The Sultanate of Oman, a land of great natural beauty on the southeast corner of the Arabian Peninsula, has a long and proud heritage. Oman has seen rapid economic and social development in the past four decades.
A monarchy governed by Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the country has a bicameral representative body (the lower house of which is directly elected), which provides the government with advice and is empowered to draft and review legislation.
While Oman is traditionally Islamic and Islam is the state religion, Omanis have for centuries lived with people of other faiths. Non-Muslims are free to worship at churches and temples built on land donated by the Sultan. The economy is largely dependent on the production and export of oil and natural gas, but is becoming increasingly diversified.
Excellent tourist facilities are available in the major cities of Muscat, Salalah, Sohar, and Nizwa, and can increasingly be found elsewhere in the country.
Oman Travel Guide
Top Destinations in Oman
Muscat, Oman
In Muscat, time slows beneath a sky brushed gold by the late afternoon sun, quiet except for the distant call to prayer drifting over old minaret-topped ... more
Salalah, Oman
In Salalah, the warm sea air breathes through coconut groves and the distant call to prayer drifts above the sway of frankincense-laden winds. The sun casts a ... more
Khasab, Oman
Khasab wakes under a gentle hush, where the cragged limestone fjords meet the cerulean shimmer of the sea. There is a salty tang on the breeze, mingling with ... more