interesting facts about Oman

14 Outstanding Facts about Oman

Like to know a little more about the countries of the world? Take a look at these fun facts about Oman!

1. Where is Oman?

Oman is a beautiful and culturally historic country on the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East.

It is bordered by UAE to the northwest, Saudi Arabia to the west and Yemen to the southwest. It also has a coastline along the Gulf of Oman to the north and the Arabian Sea to the east and south.

2. Here’s how to get there.

Are you intending on flying into Oman or arriving by boat? You’ll need the coordinates 23.6000° N, 58.5500° E to get you there!

3. The terrain is certainly varied!

The terrain here is a wonderful mix of the desert plain in the center of the country, with rugged mountains in the north and south

Flag of Oman

Flag of Oman

4. It’s surprisingly huge!

The total land area of Oman is 119,500 square miles (309,500 square kilometers) – around 15 times the size of Wales.

5. Many people call Oman home.

Oman’s population was 5.107 million in 2020 – roughly the same as the population of Ireland.

6. What do people here call themselves?

Residents here are known as ‘Omanis’.

7. What’s the capital of Oman?

The capital is Muscat; it covers an area of 1,350 square miles (3,500 square kilometers) and had a population of 743,000 in 2011.

8. Life expectancy in Oman is very healthy.

The average life span here is 77.86 years (2019).

9. It’s a very old country, too!

Did you know that Oman is the oldest independent Arab state?

Omani houses

10. It’s pretty arid out here.

Omanis enjoy a dry desert climate with hot and dry weather throughout most of the country, with more humid weather along the coastline. The far south experiences a summer monsoon from May to September.

11. Do people speak English in Oman?

The official language of Oman is Arabic, although English, Baluchi, Urdu and several Indian dialects are also spoken.

12. Here’s what you’ll be able to spend.

Omani Rial is the official currency here.

Oman sunset

13. It has a rich history – literally!

Oman used to be one of the richest countries in the world, with much of the country’s wealth stemming from the incense trade! We bet the all of the Omani homes smell lovely!

It is also one of the few countries in the world where Frankincense trees grow.

14. Here’s a little more about what grows and exports here.

Oman grows dates, limes, alfalfa and bananas, rears camels and catches fish.

Its industry consists of crude oil production and refining, construction and natural gas production. Oman also exports petroleum, fish, metals and textiles.

Omani camels

FAQs about Oman

Is Oman safe to visit?

Generally, yes! Oman is regarded as a very safe country - the rate of crime here is particularly low.

Can I drink alcohol in Oman?

Yes - it’s possible to buy and drink alcohol in Oman as a visitor, but you will need to be at least 18 years old.

Is Oman rich?

Yes - though it’s struggled in recent years as oil prices have changed a lot.

Do you know any interesting facts about Oman? Share them in the comments below!

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This page was last modified on August 2, 2023. Suggest an edit

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