Last updated on November 14th, 2017
Oman is an Arab country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. In 2010, Oman was ranked as the most improved nation in the world over the preceding 40 years.
The Sultan of Oman is the chief of staff of the armed forces, chairman of the Central Bank, Minister of Defence and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Sharia law is the source of all legislation in Oman, and the Sultan’s authority is inviolable. Let’s explore more about Oman with these interesting facts.
54 Interesting Facts About Oman
#1. The sultan of Oman–Sultan Qaboos Bin Said–is the longest-serving ruler in the Middle East. Born on November 18, 1940, he is the person behind the modernization of Oman. He took control of the Sultanate of Oman in 1970 on July 23rd. And he is yet to name his successor.
#2. Trade of fish, dates and some agricultural products along with tourism form a significant portion of the economy of Oman. Whereas its neighbors (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Yemen) are solely oil-dependent economies.
#3. Oman is also one of the oldest human-inhabited places on the planet. It is estimated that humans have been living in the country for at least 106,000 years.
#4. It is also the oldest independent state in the Arab world.
Oman facts For kids
#5. About 75% of the people living in Oman are Muslims.
#6. Oman’s first university, Sultan Qaboos University, opened in 1986.
#7. As per the 2014 census, Oman’s expatriate population comprises 43.7% of the country’s total population.
#8. Oman has 91.1% literacy rate.
#9. A city called ‘Bahla’ in Oman is known as the center for pottery.
Flag of Oman
#10. Birds from three continents–Asia, Europe and Africa–can be seen in Oman. Oman has been called ‘the best-kept secret in the world of birdwatching.’
#11. Muscat Clock Tower is the oldest monument in modern Oman.
#12. Under the 1996 Constitution’s “Basic Law of the State,” Oman is an absolute Monarchy (Sultanate).
#13. The national symbol of Oman has a pair of crossed Khanjars. This symbol is also used on the national flag and other government logos. It is a symbol of manhood and bravery. If you are interested in buying one, a real khanjar could cost you OMR 500.
#14. Oman is also a member of the United Nations and the Arab league.
#15. In Oman, almost all signs and writings appear in both Arabic and English.
#16. Oil and gas are the major export items of Oman, while copper is also exported in limited quantities.
#17. Interestingly, Oman is literally a terrorism free country. Another country where terrorism is nonexistent is Qatar – as reported by the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report.
#18. Believe it or not, Oman is a country where crime is also almost nonexistent.
#19. Oman produces a whopping 900,000 barrels of oil per day.
#20. Omanis are also credited with being the greatest ship builders in the world.
#22. Mountain Dew is the top-selling beverage in Oman.
#23. And you would be amazed to know that Coca-Cola products are not found in abundance in the country. This fact again signifies the love of Omani people for Mountain Dew.
#24. Want to save some on taxes? You may want to work in Oman. Because Oman does not levy income tax. However, a small amount from workers’ earnings are paid towards social security.
#25. Omanis are also among the finest breeders of Arabian horses. Their horses are sold for hefty prices all over the world.
#26. If you want to buy alcohol in Oman, you have to have a license to buy such beverages. Moreover, Omanis are allowed to spend no more than 10% of their monthly income on alcohol.
#27. Up until 1970, there were no hotels in the country. But today there are hundreds of hotels. Tourism is a major industry in Oman.
#28. In earlier times, Oman made a lot of money from the trade of incense.
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