Oman

Previous medal in the Olympics

Oman is yet to register its name in the medal tally of the Olympic Games.

History & Etymology

from history we get to know little about the etymologyof the word Oman. But according to some sources the term ‘Oman’ has come from the Qahtani tribe. Omanmeans ‘those who occupy a particular place’. But it is sure that this place became crucial from the age of Islam. Probably the Magans were the fists to inhabit here during 3000BC. During the 563 BC, Oman was actually incorporated within the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Under the reign of the Sultan, Oman has always played a crucial role behind the growth of Islam. Though the Portuguese had captured this land but Oman never let away the Arab characteristics.  

Time of freedom

Oman got independence in the year 1651 from the Portuguese empire.

Government and politics

the Sultanate of this country is divided into 9 governorates. Oman’s political administrative centre is Muscat. The Sultan appoints the cabinet that is known as ‘Diwans’. Sultan also sets up the advisory council called ‘Majlis ash-Shura’. In the 2003 elections, 2 women were also elected. Presently in this Islam dominated country has 3 female ministers- ministers of Higher Education, Social development and Tourism. Here we don’t even get to see any legal political party. The State Consultative Council, formed in 1981, has a total of 55 appointed representatives from government, private sectors, and the regional interests.

Geography and the neighboring countries

Oman gives a soothing picture of vast desert lands, long stretch of mountain ranges and fascinating view of the ocean. Tourists all over the globe come and enjoy here because of its climatic pleasure. Fossilized shells can still be seen here in the desert area towards modern coastline. Peninsula of theMusandam has separated Oman from the UAE. 
Most part of Oman lies next to the Gulf of Oman and the gorgeous Arabian Sea.  

Capital city

Muscat is both the capital along with the largest city of the entire Sultanate of Oman. Having apopulation of almost 600,500, Muscat is a crowded and buzzing place with shops and markets.

Demographics

of the total population in this country, about 56% are the Ibadi Muslims who are related to early Kharajites, 35% Sunnis and almost 7% are the Shia Jaffaris. Remaining 3% of the total population is mostly Hindus, the Christians and other minorities, most of whom are expatriates.

Economy

the Omanis not only enjoy a very healthy living standard, but the overall economic growth is also very high. This country is famous for its oil resource; apart from that the economy of Oman also rotates around various agricultural products and small scale industries. Petroleum development can actually become hugely beneficial for the government of Oman. But food needs to be imported from outside and the lower middle class also suffers from it. Oman is also gifted with natural resources like; Copper, marble, dolomite, zinc, silicon and asbestos. With the help of the US government, industrial development has also occurred here. Oman is also dealing with several oil refinery projects. New oil fields are still discovered around various parts of this country.  

Education

since the time, Sultan Qaboos had come to the power in 1970; the education system here has got a new life. Education here is given priority as the sultan understood that it is a part of the overall social and economic progress of the country. Sultan Qaboos University, opened in 1986, is the first university of Oman. Today one can find here end number of primary schools, colleges and such other educational institutions. The adult illiteracy rate in Oman was likely at 28.2% for the year 2000 which was quite good.

Culture

if you want to discover various sides and growth of the concept of Islam, then Oman will be ideal for you. Though the Arabic is the official language of this country, English is also spoken by a large number of people. Most people of Oman still maintain the tradition in terms of their dress and other cultural activities. The men of this country wear a collarless robe known as the ‘dishdasha’. Women mostly prefer to wear abayas and hijabs. Festivals like Eid are celebrated on a grand scale. Hospitality is one of the chief characteristic of the culture of this country. 

Population

the approximate population of Oman is about 3,205,980.