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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 8
Country briefing
Oman flag
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.