/http://hdr.undp.org/en/mediacentre/news/announcements/title,21573,en.html |archive-date=9 November 2013 |title=Five Arab states among top leaders in long-term development gains |publisher=Hdr.undp.org |date=4 November 2010 |access-date=29 October 2011}}</ref> A portion of its economy involves [[Tourism in Oman|tourism]] and trading fish, [[Date palm|dates]] and other agricultural produce. Oman is categorized as a [[high-income economy]] and, {{as of|2022|lc=y}}, ranks as the 64th most peaceful country in the world according to the [[Global Peace Index]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.visionofhumanity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GPI-2021-web-1.pdf |title=Global Peace Index: 2021 |website=visionofhumanity.org |page=9 |publisher=[[Global Peace Index]] and [[Institute for Economics and Peace]] |access-date=6 April 2022}}</ref>
Formerly a maritime empire, Oman is the oldest continuously independent state in the Arab world.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14654150 |title=Oman profile – Overview |work=BBC News |date=11 September 2012 |access-date=18 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312141232/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14654150|archive-date=12 March 2020}}</ref><ref>[[Royal Air Force Museum London|Royal Air Force Museum]], [https://web.archive.org/web/20201119092207/https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/online-exhibitions/an-enduring-relationship-a-history/a-history-of-oman.aspx A History of Oman]. Retrieved 19 November 2020</ref> It is a member of the [[United Nations]], the [[Arab League]], the [[Gulf Cooperation Council]], the [[Non-Aligned Movement]] and the [[Organisation of Islamic Cooperation]]. It has oil reserves ranked 22nd globally.<ref name="autogenerated1"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/business/economy/private-sector-gets-omanisation-targets-1.761024 |title=Private sector gets Omanisation targets |work=[[Gulf News]] |date=13 February 2011 |access-date=18 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009110635/https://gulfnews.com/business/private-sector-gets-omanisation-targets-1.761024|archive-date=9 October 2019}}</ref> In 2010, the [[United Nations Development Programme]] ranked Oman as the most improved nation in the world in terms of development during the preceding 40 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hdr.undp.org/en/mediacentre/news/announcements/title,21573,en.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109205813/http://hdr.undp.org/en/mediacentre/news/announcements/title,21573,en.html |archive-date=9 November 2013 |title=Five Arab states among top leaders in long-term development gains |publisher=Hdr.undp.org |date=4 November 2010 |access-date=29 October 2011}}</ref> A portion of its economy involves [[Tourism in Oman|tourism]] and trading fish, [[Date palm|dates]] and other agricultural produce. Oman is categorized as a [[high-income economy]] and, {{as of|2022|lc=y}}, ranks as the 64th most peaceful country in the world according to the [[Global Peace Index]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.visionofhumanity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GPI-2021-web-1.pdf |title=Global Peace Index: 2021 |website=visionofhumanity.org |page=9 |publisher=[[Global Peace Index]] and [[Institute for Economics and Peace]] |access-date=6 April 2022}}</ref>


== Etymology ==
== Etymology ==
The origin of Oman's name seems to be related to [[Pliny the Elder]]'s Omana<ref>[[Pliny the Elder]]. ''[[Natural History (Pliny)|Natural History]]'', VI.149.</ref> and [[Claudius Ptolemy|Ptolemy]]'s Omanon ({{lang|grc|Ὄμανον ἐμπόριον}} in [[Greek language|Greek]]),<ref>[[Claudius Ptolemy|Ptolemy, Claudius]]. ''[[Geography (Ptolemy)|Geography]]''. VI.7.36.</ref> both probably the ancient [[Sohar]].<ref name="EJoman">''Encyclopedia of Islam''. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=9JQ3AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA976 Oman]". E.J. Brill (Leiden), 1913.</ref> The city or region is typically etymologized in Arabic from ''aamen'' or ''amoun'' ("settled" people, as opposed to the [[Bedouin]]).<ref name="EJoman"/> Although a number of eponymous founders have been proposed (Oman bin Ibrahim al-Khalil, Oman bin Siba' bin Yaghthan bin Ibrahim, Oman bin Qahtan and the Biblical [[Lot (biblical)|Lot]]), others derive it from the name of a valley in Yemen at [[Ma'rib]] presumed to have been the origin of the city's founders, the [[Azd]], a tribe migrating from Yemen.<ref name="Tarbaby">''Tarikh fi Uman'' [''Oman in History''].</ref>
The oldest written mention about Oman was found from a tomb located in the Mleiha Archeological Center in the United  Arab Emirates.
Undoubtedly, the word “Oman” is of Persian origin<ref>(https://hii.alzahra.ac.ir/article_671.html, p. 90; also see http://old.ido.ir/a.aspx?a=1391072401, pp. 59-61)</ref>.The Iranians referred to him as « Mozon ; مزون ».<ref>Rouzbeh Zarrinkoob, “Iranian Letters of the Southern Seas of Iran”, in Islamic History and Iran, vol. 22, Issue 13, Spring, 2012, pp. 103-120 (https://doi.org/10.22051/hii.2013.671)</ref>
"Bilingual South-Arabian / Aramaic funerary inscription discovered inside the burial chamber of tomb FA-5, Mleiha, Sharjah, UAE. (Overlaet 2018:14 Figure 9, Catalog No. 1). Central panel in south Arabian script, text along the rim in Aramaic. Text reads "Memorial and tomb of Amud son of Gurr son of Ali, inspector of the king of Oman, [...]" <ref>https://saa.shj.ae/en/age-exc/pre-islamic/</ref>
The origin of Oman's name seems to be some centuries older than the mention by [[Pliny the Elder]]'s Omana<ref>[[Pliny the Elder]]. ''[[Natural History (Pliny)|Natural History]]'', VI.149.</ref> and [[Claudius Ptolemy|Ptolemy]]'s Omanon ({{lang|grc|Ὄμανον ἐμπόριον}} in [[Greek language|Greek]]),<ref>[[Claudius Ptolemy|Ptolemy, Claudius]]. ''[[Geography (Ptolemy)|Geography]]''. VI.7.36.</ref> both probably the ancient [[Sohar]].<ref name="EJoman">''Encyclopedia of Islam''. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=9JQ3AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA976 Oman]". E.J. Brill (Leiden), 1913.</ref> The city or region is typically etymologized in Arabic from ''aamen'' or ''amoun'' ("settled" people, as opposed to the [[Bedouin]]).<ref name="EJoman"/> Although a number of eponymous founders have been proposed (Oman bin Ibrahim al-Khalil, Oman bin Siba' bin Yaghthan bin Ibrahim, Oman bin Qahtan), others derive it from the name of a valley in Yemen at [[Ma'rib]] presumed to have been the origin of the city's founders, the [[Azd]], a tribe migrating from Yemen.<ref name="Tarbaby">''Tarikh fi Uman'' [''Oman in History''].</ref>
Undoubtedly, the word “Oman” is of Persian origin.<ref>(https://hii.alzahra.ac.ir/article_671.html, p. 90; also see http://old.ido.ir/a.aspx?a=1391072401 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201005020/http://old.ido.ir/a.aspx?a=1391072401 |date=1 December 2018 }}, pp. 59-61)</ref> The Iranians referred to him as « Mozon ; مزون ».<ref>Rouzbeh Zarrinkoob, “Iranian Letters of the Southern Seas of Iran”, in Islamic History and Iran, vol. 22, Issue 13, Spring, 2012, pp. 103-120 (https://doi.org/10.22051/hii.2013.671)</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
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{{further|Omani Empire}}
{{further|Omani Empire}}
[[File:Areas under Omani influence 18th-19th century.svg|thumb|Following the expulsion of the [[Portuguese Empire]], Oman became one of the powers in the western Indian Ocean from 1698 onwards.<ref name=OQCP>Oman Country Profile. [https://www.qdl.qa/en/country-profile-oman Oman Country Profile.] British Library Partnership. Qatar Digital Library. 2014.</ref>]]
[[File:Areas under Omani influence 18th-19th century.svg|thumb|Following the expulsion of the [[Portuguese Empire]], Oman became one of the powers in the western Indian Ocean from 1698 onwards.<ref name=OQCP>Oman Country Profile. [https://www.qdl.qa/en/country-profile-oman Oman Country Profile.] British Library Partnership. Qatar Digital Library. 2014.</ref>]]
The [[Ottoman Empire]] temporarily captured Muscat from the Portuguese again in 1581 and held it until 1588. During the 17th century, the Omanis were reunited by the [[Yaruba dynasty|Yaruba Imams]]. Nasir bin Murshid became the first Yaarubah Imam in 1624, when he was elected in Rustaq.<ref name=ETENT>{{Cite web|url=https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100023697835.0x000039|title='History of the imâms and seyyids of 'Omân by Salîl-ibn-Razîk, from A.D. 661–1856; translated from the original Arabic, and edited with notes, appendices, and an introduction, continuing the history down to 1870, by George Percy Badger, F.R.G.S., late chaplain in the Presidency of Bombay.' [23] (56/612)|date=22 October 2014|website=Qatar Digital Library}}</ref> Imam Nasir and his successor succeeded in the 1650s in expelling the Portuguese from their coastal domains in Oman.<ref name=OmanForeignPolicy>Majid Alkhalili. [https://books.google.com/books?id=UAKrCQAAQBAJ&dq=ghaleb+al+hinai&pg=PA23 Majid Alkhalili: ''Oman's Foreign Policy''.] Oman's Foreign Policy: Foundation and Practice. 19 May 2009. Praeger.</ref> The Omanis over time established a maritime empire that pursued the Portuguese and expelled them from all their possessions in East Africa, which were then incorporated into the Omani domains. To capture Zanzibar [[Saif bin Sultan]], the [[Imam]] of Oman, pressed down the [[Swahili Coast]]. A major obstacle to his progress was [[Fort Jesus]], housing the garrison of a Portuguese settlement at [[Mombasa]]. After a two-year siege, the fort fell to Imam Saif bin Sultan in 1698.Saif bin Sultan occupied Bahrain in 1700.  The rivalry within the house of Yaruba over power after the death of Imam Sultan in 1718 weakened the dynasty. With the power of the Yaruba Dynasty dwindling, Imam Saif bin Sultan II eventually asked for help against his rivals from [[Nader Shah]] of Persia. A Persian force arrived in March 1737 to aid Saif. From their base at Julfar, the Persian forces eventually rebelled against the Yaruba in 1743. The Persian empire then tried to take possession of the coast of Oman until 1747.<ref name=OmanForeignPolicy/><ref name=ASOD>Stefan Siebert. [https://books.google.com/books?id=qKAtjJoXXpwC&pg=PA222 The Rough Guide to Oman.] The Rough Guide to Oman. 2011.</ref>
The [[Ottoman Empire]] temporarily captured Muscat from the Portuguese again in 1581 and held it until 1588. During the 17th century, the Omanis were reunited by the [[Yaruba dynasty|Yaruba Imams]]. Nasir bin Murshid became the first Yaarubah Imam in 1624, when he was elected in Rustaq.<ref name=ETENT>{{Cite web|url=https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100023697835.0x000039|title='History of the imâms and seyyids of 'Omân by Salîl-ibn-Razîk, from A.D. 661–1856; translated from the original Arabic, and edited with notes, appendices, and an introduction, continuing the history down to 1870, by George Percy Badger, F.R.G.S., late chaplain in the Presidency of Bombay.' [23] (56/612)|date=22 October 2014|website=Qatar Digital Library}}</ref> Imam Nasir and his successor succeeded in the 1650s in expelling the Portuguese from their coastal domains in Oman.<ref name=OmanForeignPolicy>Majid Alkhalili. [https://books.google.com/books?id=UAKrCQAAQBAJ&dq=ghaleb+al+hinai&pg=PA23 Majid Alkhalili: ''Oman's Foreign Policy''.] Oman's Foreign Policy: Foundation and Practice. 19 May 2009. Praeger.</ref> The Omanis over time established a maritime empire that pursued the Portuguese and expelled them from all their possessions in East Africa, which were then incorporated into the Omani domains. To capture Zanzibar [[Saif bin Sultan]], the [[Imam]] of Oman, pressed down the [[Swahili Coast]]. A major obstacle to his progress was [[Fort Jesus]], housing the garrison of a Portuguese settlement at [[Mombasa]]. After a two-year siege, the fort fell to Imam Saif bin Sultan in 1698. Saif bin Sultan occupied Bahrain in 1700.  The rivalry within the house of Yaruba over power after the death of Imam Sultan in 1718 weakened the dynasty. With the power of the Yaruba Dynasty dwindling, Imam Saif bin Sultan II eventually asked for help against his rivals from [[Nader Shah]] of Persia. A Persian force arrived in March 1737 to aid Saif. From their base at Julfar, the Persian forces eventually rebelled against the Yaruba in 1743. The Persian empire then tried to take possession of the coast of Oman until 1747.<ref name=OmanForeignPolicy/><ref name=ASOD>Stefan Siebert. [https://books.google.com/books?id=qKAtjJoXXpwC&pg=PA222 The Rough Guide to Oman.] The Rough Guide to Oman. 2011.</ref>


===18th and 19th centuries===
===18th and 19th centuries===
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=== Reign of Sultan Said (1932–1970) ===
=== Reign of Sultan Said (1932–1970) ===
[[File:Said bin Taimur (cropped).png|thumb|right|upright|Sultan [[Said bin Taimur]] ruled from 1932 to 1970.]]
[[File:Said bin Taimur (cropped).png|thumb|right|upright|Sultan [[Said bin Taimur]] ruled from 1932 to 1970.]]
Said bin Taimur became the sultan of Muscat officially on 10 February 1932. The rule of sultan [[Said bin Taimur]], a very complex character, was backed by the British government, and has been characterised as being [[feudal]], [[reactionary]] and isolationist.<ref name=OAOI/><ref name=OQ/><ref name=GR/><ref name=BA/> The British government maintained vast administrative control over the Sultanate as the defence secretary and chief of intelligence, chief adviser to the sultan and all ministers except for one were British.<ref name=GR>Ian Cobain. [https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/sep/08/britains-secret-wars-oman The Guardian: Britain's secret wars] Britain's Secret Wars. ''The Guardian''. 8 September 2016.</ref><ref name=Halliday>Fred Halliday. [https://books.google.com/books?id=VkYhBQAAQBAJ&dq=Fred%20Halliday%20arabia&pg=PT19 Arabia by Fred Halliday] Arabia. The Arabian Peninsula. Saqi Books. University of California. published 1974.</ref> In 1937, an agreement between the sultan and [[Iraq Petroleum Company]] (IPC), a consortium of oil companies that was 23.75% British owned, was signed to grant oil concessions to IPC. After failing to discover oil in the Sultanate, IPC was intensely interested in some promising geological formations near [[Fahud]], an area located within the Imamate. IPC offered financial support to the sultan to raise an armed force against any potential resistance by the Imamate.<ref name=OmansInsurgencies>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wkUhBQAAQBAJ&q=moff+oman&pg=PT59|title=Oman's Insurgencies: The Sultanate's Struggle for Supremacy|first=J. E.|last=Peterson|date=2 January 2013|publisher=Saqi|access-date=29 April 2018|via=Google Books|isbn=9780863567025}}</ref><ref name=FTWAO>Historical Summary of Events in the Persian Gulf. {{cite web|url=https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100023415996.0x000009|title=British National Archive: Historical Summary of Events in the Persian Gulf (208/222)|publisher=QDL|date=30 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723150646/https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100023415996.0x000009|archive-date=23 July 2019}} British National Archive. Page 208.</ref>
Said bin Taimur became the sultan of Muscat officially on 10 February 1932. The rule of sultan [[Said bin Taimur]], a very complex character, was backed by the British government, and has been characterised as being [[feudal]], [[reactionary]] and isolationist.<ref name=OAOI/><ref name=OQ/><ref name=GR/><ref name=BA/> The British government maintained vast administrative control over the Sultanate as the defence secretary and chief of intelligence, chief adviser to the sultan and all ministers except for two were British.<ref name=GR>Ian Cobain. [https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/sep/08/britains-secret-wars-oman The Guardian: Britain's secret wars] Britain's Secret Wars. ''The Guardian''. 8 September 2016.</ref><ref name=Halliday>Fred Halliday. [https://books.google.com/books?id=VkYhBQAAQBAJ&dq=Fred%20Halliday%20arabia&pg=PT19 Arabia by Fred Halliday] Arabia. The Arabian Peninsula. Saqi Books. University of California. published 1974.</ref> In 1937, an agreement between the sultan and [[Iraq Petroleum Company]] (IPC), a consortium of oil companies that was 23.75% British owned, was signed to grant oil concessions to IPC. After failing to discover oil in the Sultanate, IPC was intensely interested in some promising geological formations near [[Fahud]], an area located within the Imamate. IPC offered financial support to the sultan to raise an armed force against any potential resistance by the Imamate.<ref name=OmansInsurgencies>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wkUhBQAAQBAJ&q=moff+oman&pg=PT59|title=Oman's Insurgencies: The Sultanate's Struggle for Supremacy|first=J. E.|last=Peterson|date=2 January 2013|publisher=Saqi|access-date=29 April 2018|via=Google Books|isbn=9780863567025}}</ref><ref name=FTWAO>Historical Summary of Events in the Persian Gulf. {{cite web|url=https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100023415996.0x000009|title=British National Archive: Historical Summary of Events in the Persian Gulf (208/222)|publisher=QDL|date=30 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723150646/https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100023415996.0x000009|archive-date=23 July 2019}} British National Archive. Page 208.</ref>


In 1955, the [[enclave and exclave|exclave]] coastal [[Makran]] strip acceded to Pakistan and was made a district of its [[Balochistan (Pakistan)|Balochistan province]], while [[Gwadar]] remained in Oman. On 8 September 1958, Pakistan purchased the Gwadar enclave from Oman for [[United States dollar|US$]]3&nbsp;million.<ref group=note>Gwadar remained an Omani possession as part of the Sultanate until September 1958</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oman.org/bonn_007.htm |title=International trade networks: The Omani Enclave of Gwadar – Conference on German and International Research on Oman, Bonn 1998: abstracts |author=Nicolin, Beatrice |date=25 May 1998 |publisher=Conference on German and International Research on Oman |location=Bonn |access-date=27 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104031644/http://www.oman.org/bonn_007.htm |archive-date=4 January 2020}}</ref> Gwadar then became a [[tehsil]] in the Makran district.
In 1955, the [[enclave and exclave|exclave]] coastal [[Makran]] strip acceded to Pakistan and was made a district of its [[Balochistan (Pakistan)|Balochistan province]], while [[Gwadar]] remained in Oman. On 8 September 1958, Pakistan purchased the Gwadar enclave from Oman for [[United States dollar|US$]]3&nbsp;million.<ref group=note>Gwadar remained an Omani possession as part of the Sultanate until September 1958</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oman.org/bonn_007.htm |title=International trade networks: The Omani Enclave of Gwadar – Conference on German and International Research on Oman, Bonn 1998: abstracts |author=Nicolin, Beatrice |date=25 May 1998 |publisher=Conference on German and International Research on Oman |location=Bonn |access-date=27 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104031644/http://www.oman.org/bonn_007.htm |archive-date=4 January 2020}}</ref> Gwadar then became a [[tehsil]] in the Makran district.
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====Dhofar Rebellion====
====Dhofar Rebellion====
{{further|Dhofar Rebellion}}
{{further|Dhofar Rebellion}}
Oil reserves in [[Dhofar]] were discovered in 1964 and extraction began in 1967. In the [[Dhofar Rebellion]], which began in 1965, pro-Soviet forces were pitted against government troops. As the rebellion threatened the Sultan's control of Dhofar, Sultan Said bin Taimur was deposed in a [[1970 Omani coup d'état|bloodless coup (1970)]] by his son [[Qaboos bin Said]], who expanded the [[Sultan of Oman's Armed Forces]], modernised the state's administration and introduced social reforms. The uprising was finally put down in 1975 with the help of forces from Iran, Jordan, Pakistan and the British [[Royal Air Force]], army and [[Special Air Service]].
Oil reserves in [[Dhofar]] were discovered in 1964 and extraction began in 1967. In the [[Dhofar Rebellion]], which began in 1965, pro-Soviet forces were pitted against government troops. As the rebellion threatened the Sultan's control of Dhofar, Sultan Said bin Taimur was deposed in a [[1970 Omani coup d'état|bloodless coup (1970)]] by his son [[Qaboos bin Said]], who expanded the [[Sultan of Oman's Armed Forces]], modernised the state's administration and introduced social reforms. The uprising was finally put down in 1975 with the help of forces from Jordan, Saudi Arabia,<ref>{{Cite web |title=الجيش العربي يساهم بإخماد ثورة ظفار في سلطنة عمان |url=http://jnk9c.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=61 |access-date=2023-09-16 |website=jnk9c.com }}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Iran, Pakistan and the British [[Royal Air Force]], army and [[Special Air Service]].


===Modern history (1970&ndash;present)===
===Modern history (1970&ndash;present)===
[[File:Omani_Qaboos_bin_Said_Al_Said_(cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Sultan [[Qaboos bin Said]], whose reign saw a rise in living standards and development, the abolition of slavery, the end of the Dhofar Rebellion, and the promulgation of Oman's constitution]]
[[File:Omani_Qaboos_bin_Said_Al_Said_(cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Sultan [[Qaboos bin Said]], whose reign saw a rise in living standards and development, the abolition of slavery, the end of the Dhofar Rebellion, and the promulgation of Oman's constitution]]
After deposing his father in 1970, [[Sultan Qaboos]] opened up the country, embarked on economic reforms, and followed a policy of modernisation marked by increased spending on health, education and welfare.<ref name=econhrot>{{cite news|title=Happy and rich in an Omani toytown|url=http://www.economist.com/node/354276?zid=308&ah=e21d923f9b263c5548d5615da3d30f4d|newspaper=The Economist|date=31 August 2000|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121042946/https://www.economist.com/international/2000/08/31/happy-and-rich-in-an-omani-toytown?zid=308&ah=e21d923f9b263c5548d5615da3d30f4d|archive-date=21 November 2018}}</ref> [[Indian Ocean slave trade|Slavery]], once a cornerstone of the country's trade and development, was outlawed in 1970.<ref name=plackett>{{cite web | url= http://www.al-fanarmedia.org/2017/03/omani-music-masks-unpleasant-past/ | title=Omani Music Masks A Slave Trading Past|author = Benjamin Plackett |date = 30 March 2017 | publisher = Al-Fanar Media| access-date=17 July 2017}}</ref>
After deposing his father in 1970, [[Sultan Qaboos]] opened up the country, embarked on economic reforms, and followed a policy of modernisation marked by increased spending on health, education and welfare.<ref name=econhrot>{{cite news|title=Happy and rich in an Omani toytown|url=http://www.economist.com/node/354276?zid=308&ah=e21d923f9b263c5548d5615da3d30f4d|newspaper=The Economist|date=31 August 2000|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121042946/https://www.economist.com/international/2000/08/31/happy-and-rich-in-an-omani-toytown?zid=308&ah=e21d923f9b263c5548d5615da3d30f4d|archive-date=21 November 2018}}</ref> Saudi Arabia invested in the development of the Omani education system, sending Saudi teachers on its own expense.<ref>{{Cite book |last=الفالح |first=عبدالعزيز بن عبدالله |title=كنت طالبا في عمان |publisher=دار الثلوثية |year=2021 |isbn=9786030362981 |language=ar}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=بعد 38 عاماً.. طلاب من سلطنة عمان يزورون معلمهم في السعودية |url=https://www.al-jazirah.com/2017/20170116/ln57.htm |access-date=2023-09-16 |website=www.al-jazirah.com}}</ref>
 
[[Indian Ocean slave trade|Slavery]], once a cornerstone of the country's trade and development, was outlawed in 1970.<ref name="plackett">{{cite web | url= http://www.al-fanarmedia.org/2017/03/omani-music-masks-unpleasant-past/ | title=Omani Music Masks A Slave Trading Past|author = Benjamin Plackett |date = 30 March 2017 | publisher = Al-Fanar Media| access-date=17 July 2017}}</ref>


In 1981, Oman became a founding member of the six-nation [[Gulf Cooperation Council]]. Political reforms were eventually introduced. In 1997, a royal decree was issued granting women the right to vote, and stand for election to the Majlis al-Shura, the [[Consultative Assembly of Oman]]. Two women were duly elected to the body. In 2002, voting rights were extended to all citizens over the age of 21, and the first elections to the Consultative Assembly under the new rules were held in 2003. In 2004, the Sultan appointed Oman's first female minister with portfolio, [[Aisha bint Khalfan bin Jameel|Sheikha Aisha bint Khalfan bin Jameel al-Sayabiyah]], to the post of National Authority for Industrial Craftsmanship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2818553.stm|title=Oman appoints first female minister|website=BBC News|date=4 March 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190917115643/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2818553.stm|archive-date=17 September 2019}}</ref> Despite these changes, there was little change to the actual political makeup of the government. The Sultan continued to rule by decree. Nearly 100 suspected Islamists were arrested in 2005 and 31 people were convicted of trying to overthrow the government. They were ultimately pardoned in June of the same year.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>
In 1981, Oman became a founding member of the six-nation [[Gulf Cooperation Council]]. Political reforms were eventually introduced. In 1997, a royal decree was issued granting women the right to vote, and stand for election to the Majlis al-Shura, the [[Consultative Assembly of Oman]]. Two women were duly elected to the body. In 2002, voting rights were extended to all citizens over the age of 21, and the first elections to the Consultative Assembly under the new rules were held in 2003. In 2004, the Sultan appointed Oman's first female minister with portfolio, [[Aisha bint Khalfan bin Jameel|Sheikha Aisha bint Khalfan bin Jameel al-Sayabiyah]], to the post of National Authority for Industrial Craftsmanship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2818553.stm|title=Oman appoints first female minister|website=BBC News|date=4 March 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190917115643/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2818553.stm|archive-date=17 September 2019}}</ref> Despite these changes, there was little change to the actual political makeup of the government. The Sultan continued to rule by decree. Nearly 100 suspected Islamists were arrested in 2005 and 31 people were convicted of trying to overthrow the government. They were ultimately pardoned in June of the same year.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>
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==Geography==
==Geography==
{{Main|Geography of Oman}}[[File:Wadi Shab (6).jpg|upright|thumb|left|Wadi Shab]]
{{Main|Geography of Oman}}[[File:Wadi Shab (6).jpg|upright|thumb|left|Wadi Shab]]
Oman lies between latitudes [[16th parallel north|16°]] and [[28th parallel north|28°&nbsp;N]], and longitudes [[52nd meridian east|52°]] and [[60th meridian east|60°&nbsp;E]]. A vast gravel desert plain covers most of central Oman, with mountain ranges along the north ([[Hajar Mountains|Al-Hajar]]) and southeast coast ([[Dhofar Mountains|Qara or Dhofar Mountains]]),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://home.kpn.nl/~lilian_schreurs/GeologyOman/Geography.htm|title=Oman Geography 2007|website=home.kpn.nl|access-date=11 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925214427/http://home.kpn.nl/~lilian_schreurs/GeologyOman/Geography.htm|archive-date=25 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thenextchallenge.org/dhofar-mountains-oman/|title=Expedition Report: Dhofar Mountains Oman|date=30 April 2011|access-date=11 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010160746/http://thenextchallenge.org/dhofar-mountains-oman/|archive-date=10 October 2017}}</ref> where the country's main cities are located: the capital city [[Muscat, Oman|Muscat]], [[Sohar]] and [[Sur, Oman|Sur]] in the north, and [[Salalah]] in the south and Musandam. Oman's climate is hot and dry in the interior and humid along the coast.
Oman lies between latitudes [[16th parallel north|16°]] and [[28th parallel north|28°&nbsp;N]], and longitudes [[52nd meridian east|52°]] and [[60th meridian east|60°&nbsp;E]]. A gravel desert plain covers most of central Oman, with mountain ranges along the north ([[Hajar Mountains|Al-Hajar]]) and southeast coast ([[Dhofar Mountains|Qara or Dhofar Mountains]]),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://home.kpn.nl/~lilian_schreurs/GeologyOman/Geography.htm|title=Oman Geography 2007|website=home.kpn.nl|access-date=11 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925214427/http://home.kpn.nl/~lilian_schreurs/GeologyOman/Geography.htm|archive-date=25 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thenextchallenge.org/dhofar-mountains-oman/|title=Expedition Report: Dhofar Mountains Oman|date=30 April 2011|access-date=11 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010160746/http://thenextchallenge.org/dhofar-mountains-oman/|archive-date=10 October 2017}}</ref> where the country's main cities are located: the capital city [[Muscat, Oman|Muscat]], [[Sohar]] and [[Sur, Oman|Sur]] in the north, and [[Salalah]] in the south and Musandam. Oman's climate is hot and dry in the interior and humid along the coast.
[[File:Oman-Oasis.jpg|thumb|An [[oasis]] in Oman]]
[[File:Oman-Oasis.jpg|thumb|An [[oasis]] in Oman]]


The peninsula of [[Musandam Peninsula|Musandam]] (Musandem), strategically located on the [[Strait of Hormuz]], is an [[enclave and exclave|exclave]] separated from the rest of Oman by the [[United Arab Emirates]].<ref name="jkrogh">{{cite web|first=Jan S.|last=Krogh|title=Oman|url=http://geosite.jankrogh.com/oman.htm|publisher=jankrogh.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504144207/http://geosite.jankrogh.com/oman.htm|archive-date=4 May 2019}}</ref> The series of small towns known collectively as [[Dibba]] are the gateway to the Musandam peninsula on land and the fishing villages of Musandam by sea.
The peninsula of [[Musandam Peninsula|Musandam]] (Musandem), strategically located on the [[Strait of Hormuz]], is an [[enclave and exclave|exclave]] separated from the rest of Oman by [[United Arab Emirates]].<ref name="jkrogh">{{cite web|first=Jan S.|last=Krogh|title=Oman|url=http://geosite.jankrogh.com/oman.htm|publisher=jankrogh.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504144207/http://geosite.jankrogh.com/oman.htm|archive-date=4 May 2019}}</ref> The series of towns known collectively as [[Dibba]] are the gateway to the Musandam peninsula on land and the fishing villages of Musandam by sea.
[[File:SurOman.jpg|thumb|The coast of [[Sur, Oman]]]]
[[File:SurOman.jpg|thumb|The coast of [[Sur, Oman]]]]
[[Madha]], another exclave, is an enclave within UAE territory located halfway between the Musandam Peninsula and the main body of Oman.<ref name="jkrogh"/> Madha, part of the Musandam governorate, covers approximately {{convert|75|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on}}. Madha's boundary was settled in 1969, with the north-east corner of Madha barely {{convert|10|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} from the [[Fujairah]] road. Within the Madha exclave is a UAE [[enclave and exclave|enclave]] called [[Nahwa]], belonging to the [[Emirate of Sharjah]], situated about {{convert|8|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}  west of the town of New Madha, and consisting of about forty houses with a clinic and telephone exchange.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://geosite.jankrogh.com/nahwa.htm|title=Nahwa – United Arab Emirates|website=geosite.jankrogh.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509075149/http://geosite.jankrogh.com/nahwa.htm|archive-date=9 May 2019}}</ref>
[[Madha]], another exclave, is an enclave within UAE territory located halfway between the Musandam Peninsula and the main body of Oman.<ref name="jkrogh"/> Madha, part of the Musandam governorate, covers approximately {{convert|75|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on}}. Madha's boundary was settled in 1969, with the north-east corner of Madha barely {{convert|10|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} from the [[Fujairah]] road. Within the Madha exclave is a UAE [[enclave and exclave|enclave]] called [[Nahwa]], belonging to the [[Emirate of Sharjah]], situated about {{convert|8|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}  west of the town of New Madha, and consisting of about forty houses with a clinic and telephone exchange.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://geosite.jankrogh.com/nahwa.htm|title=Nahwa – United Arab Emirates|website=geosite.jankrogh.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509075149/http://geosite.jankrogh.com/nahwa.htm|archive-date=9 May 2019}}</ref>


The central desert of Oman is an important source of [[meteorites]] for scientific analysis.<ref>4th Swiss Geoscience Meeting, Bern 2006. Meteorite accumulation surfaces in Oman: Main results of. Omani-Swiss meteorite search campaigns, 2001–2006. by Beda Hofmann et al.</ref>
The central desert of Oman is a source of [[meteorites]] for scientific analysis.<ref>4th Swiss Geoscience Meeting, Bern 2006. Meteorite accumulation surfaces in Oman: Main results of. Omani-Swiss meteorite search campaigns, 2001–2006. by Beda Hofmann et al.</ref>


===Climate===
===Climate===
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[[Desert shrub]] and desert grass, common to southern Arabia, are found in Oman, but vegetation is sparse in the interior plateau, which is largely [[gravel]] desert. The greater monsoon rainfall in Dhofar and the mountains makes the growth there more luxuriant during summer; [[coconut palm]]s grow plentifully on the coastal plains of Dhofar and [[frankincense]] is produced in the hills, with abundant [[oleander]] and varieties of [[acacia]]. The Hajar Mountains are a distinct [[ecoregion]], the highest points in eastern Arabia with [[wildlife]] including the [[Arabian tahr]].
[[Desert shrub]] and desert grass, common to southern Arabia, are found in Oman, but vegetation is sparse in the interior plateau, which is largely [[gravel]] desert. The greater monsoon rainfall in Dhofar and the mountains makes the growth there more luxuriant during summer; [[coconut palm]]s grow plentifully on the coastal plains of Dhofar and [[frankincense]] is produced in the hills, with abundant [[oleander]] and varieties of [[acacia]]. The Hajar Mountains are a distinct [[ecoregion]], the highest points in eastern Arabia with [[wildlife]] including the [[Arabian tahr]].


[[Indigenous (ecology)|Indigenous]] [[mammal]]s include the [[leopard]], [[hyena]], fox, [[wolf]], hare, oryx and [[ibex]]. Birds include the vulture, eagle, stork, bustard, Arabian partridge, bee eater, falcon and sunbird. In 2001, Oman had nine endangered species of mammals, five endangered types of birds,<ref>{{Cite web|title=BirdLife Data Zone|url=http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/results?cty=160&hdnAction=ADV_SEARCH&rec=N&rlEN=Y&vag=N&so=rl|access-date=11 August 2021|website=datazone.birdlife.org}}</ref> and nineteen threatened [[plant species]]. Decrees have been passed to protect endangered species, including the [[Arabian leopard]], [[Arabian oryx]], [[mountain gazelle]], [[goitered gazelle]], [[Arabian tahr]], [[green sea turtle]], [[hawksbill turtle]] and [[olive ridley turtle]]. However, the [[Arabian Oryx Sanctuary]] is the first site ever to be deleted from [[UNESCO]]'s World Heritage List, following the government's 2007 decision to reduce the site's area by 90% to clear the way for oil prospectors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/362 |title=UNESCO World Heritage Center – Oman's Arabian Oryx Sanctuary : first site ever to be deleted from UNESCO's World Heritage List |publisher=UNESCO |access-date=17 April 2010}}</ref>
[[Indigenous (ecology)|Indigenous]] [[mammal]]s include the [[leopard]], [[hyena]], [[fox]], [[wolf]], [[hare]], [[oryx]] and [[ibex]]. Birds include the vulture, eagle, stork, bustard, [[Arabian partridge]], [[Bee-eater|bee eater]], falcon and sunbird. In 2001, Oman had nine endangered species of mammals, five endangered types of birds,<ref>{{Cite web|title=BirdLife Data Zone|url=http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/results?cty=160&hdnAction=ADV_SEARCH&rec=N&rlEN=Y&vag=N&so=rl|access-date=11 August 2021|website=datazone.birdlife.org}}</ref> and nineteen threatened [[plant species]]. [[Decree]]<nowiki/>s have been passed to protect endangered species, including the [[Arabian leopard]], [[Arabian oryx]], [[mountain gazelle]], [[goitered gazelle]], [[Arabian tahr]], [[green sea turtle]], [[hawksbill turtle]] and [[olive ridley turtle]]. However, the [[Arabian Oryx Sanctuary]] is the first site ever to be deleted from [[UNESCO]]'s World Heritage List, following the government's 2007 decision to reduce the site's area by 90% to clear the way for oil prospectors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/362 |title=UNESCO World Heritage Center – Oman's Arabian Oryx Sanctuary : first site ever to be deleted from UNESCO's World Heritage List |publisher=UNESCO |access-date=17 April 2010}}</ref>
[[File:Osprey yiti.jpg|thumb|upright|Osprey in Yiti Beach, Oman]]
[[File:Osprey yiti.jpg|thumb|upright|Osprey in Yiti Beach, Oman]]


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{{main|Tourism in Oman}}
{{main|Tourism in Oman}}
[[File:Bustan-palace.jpg|thumb|left|Al-Bustan Palace Hotel]]
[[File:Bustan-palace.jpg|thumb|left|Al-Bustan Palace Hotel]]
Tourism in Oman has grown considerably recently, and it is expected to be one of the largest industries in the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marketresearch.com/Business-Monitor-International-v304/Oman-Tourism-Q2-6205512/ |title=Travel & Leisure Market Research Reports and Industry Analysis |publisher=Marketresearch.com |access-date=9 June 2013}}</ref> The World Travel & Tourism Council stated that Oman is the fastest growing tourism destination in the Middle East.<ref>{{cite web|title=Oman Eyes Lucrative Business Tourism Market|url=http://www.forbesmiddleeast.com/en/oman-eyes-lucrative-business-tourism-market/|website=Forbesmiddleeast|access-date=26 June 2017}}</ref>
Tourism in Oman has grown considerably recently, and it is expected to be one of the largest industries in the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marketresearch.com/Business-Monitor-International-v304/Oman-Tourism-Q2-6205512/ |title=Travel & Leisure Market Research Reports and Industry Analysis |publisher=Marketresearch.com |access-date=9 June 2013}}</ref> The World Travel & Tourism Council stated that Oman is the fastest growing tourism destination in the Middle East.<ref>{{cite web|title=Oman Eyes Lucrative Business Tourism Market|url=http://www.forbesmiddleeast.com/en/oman-eyes-lucrative-business-tourism-market/|website=Forbesmiddleeast|access-date=26 June 2017|archive-date=26 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626074014/http://www.forbesmiddleeast.com/en/oman-eyes-lucrative-business-tourism-market/|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Tourism contributed 2.8 percent to the Omani GDP in 2016. It grew from RO 505 million (US$1.3&nbsp;billion) in 2009 to RO 719&nbsp;million (US$1.8&nbsp;billion) in 2017 (+42.3 percent growth). Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including Omanis who are residing outside of Oman, represent the highest ratio of all tourists visiting Oman, estimated to be 48 percent. The second highest number of visitors come from other Asian countries, who account for 17 percent of the total number of visitors.<ref name=OFIAA>National Green Export Review of Oman: Tourism, Dates and Fish. [https://unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/ditcted2018d13_en.pdf National Green Export Review of Oman: Tourism, Dates and Fish (United Nations-CTAD 2018 report)] United Nations. 2018.</ref> A challenge to tourism development in Oman is the reliance on the government-owned firm, Omran, as a key actor to develop the tourism sector, which potentially creates a market [[barrier to entry|barrier-to-entry]] of private-sector actors and a [[Crowding out (economics)|crowding out]] effect. Another key issue to the tourism sector is deepening the understanding of the ecosystem and biodiversity in Oman to guarantee their protection and preservation.<ref name=unedp/>
Tourism contributed 2.8 percent to the Omani GDP in 2016. It grew from RO 505 million (US$1.3&nbsp;billion) in 2009 to RO 719&nbsp;million (US$1.8&nbsp;billion) in 2017 (+42.3 percent growth). Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including Omanis who are residing outside of Oman, represent the highest ratio of all tourists visiting Oman, estimated to be 48 percent. The second highest number of visitors come from other Asian countries, who account for 17 percent of the total number of visitors.<ref name=OFIAA>National Green Export Review of Oman: Tourism, Dates and Fish. [https://unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/ditcted2018d13_en.pdf National Green Export Review of Oman: Tourism, Dates and Fish (United Nations-CTAD 2018 report)] United Nations. 2018.</ref> A challenge to tourism development in Oman is the reliance on the government-owned firm, Omran, as a key actor to develop the tourism sector, which potentially creates a market [[barrier to entry|barrier-to-entry]] of private-sector actors and a [[Crowding out (economics)|crowding out]] effect. Another key issue to the tourism sector is deepening the understanding of the ecosystem and biodiversity in Oman to guarantee their protection and preservation.<ref name=unedp/>
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|caption = [[Religion in Oman]] (2020)<ref name="CIATONGA">{{cite web|url= https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/oman/|title= Middle East OMAN|date= 21 December 2021|publisher= CIA The World Factbook}}</ref>
|caption = [[Religion in Oman]] (2020)<ref name="CIATONGA">{{cite web|url= https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/oman/|title= Middle East OMAN|date= 21 December 2021|publisher= CIA The World Factbook}}</ref>
|label1 = [[Islam in Oman|Islam]]
|label1 = [[Islam in Oman|Islam]]
|value1 = 88.9
|value1 = 85.9
|color1 = Green
|color1 = Green
|label3 = [[Christianity in Oman|Christianity]]
|label3 = [[Christianity in Oman|Christianity]]
|value3 = 3.6
|value3 = 6.4
|color3 = DodgerBlue
|color3 = DodgerBlue
|label2 = [[Hinduism in Oman|Hinduism]]
|label2 = [[Hinduism in Oman|Hinduism]]
|value2 = 5.5
|value2 = 5.7
|color2 = Orange
|color2 = Orange
|label4 = [[Religion in Oman|others]]
|label4 = [[Religion in Oman|others]]
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In October 2004, the Omani government set up a Ministry of Sports Affairs to replace the General Organisation for Youth, Sports and Cultural Affairs. The [[19th Arabian Gulf Cup]] took place in [[Muscat, Oman|Muscat]], from 4 to 17 January 2009 and was won by the [[Oman national football team|Omani national football team]]. The [[23rd Arabian Gulf Cup]] that took place in [[Kuwait]], from 22 December 2017 until 5 January 2018 with [[Oman national football team|Oman]] winning their second title, defeating the [[United Arab Emirates national football team|United Arab Emirates]] in the final.
In October 2004, the Omani government set up a Ministry of Sports Affairs to replace the General Organisation for Youth, Sports and Cultural Affairs. The [[19th Arabian Gulf Cup]] took place in [[Muscat, Oman|Muscat]], from 4 to 17 January 2009 and was won by the [[Oman national football team|Omani national football team]]. The [[23rd Arabian Gulf Cup]] that took place in [[Kuwait]], from 22 December 2017 until 5 January 2018 with [[Oman national football team|Oman]] winning their second title, defeating the [[United Arab Emirates national football team|United Arab Emirates]] in the final.


Oman's traditional sports are [[dhow]] racing, [[horse racing]], [[camel racing]], [[bull fighting]] and [[falconry]].<ref name="Your Middle East">Nazneen Akbari [http://www.yourmiddleeast.com/features/traditional-sports-in-oman-relics-of-the-rich-arabian-history_11539 Traditional sports in Oman – relics of the rich Arabian history] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522043521/http://www.yourmiddleeast.com/features/traditional-sports-in-oman-relics-of-the-rich-arabian-history_11539 |date=22 May 2018 }}, ''Your Middle East'', 29 April 2013. Retrieved 11 January 2016.</ref> Association football, [[basketball]], [[waterskiing]] and [[sandboarding]]<ref name="Sandboarding">Surf The Sand [https://sand-boarding.com/sandboarding/#Where_can_you_practice_sandboarding Where can you practice sandboarding?], ''Sand-boarding.com'', 29 April 2021. Retrieved 20 March 2022.</ref> are among the sports that have emerged quickly and gained popularity among the younger generation.<ref name="Your Middle East"/> Oman, along with [[Fujairah]] in the [[UAE]], are the only regions in the Middle East that have a variant of [[bullfighting]], known as 'bull-butting', organised within their territories.<ref name=rg_bull>{{cite web|title=Bullfighting à la Batinah|url=http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/middle-east/oman/al-batinah-al-dhahirah/bullfighting-%C3%A0-la-batinah/|website=Rough Guides}}</ref> Al-Batena area in Oman is specifically prominent for such events.  
Oman's traditional sports are [[dhow]] racing, [[horse racing]], [[camel racing]], [[bull fighting]] and [[falconry]].<ref name="Your Middle East">Nazneen Akbari [http://www.yourmiddleeast.com/features/traditional-sports-in-oman-relics-of-the-rich-arabian-history_11539 Traditional sports in Oman – relics of the rich Arabian history] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522043521/http://www.yourmiddleeast.com/features/traditional-sports-in-oman-relics-of-the-rich-arabian-history_11539 |date=22 May 2018 }}, ''Your Middle East'', 29 April 2013. Retrieved 11 January 2016.</ref> Association football, [[basketball]], [[waterskiing]] and [[sandboarding]]<ref name="Sandboarding">Surf The Sand [https://sand-boarding.com/sandboarding/#Where_can_you_practice_sandboarding Where can you practice sandboarding?], ''Sand-boarding.com'', 29 April 2021. Retrieved 20 March 2022.</ref> are among the sports that have emerged quickly and gained popularity among the younger generation.<ref name="Your Middle East"/> Oman, along with [[Fujairah]] in the [[UAE]], are the only regions in the Middle East that have a variant of [[bullfighting]], known as 'bull-butting', organised within their territories.<ref name=rg_bull>{{cite web|title=Bullfighting à la Batinah|url=http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/middle-east/oman/al-batinah-al-dhahirah/bullfighting-%C3%A0-la-batinah/|website=Rough Guides|access-date=8 September 2014|archive-date=10 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010153353/https://www.roughguides.com/destinations/middle-east/oman/al-batinah-al-dhahirah/bullfighting-%c3%a0-la-batinah/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Al-Batena area in Oman is specifically prominent for such events.  


[[File:Flickr - tpower1978 - World Cup Qualifiers (7).jpg|thumb|2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Round 3 match between [[Oman national football team|Oman]] and [[Japan national football team|Japan]] at the Royal Oman Police Stadium on 7 June 2008 in Muscat, Oman]]
[[File:Flickr - tpower1978 - World Cup Qualifiers (7).jpg|thumb|2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Round 3 match between [[Oman national football team|Oman]] and [[Japan national football team|Japan]] at the Royal Oman Police Stadium on 7 June 2008 in Muscat, Oman]]
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== See also ==
== See also ==
{{portal|Oman}}
 
* [[Omanis]]
* [[Omanis]]
* [[Outline of Oman]]
* [[Outline of Oman]]
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== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Sister project links|voy=Oman|collapsible=collapsed}}
* [http://www.omantourism.gov.om/ Ministry of Tourism] (official government website)
* [http://www.omantourism.gov.om/ Ministry of Tourism] (official government website)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071010124752/http://www.omanet.om/ Ministry of Information] (official government website) (archived 10 October 2007)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071010124752/http://www.omanet.om/ Ministry of Information] (official government website) (archived 10 October 2007)
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{{Monarchies |collapsed}}
{{Monarchies |collapsed}}
}}
}}
{{Authority control}}


{{Coord|21|N|57|E|type:country_region:OM|display=title}}
{{Coord|21|N|57|E|type:country_region:OM|display=title}}
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[[Category:Member states of the United Nations]]
[[Category:Member states of the United Nations]]
[[Category:Middle Eastern countries]]
[[Category:Middle Eastern countries]]
[[Category:Near Eastern countries]]
[[Category:States and territories established in the 750s]]
[[Category:States and territories established in the 750s]]
[[Category:Sultanates]]
[[Category:Sultanates]]
[[Category:West Asian countries]]
[[Category:West Asian countries]]
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