2021 Edition

Background

The inhabitants of the area of Oman have long prospered from Indian Ocean trade. In the late 18th century, the nascent sultanate in Muscat signed the first in a series of friendship treaties with Britain. Over time, Oman's dependence on British political and military advisors increased, although the sultanate never became a British colony. In 1970, QABOOS bin Said Al-Said overthrew his father, and has since ruled as sultan. Sultan QABOOS has no children and has not designated a successor publicly; the Basic Law of 1996 outlines Oman’s succession procedure. Sultan QABOOS’ extensive modernization program opened the country to the outside world, and the sultan has prioritized strategic ties with the UK and US. Oman's moderate, independent foreign policy has sought to maintain good relations with its neighbors and to avoid external entanglements.Inspired by the popular uprisings that swept the Middle East and North Africa beginning in January 2011, some Omanis staged demonstrations, calling for more jobs and economic benefits and an end to corruption. In response to those protester demands, QABOOS in 2011 pledged to implement economic and political reforms, such as granting Oman’s bicameral legislative body more power and authorizing direct elections for its lower house, which took place in November 2011. Additionally, the Sultan increased unemployment benefits, and, in August 2012, issued a royal directive mandating the speedy implementation of a national job creation plan for thousands of public and private sector Omani jobs. As part of the government's efforts to decentralize authority and allow greater citizen participation in local governance, Oman successfully conducted its first municipal council elections in December 2012. Announced by the sultan in 2011, the municipal councils have the power to advise the Royal Court on the needs of local districts across Oman's 11 governorates. Sultan QABOOS, Oman's longest reigning monarch, died on 11 January 2020. His cousin, HAYTHAM bin Tariq bin Taimur Al-Said, former Minister of Heritage and Culture, was sworn in as Oman's new sultan the same day.

Area

land

309,500 sq km

total

309,500 sq km

water

0 sq km

Area - comparative

twice the size of Georgia

Climate

dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south

Coastline

2,092 km

Elevation

highest point

Jabal Shams 3,004 m

lowest point

Arabian Sea 0 m

mean elevation

310 m

Geographic coordinates

21 00 N, 57 00 E

Geography - note

consists of Oman proper and two northern exclaves, Musandam and Al Madhah; the former is a peninsula that occupies a strategic location adjacent to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil

Irrigated land

590 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

border countries

Saudi Arabia 658 km, UAE 609 km, Yemen 294 km

total

1,561 km

Land use

agricultural land

4.7% (2018 est.)

agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 0.1% (2018 est.)

agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.)

agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 4.5% (2018 est.)

forest

0% (2018 est.)

other

95.3% (2018 est.)

Location

Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf, between Yemen and the UAE

Major aquifers

Arabian Aquifer System

Map references

Middle East

Maritime claims

contiguous zone

24 nm

exclusive economic zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

summer winds often raise large sandstorms and dust storms in interior; periodic droughts

Natural resources

petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum, natural gas

Population distribution

the vast majority of the population is located in and around the Al Hagar Mountains in the north of the country; another smaller cluster is found around the city of Salalah in the far south; most of the country remains sparsely poplulated

Terrain

central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south

Age structure

0-14 years

30.15% (male 561,791/female 533,949)

15-24 years

17.35% (male 331,000/female 299,516)

25-54 years

44.81% (male 928,812/female 699,821)

55-64 years

4.02% (male 77,558/female 68,427)

65 years and over

3.68% (male 64,152/female 69,663) (2020 est.)

Birth rate

22.58 births/1,000 population (2021 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

11.2% (2016/17)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

29.7% (2014)

Current Health Expenditure

4.1% (2018)

Death rate

3.25 deaths/1,000 population (2021 est.)

Dependency ratios

elderly dependency ratio

3.3

potential support ratio

29.9 (2020 est.)

total dependency ratio

33.3

youth dependency ratio

30

Drinking water source

improved: rural

rural: 100% of population

improved: total

total: 100% of population

improved: urban

urban: 100% of population

unimproved: rural

rural: 0% of population

unimproved: total

total: 0% of population (2017 est.)

unimproved: urban

urban: 0% of population

Education expenditures

5.4% of GDP (2019)

Ethnic groups

Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi), African

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.1% (2019)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

2,500 (2019)

Hospital bed density

1.5 beds/1,000 population (2017)

Infant mortality rate

female

13.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2021 est.)

male

16.05 deaths/1,000 live births

total

14.76 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Languages

Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Swahili, Urdu, Indian dialects

major-language sample(s)

كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.

Life expectancy at birth

female

78.68 years (2021 est.)

male

74.69 years

total population

76.64 years

Literacy

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

92.7% (2018)

male

97%

total population

95.7%

Major urban areas - population

1.590 million MUSCAT (capital) (2021)

Maternal mortality ratio

19 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)

Median age

female

25.1 years (2020 est.)

male

27.2 years

total

26.2 years

Nationality

adjective

Omani

noun

Omani(s)

Net migration rate

-0.44 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2021 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

27% (2016)

Physicians density

2 physicians/1,000 population (2018)

Population

3,694,755 (July 2021 est.)

note

note: immigrants make up approximately 46% of the total population (2019)

Population distribution

the vast majority of the population is located in and around the Al Hagar Mountains in the north of the country; another smaller cluster is found around the city of Salalah in the far south; most of the country remains sparsely poplulated

Population growth rate

1.89% (2021 est.)

Religions

Muslim 85.9%, Christian 6.4%, Hindu 5.7%, other and unaffiliated 2% (2020 est.)

note

note: Omani citizens represent approximately 56.4% of the population and are overwhelming Muslim (Ibadhi and Sunni sects each constitute about 45% and Shia about 5%); Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists account for roughly 5% of Omani citizens

Sanitation facility access

improved: rural

rural: 100% of population

improved: total

total: 100% of population

improved: urban

urban: 100% of population

unimproved: rural

rural: 0% of population

unimproved: total

total: 0% of population (2017 est.)

unimproved: urban

urban: 0% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

female

15 years (2020)

male

14 years

total

15 years

Sex ratio

0-14 years

1.05 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.11 male(s)/female

25-54 years

1.33 male(s)/female

55-64 years

1.13 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.92 male(s)/female

at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

total population

1.18 male(s)/female (2020 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.73 children born/woman (2021 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

female

33.9% (2016)

male

10.3%

total

13.7%

Urbanization

rate of urbanization

2.32% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

urban population

87% of total population (2021)

Administrative divisions

11 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafaza); Ad Dakhiliyah, Al Buraymi, Al Wusta, Az Zahirah, Janub al Batinah (Al Batinah South), Janub ash Sharqiyah (Ash Sharqiyah South), Masqat (Muscat), Musandam, Shamal al Batinah (Al Batinah North), Shamal ash Sharqiyah (Ash Sharqiyah North), Zufar (Dhofar)

Capital

etymology

the name, whose meaning is uncertain, traces back almost two millennia; two 2nd century A.D. scholars, the geographer Ptolemy and the historian Arrian, both mention an Arabian Sea coastal town of Moscha, which most likely referred to Muscat

geographic coordinates

23 37 N, 58 35 E

name

Muscat

time difference

UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Citizenship

citizenship by birth

no

citizenship by descent only

the father must be a citizen of Oman

dual citizenship recognized

no

residency requirement for naturalization

unknown

Constitution

amendments

promulgated by the sultan or proposed by the Council of Oman and drafted by a technical committee as stipulated by royal decree and then promulgated through royal decree; amended by royal decree 2011, 2021

history

promulgated by royal decree 6 November 1996 (the Basic Law of the Sultanate of Oman serves as the constitution); amended by royal decree in 2011

Country name

conventional long form

Sultanate of Oman

conventional short form

Oman

etymology

the origin of the name is uncertain, but it apparently dates back at least 2,000 years since an "Omana" is mentioned by Pliny the Elder (1st century A.D.) and an "Omanon" by Ptolemy (2nd century A.D.)

former

Sultanate of Muscat and Oman

local long form

Saltanat Uman

local short form

Uman

Diplomatic representation from the US

chief of mission

Ambassador Leslie M. TSOU (since 19 January 2020)

email address and website

ConsularMuscat@state.govhttps://om.usembassy.gov/

embassy

P.C. 115, Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos, Muscat

FAX

[968] 2464-3740

mailing address

6220 Muscat Place, Washington DC  20521

telephone

[968] 2464-3400

Diplomatic representation in the US

chancery

2535 Belmont Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador Moosa Hamdan Moosa AL TAI (since 17 February 2021)

email address and website

washington@fm.gov.omhttps://www.culturaloffice.info/aboutomaniembassy

FAX

[1] (202) 745-4933

telephone

[1] (202) 387-1980

Executive branch

cabinet

Cabinet appointed by the monarch

chief of state

Sultan and Prime Minister HAYTHAM bin Tariq bin Taimur Al-Said (since 11 January 2020); note - the monarch is both chief of state and head of government

elections/appointments

members of the Ruling Family Council determine a successor from the sultan's extended family; if the Council cannot form a consensus within 3 days of the sultan's death or incapacitation, the Defense Council will relay a predetermined heir as chosen by the sultan

head of government

Sultan and Prime Minister HAYTHAM bin Tariq bin Taimur Al-Said (since 11 January 2020)

Flag description

three horizontal bands of white (top), red, and green of equal width with a broad, vertical, red band on the hoist side; the national emblem (a khanjar dagger in its sheath superimposed on two crossed swords in scabbards) in white is centered near the top of the vertical band; white represents peace and prosperity, red recalls battles against foreign invaders, and green symbolizes the Jebel al Akhdar (Green Mountains) and fertility

Government type

absolute monarchy

Independence

1650 (expulsion of the Portuguese)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

International organization participation

ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

highest courts

Supreme Court (consists of 5 judges)

judge selection and term of office

judges nominated by the 9-member Supreme Judicial Council (chaired by the monarch) and appointed by the monarch; judges appointed for life

subordinate courts

Courts of Appeal; Administrative Court; Courts of First Instance; sharia courts; magistrates' courts; military courts

Legal system

mixed legal system of Anglo-Saxon law and Islamic law

Legislative branch

description

bicameral Council of Oman or Majlis Oman consists of:Council of State or Majlis al-Dawla (85 seats including the chairman; members appointed by the sultan from among former government officials and prominent educators, businessmen, and citizens) Consultative Council or Majlis al-Shura (86 seats; members directly elected in single- and 2-seat constituencies by simple majority popular vote to serve renewable 4-year terms); note - since political reforms in 2011, legislation from the Consultative Council is submitted to the Council of State for review by the Royal Court

election results

Council of State - composition - men 70, women 15, percent of women 17.6%Consultative Council percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA (organized political parties in Oman are legally banned); composition men 84, women 2, percent of women 2.3%; note - total Council of Oman percent of women 9.9%

elections

Council of State - last appointments on 11 July 2019 (next - NA) Consultative Assembly - last held on 27 October 2019 (next to be held in October 2023)

National anthem

lyrics/music

Rashid bin Uzayyiz al KHUSAIDI/James Frederick MILLS, arranged by Bernard EBBINGHAUS

name

"Nashid as-Salaam as-Sultani" (The Sultan's Anthem)

note

note: adopted 1932; new lyrics written after QABOOS bin Said al Said gained power in 1970; first performed by the band of a British ship as a salute to the Sultan during a 1932 visit to Muscat; the bandmaster of the HMS Hawkins was asked to write a salutation to the Sultan on the occasion of his ship visit

National holiday

National Day, 18 November; note - celebrates Oman's independence from Portugal in 1650 and the birthday of Sultan QABOOS bin Said al Said, who reigned from 1970 to 2020

National symbol(s)

khanjar dagger superimposed on two crossed swords; national colors: red, white, green

Political parties and leaders

none; note - organized political parties are legally banned in Oman, and loyalties tend to form around tribal affiliations

Suffrage

21 years of age; universal; note - members of the military and security forces by law cannot vote

Agricultural products

dates, tomatoes, vegetables, goat milk, milk, cucumbers, green chillies/peppers, watermelons, sorghum, melons

Budget

expenditures

31.92 billion (2017 est.)

revenues

22.14 billion (2017 est.)

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-13.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Credit ratings

Fitch rating

BB- (2020)

Moody's rating

Ba3 (2020)

Standard & Poors rating

B+ (2020)

Current account balance

Current account balance 2016

-$12.32 billion (2016 est.)

Current account balance 2017

-$10.76 billion (2017 est.)

Debt - external

Debt - external 31 December 2016

$27.05 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Debt - external 31 December 2017

$46.27 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

Economic overview

Oman is heavily dependent on oil and gas resources, which can generate between and 68% and 85% of government revenue, depending on fluctuations in commodity prices. In 2016, low global oil prices drove Oman’s budget deficit to $13.8 billion, or approximately 20% of GDP, but the budget deficit is estimated to have reduced to 12% of GDP in 2017 as Oman reduced government subsidies. As of January 2018, Oman has sufficient foreign assets to support its currency’s fixed exchange rates. It is issuing debt to cover its deficit.Oman is using enhanced oil recovery techniques to boost production, but it has simultaneously pursued a development plan that focuses on diversification, industrialization, and privatization, with the objective of reducing the oil sector's contribution to GDP. The key components of the government's diversification strategy are tourism, shipping and logistics, mining, manufacturing, and aquaculture.Muscat also has notably focused on creating more Omani jobs to employ the rising number of nationals entering the workforce. However, high social welfare benefits - that had increased in the wake of the 2011 Arab Spring - have made it impossible for the government to balance its budget in light of current oil prices. In response, Omani officials imposed austerity measures on its gasoline and diesel subsidies in 2016. These spending cuts have had only a moderate effect on the government’s budget, which is projected to again face a deficit of $7.8 billion in 2018.

Exchange rates

currency

Omani rials (OMR) per US dollar -

Exchange rates 2013

0.3845 (2013 est.)

Exchange rates 2014

0.3845 (2014 est.)

Exchange rates 2018

0.385 (2018 est.)

Exchange rates 2019

0.38505 (2019 est.)

Exchange rates 2020

0.38505 (2020 est.)

Exports

Exports 2018

$46.32 billion note: data are in current year dollars (2018 est.)

Exports 2019

$43.69 billion note: data are in current year dollars (2019 est.)

Exports - commodities

crude petroleum, natural gas, refined petroleum, iron products, fertilizers (2019)

Exports - partners

China 46%, India 8%, Japan 6%, South Korea 6%, United Arab Emirates 6%, Saudi Arabia 5% (2019)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

exports of goods and services

51.5% (2017 est.)

government consumption

26.2% (2017 est.)

household consumption

36.8% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services

-46.6% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital

27.8% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories

3% (2017 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

agriculture

1.8% (2017 est.)

industry

46.4% (2017 est.)

services

51.8% (2017 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$76.883 billion (2019 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

highest 10%

NA

lowest 10%

NA

Imports

Imports 2018

$35.37 billion note: data are in current year dollars (2018 est.)

Imports 2019

$32.55 billion note: data are in current year dollars (2019 est.)

Imports - commodities

cars, refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, gold, iron (2019)

Imports - partners

United Arab Emirates 36%, China 10%, Japan 7%, India 7%, United States 5% (2019)

Industrial production growth rate

-3% (2017 est.)

Industries

crude oil production and refining, natural and liquefied natural gas production; construction, cement, copper, steel, chemicals, optic fiber

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2017

1.7% (2017 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2018

0.7% (2018 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2019

0.1% (2019 est.)

Labor force

2.255 million (2016 est.)

note

note: about 60% of the labor force is non-national

Labor force - by occupation

agriculture

4.7% NA

industry

49.6% NA

services

45% NA (2016 est.)

Population below poverty line

NA

Public debt

note

note: excludes indebtedness of state-owned enterprises

Public debt 2016

32.5% of GDP (2016 est.)

Public debt 2017

46.9% of GDP (2017 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

note

note: data are in 2017 dollars

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2017

$135.696 billion (2017 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2018

$136.92 billion note: data are in 2017 dollars (2018 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2019

$135.79 billion note: data are in 2017 dollars (2019 est.)

Real GDP growth rate

Real GDP growth rate 2015

4.7% (2015 est.)

Real GDP growth rate 2016

5% (2016 est.)

Real GDP growth rate 2017

-0.9% (2017 est.)

Real GDP per capita

note

note: data are in 2017 dollars

Real GDP per capita 2017

$29,082 (2017 est.)

Real GDP per capita 2018

$28,400 note: data are in 2017 dollars (2018 est.)

Real GDP per capita 2019

$27,300 note: data are in 2017 dollars (2019 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 31 December 2016

$20.26 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 31 December 2017

$16.09 billion (31 December 2017 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

31.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

Unemployment rate

NA

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

female

33.9% (2016)

male

10.3%

total

13.7%

Crude oil - exports

844,100 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Crude oil - production

979,000 bbl/day (2018 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

5.373 billion bbl (1 January 2018 est.)

Electricity - consumption

28.92 billion kWh (2016 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2016 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

100% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2016 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

8.167 million kW (2016 est.)

Electricity - production

32.16 billion kWh (2016 est.)

Electricity access

electrification - rural areas

92% (2019)

electrification - total population

99% (2019)

electrification - urban areas

100% (2019)

Natural gas - consumption

21.94 billion cu m (2017 est.)

Natural gas - exports

11.16 billion cu m (2017 est.)

Natural gas - imports

1.982 billion cu m (2017 est.)

Natural gas - production

31.23 billion cu m (2017 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

651.3 billion cu m (1 January 2018 est.)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

188,000 bbl/day (2016 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

33,700 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

6,041 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

229,600 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Broadband - fixed subscriptions

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

10.85 (2020 est.)

total

508,949 (2020)

Broadcast media

1 state-run TV broadcaster; TV stations transmitting from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, and Yemen available via satellite TV; state-run radio operates multiple stations; first private radio station began operating in 2007 and several additional stations now operating (2019)

Internet country code

.om

Internet users

percent of population

95.23% (2020 est.)

total

4.92 million (2021 est.)

Telecommunication systems

domestic

fixed-line 13 per 100 and mobile-cellular 138 per 100, subscribership both increasing with fixed-line phone service gradually being introduced to remote villages using wireless local loop systems (2019)

general assessment

modern system consisting of open-wire, microwave, and radiotelephone communication stations; domestic satellite system; progressive mobile sector with both 3G and 4G LTE networks and readiness for 5G launch; competition among mobile operators; government program to improve fiber network; important communications hub in the Middle East, with access to numerous submarine cables enabling increased bandwidth; major importer of broadcasting equipment and computers from UAE (2020)

international

country code - 968; landing points for GSA, AAE-1, SeaMeWe-5, Tata TGN-Gulf, FALCON, GBICS/MENA, MENA/Guld Bridge International, TW1, BBG, EIG, OMRAN/EPEG, and POI submarine cables providing connectivity to Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2019)

note

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments

Telephones - fixed lines

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

12.68 (2020 est.)

total subscriptions

594,550 (2020)

Telephones - mobile cellular

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

133.9 (2020 est.)

total subscriptions

6,276,535 (2020)

Airports

total

132 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

2,438 to 3,047 m

5

914 to 1,523 m

1 (2017)

over 3,047 m

7

total

13

Airports - with unpaved runways

1,524 to 2,437 m

51

2,438 to 3,047 m

7

914 to 1,523 m

33

over 3,047 m

2

total

119

under 914 m

26 (2013)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

A4O

Heliports

3 (2013)

Merchant marine

by type

general cargo 10, other 47 (2021)

total

57

National air transport system

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers

510.43 million mt-km (2018)

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers

10,438,241 (2018)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers

57

number of registered air carriers

2 (2020)

Pipelines

106 km condensate, 4224 km gas, 3558 km oil, 33 km oil/gas/water, 264 km refined products (2013)

Ports and terminals

container port(s) (TEUs)

Salalah (4,109,000) (2019)

LNG terminal(s) (export)

Qalhat

major seaport(s)

Mina' Qabus, Salalah, Suhar

Roadways

paved

29,685 km (includes 1,943 km of expressways) (2012)

total

60,230 km (2012)

unpaved

30,545 km (2012)

Maritime threats

the Maritime Administration of the US Department of Transportation has issued a Maritime Advisory (2021-003A Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Red Sea-Threats to US and International Shipping from Iran) effective 26 February 2021, which states in part that "heightened military activities and increased political tensions in this region continue to present risk to commercial shipping...there is a continued possibility that Iran and/or its regional proxies could take actions against US and partner interests in the region"; Coalition Task Force (CTF) Sentinel has been established to provide escorts for commercial shipping transiting the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman

Military - note

the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) have a longstanding security relationship with the British military going back to the 18th century; as of 2021, the SAF and the British maintained a joint training base in Oman and exercised together regularly; in 2017, Oman and the British signed an agreement allowing the British military the use of facilities at Al Duqm Port; in 2019, the US obtained access to the port

Military and security forces

Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF): Royal Army of Oman (RAO), Royal Navy of Oman (RNO), Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO), Royal Guard of Oman (RGO); Royal Oman Police (ROP): Civil Defense, Immigration, Customs, Royal Oman Police Coast Guard (2021)

Military and security service personnel strengths

the Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF) have approximately 40,000 total active troops (26,000 Army, 4,000 Navy; 4,000 Air Force; 6,000 Royal Guard) (2021)

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

the SAF's inventory includes a mix of older and some more modern weapons systems from a variety of suppliers, particularly Europe and the US; since 2010, the UK and the US are the leading suppliers of arms to Oman (2021)

Military expenditures

Military Expenditures 2016

16% of GDP (2016)

Military Expenditures 2017

12.8% of GDP (2017)

Military Expenditures 2018

8.2% of GDP (2018)

Military Expenditures 2019

8.8% of GDP (2019)

Military Expenditures 2020

11% of GDP (2020 est.)

Military service age and obligation

18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2021)

Disputes - international

boundary agreement reportedly signed and ratified with UAE in 2003 for entire border, including Oman's Musandam Peninsula and Al Madhah exclave, but details of the alignment have not been made public

Refugees and internally displaced persons

refugees (country of origin)

5,000 (Yemen) (2017)

Air pollutants

carbon dioxide emissions

63.46 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions

5.6 megatons (2020 est.)

particulate matter emissions

38.25 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

Climate

dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south

Environment - current issues

limited natural freshwater resources; high levels of soil and water salinity in the coastal plains; beach pollution from oil spills; industrial effluents seeping into the water tables and aquifers; desertificaiton due to high winds driving desert sand into arable lands

Environment - international agreements

party to

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Land use

agricultural land

4.7% (2018 est.)

agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 0.1% (2018 est.)

agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.)

agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 4.5% (2018 est.)

forest

0% (2018 est.)

other

95.3% (2018 est.)

Major aquifers

Arabian Aquifer System

Revenue from coal

coal revenues

0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Revenue from forest resources

forest revenues

0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Total renewable water resources

1.4 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Total water withdrawal

agricultural

1.607 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

industrial

135 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

municipal

130 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Urbanization

rate of urbanization

2.32% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

urban population

87% of total population (2021)

Waste and recycling

municipal solid waste generated annually

1,734,885 tons (2014 est.)