- Inland, the country is arid and largely waterless, although Bedouins still inhabit this desert region. The more hospitable northern and coastal areas are where much of the population lives, in small towns and big, modern cities, such as the capital, Muscat.
- The majority of the around five million population is Muslim. More than half are Arab, with much of the rest Baluchi, Bengali and South Asian. Expatriates make up around 40 per cent, with thousands of Westerners working in the oil and gas industries.
- The Sultanate of Oman is an absolute monarchy; the sultan rules by decree. Free speech is severely curtailed: criticism of the sultan or the government is not tolerated.
- Human rights abuses are reported to be widespread in prisons, and Oman has also been criticized for its treatment of foreign labourers, with allegations that thousands are little more than slaves.
- There were some (largely peaceful) protests during the Arab Spring of 2011. Omani authorities responded with repression, and the city of Sohar came under military rule. Later, the sultan fired ministers and raised unemployment benefits and the minimum wage. There was no fundamental change to the system of rule, however.
- For decades, Oman has relied on the oil industry for its wealth but has diversified recently. Tourism now plays a major role, as do agricultural products. Its main export partner is China; others include India, Japan, South Korea, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Sprachlevel
Lernsprache
Reading time
117
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