Location

The Sultanate of Oman is known for its strategic geographical location in the southwestern part of Asia, particularly in the southeastern quarter of the Arabian Peninsula. Oman’s coastline extends for 3165 km from the Strait of Hormuz in the north to the borders with Yemen. The Sultanate of Oman overlooks three seas: the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman, and the Arabian Gulf. It is bordered to the west by the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to the south by the Republic of Yemen, to the north by the Strait of Hormuz, and to the east by the Arabian Sea. This allowed Oman to be open to various cultures of the world and open channels of political, economic, and cultural communication. Oman is the third largest country in the Arabian Peninsula, with an area of about 309,500 square km.

Population

Oman’s capital is Muscat. The Sultanate’s population is 5 million and 255 thousand Omanis, and 2 million and 258 thousand expatriates, according to the statistics released by the National Center for Statistics and Information until the end of September 10, 2024.

The population in the Sultanate is spread among 11 governorates (Muscat Governorate, Musandam Governorate, Dhofar Governorate, Al Buraimi Governorate, North and South Al Batinah Governorates, North and South Al Sharqiyah Governorates, Al Wusta Governorate, and Al Dhahirah Governorate). The total number of wilayats in these governorates is 61.

The Climate

The Sultanate’s climate is hot in the summer and moderate in the winter. Dhofar Governorate in the south of the Sultanate is known for its autumn season, which is characterized by its rainy climate. The Governorate attracts tourists from inside and outside the Sultanate for a period of approximately 3 months (June - September) each year.

Language and Religion

Islam is the official religion and the source of government legislation. Arabic is the official language in Oman.