Country profile: Oman

The oldest independent state in the Arab world, Oman is one of the more traditional countries in the Gulf region and was, until the 1970s, one of the most isolated.

Occupying the south-east corner of the Arabian peninsula, it has a strategically important position at the mouth of the Gulf.

At one time Oman had its own empire, which at its peak in the 19th century stretched down the east African coast and vied with Portugal and Britain for influence in the Gulf and Indian Ocean.

Overview

Oman under Sultan Said bin Taimur, who came to power in 1938, experienced decades of international isolation, a society run along feudal lines and internal rebellion.

Fireworks over Muscat during national day celebrations, 2005

Politics: Sultan Qaboos seized power in 1970 and rules by decree; he has moved to increase popular participation in decision making

Economy: Oman is heavily dependent on oil; a diversification drive includes tourism; the policy of Omanisation aims to replace expatriate workers with locals

International: Oman is a long-standing US ally; there is a free trade agreement between the two countries

After deposing his father in 1970, Sultan Qaboos Bin Said opened up the country, embarked on economic reforms and boosted spending on health, education and welfare.

As with other Gulf nations, oil is the mainstay of the economy, providing a large chunk of GDP, but compared to its neighbours Oman is a modest producer. Agriculture and fishing are important sources of income.

Tourism, another source of revenue, is on the rise. Oman's attractions include a largely-untouched coastline, mountains, deserts and the burgeoning capital Muscat, with its forts, palaces and old walled city.

Most Omanis follow the Ibadi sect of Islam - the only remaining expression of Kharijism, which was created as a result of one of the first schisms within the religion.

The country has so far been spared the militant Islamist violence that has plagued some of its neighbours.

Facts

Full name: Sultanate of Oman
Population: 2.6 million (UN, 2007)
Capital: Muscat
Area: 309,500 sq km (119,500 sq miles)
Major language: Arabic
Major religion: Islam
Life expectancy: 74 years (men), 77 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 Rial = 1000 biaza
Main export: Oil
GNI per capita: US $11,120 (World Bank, 2007)
Internet domain: .om

Leaders

Sultan, prime minister, foreign minister: Qaboos Bin Said Al Said

Sultan Qaboos seized power in a coup against his father, Said Bin Taimur, in 1970.

Sultan Qaboos opened up Oman after years of isolationism

As sultan, he took on the role of prime minister and heads the foreign, defence and finance ministries.

His policies have proved popular in spite of the lack of a democratic government. He instigated the use of oil revenues to develop the country's infrastructure and modernised the government structure with the establishment of a Consultative Assembly in 1981, replaced by the Consultative Council - the majlis al-shura - in 1990 and the Council of State in 1997.

However, all important decisions are still made by the sultan.

Media

The government operates Oman's main broadcasters. The first private radio station launched in May 2007.

The use of satellite dishes is permitted, and stations from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Yemen may be picked up. The BBC broadcasts on FM in Salalah, in the south.

A press act allows the government to censor publications for political or cultural reasons.

There are more than 20 publications, including dailies and weeklies.

Press