Oman

751 (c. AD): Islam reaches Oman through trade routes, becoming a dominant religion

1624 (February 23, Sunday): Omani forces drive the Portuguese out of Oman, establishing independence

1744 (July 26, Thursday): The Al Said dynasty begins, with the founding of the current ruling family

1798 (August 23, Thursday): Oman expands influence into Zanzibar, starting a long colonial relationship

1915 (October 25, Monday): Oman signs the Treaty of Protection with Britain

1970 (July 23, Thursday): Sultan Qaboos bin Said takes power in a coup, initiating modern reforms and infrastructure development

1980 (February 12, Tuesday): Oman begins oil production at large-scale, significantly boosting the economy

1995 (March 1, Wednesday): Oman establishes its first free trade agreement with the United States

2009 (November 3, Tuesday): Cyclone Phet: A major storm strikes Oman, causing widespread flooding and casualties

2013 (October 29, Tuesday): Cyclone Cleopatra: Another severe storm hits Oman, causing flash floods and damage

2015 (January 10, Saturday): Sultan Qaboos bin Said is diagnosed with cancer, leading to concerns over the country’s future leadership

2020 (March 25, Wednesday): COVID-19 Pandemic: Oman announces its first confirmed case, initiating nationwide measures to control the spread

2021 (July 3, Saturday): Cyclone Shaheen: A major tropical storm strikes Oman, leading to severe flooding and casualties

Continent: Asia
Location: Southeastern Arabia, bordering the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and the Persian Gulf, with land borders with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen
Capital: Muscat
Language: Arabic
Currency: Omani Rial (OMR)
Population: ~5.5 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Gulf Standard Time (GST, UTC+4)

Borders: United Arab Emirates (northeast), Saudi Arabia (west), Yemen (southwest)
Landscape: Coastal plains, mountains, deserts, and wadis (seasonal rivers)
Major Rivers: Wadi Darbat, Wadi Shab, Wadi Bani Khalid
Major Mountains: Jebel Akhdar, Jebel Shams (highest point), Jebel al-Hajar
Deserts: Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), Ramlat al-Naqb
Lakes: No significant lakes
Volcanoes: No active volcanoes
Highest Point: Jebel Shams (3,009 m / 9,872 ft)
Lowest Point: Arabian Sea (sea level)
Climate: Arid and desert climate, with hot summers and mild winters, particularly along the coast; cooler in the mountains
Geological Features: Mountain ranges, deserts, coastal plains, wadis

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Arab, with a significant minority of South Asians and expatriates
Religion: Islam (approx. 85% Ibadhi Muslims, 10% Sunni, 5% Shia)
Urban Population: ~85% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~8% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Traditional music, khanjar (dagger), Frankincense, dhow boats, ancient forts
Cuisine: Rice, dates, fish, lamb, khubz (flatbread), mashuai (fish dish)
Arts: Traditional music, Omani crafts (pottery, weaving), frankincense production
Sports: Football (soccer), camel racing, dhow sailing, equestrian sports

Economy Type: Mixed, oil-based economy with diversification efforts in recent years
GDP: Approx. $90 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Oil and natural gas, petrochemicals, mining, manufacturing, tourism
Key Exports: Petroleum, natural gas, aluminum, copper, seafood
Unemployment Rate: ~2.5% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Coastal oil industry, desert and mountain agriculture, and growing tourism sector

Government Type: Absolute monarchy
Head of State: Sultan Haitham bin Tariq (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Sultan Haitham bin Tariq (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Majlis al-Shura (Council of Oman)
Constitution: Basic Law of Oman (effective since 1996)

Muscat: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts, Royal Opera House
Nizwa: Nizwa Fort, traditional souq
Wahiba Sands: Vast desert known for camel trekking
Salalah: Famous for monsoon season (Khareef) and frankincense trees
Jebel Akhdar: Green mountains known for fruit terraces and scenic views