2016 Edition

Background

The inhabitants of the area of Oman have long prospered on 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, but it never became a British colony. In 1970, QABOOS bin Said Al-Said overthrew his father, and has since ruled as sultan, but he has never designated a successor. His extensive modernization program has opened the country to the outside world while preserving the longstanding close 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 legislative and regulatory powers to the Majlis al-Shura and increasing unemployment benefits. Additionally, in August 2012, the Sultan announced a royal directive mandating the speedy implementation of a national job creation plan for thousands of public and private sector 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 will have the power to advise the Royal Court on the needs of local districts across Oman's 11 governorates. The Sultan returned to Oman in March 2015 after eight months in Germany, where he received medical treatment and has since appeared publicly on a few occasions.

Area

309,500 sq km 309,500 sq km 0 sq km

land

309,500 sq km

total

309,500 sq km

water

0 sq km

Area - comparative

twice the size of Georgia; slightly smaller than Kansas

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

310 m lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m highest point: Jabal Shams 2,980 m

elevation extremes

lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m

highest point

Jabal Shams 2,980 m

mean elevation

310 m

Environment - current issues

rising soil salinity; beach pollution from oil spills; limited natural freshwater resources

Environment - international agreements

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling none of the selected agreements

party to

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

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

1,561 km Saudi Arabia 658 km, UAE 609 km, Yemen 294 km

border countries (3)

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

total

1,561 km

Land use

4.7% arable land 0.1%; permanent crops 0.1%; permanent pasture 4.5% 0% 95.3% (2011 est.)

agricultural land

4.7%

forest

0%

other

95.3% (2011 est.)

Location

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

Map references

Middle East

Maritime claims

12 nm 24 nm 200 nm

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

30.14% (male 518,600/female 492,782) 19.11% (male 336,310/female 304,871) 43.41% (male 843,531/female 613,004) 3.91% (male 69,904/female 61,248) 3.43% (male 56,816/female 58,196) (2016 est.)

0-14 years

30.14% (male 518,600/female 492,782)

15-24 years

19.11% (male 336,310/female 304,871)

25-54 years

43.41% (male 843,531/female 613,004)

55-64 years

3.91% (male 69,904/female 61,248)

65 years and over

3.43% (male 56,816/female 58,196) (2016 est.)

Birth rate

24.3 births/1,000 population (2016 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

9.7% (2014)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

24.4% (2007/08)

Death rate

3.3 deaths/1,000 population (2016 est.)

Dependency ratios

30% 26.7% 3.4% 29.8% (2015 est.)

elderly dependency ratio

3.4%

potential support ratio

29.8% (2015 est.)

total dependency ratio

30%

youth dependency ratio

26.7%

Drinking water source

urban: 95.5% of population rural: 86.1% of population total: 93.4% of population urban: 4.5% of population rural: 13.9% of population total: 6.6% of population (2015 est.)

rural

13.9% of population

total

6.6% of population (2015 est.)

urban

4.5% of population

Education expenditures

5% of GDP (2013)

Ethnic groups

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

Health expenditures

3.6% of GDP (2014)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.16% (2014 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

less than 100 (2014 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

2,400 (2014 est.)

Hospital bed density

1.7 beds/1,000 population (2012)

Infant mortality rate

13.2 deaths/1,000 live births 13.5 deaths/1,000 live births 12.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2016 est.)

female

12.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2016 est.)

male

13.5 deaths/1,000 live births

total

13.2 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

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

Life expectancy at birth

75.5 years 73.5 years 77.5 years (2016 est.)

female

77.5 years (2016 est.)

male

73.5 years

total population

75.5 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 91.1% 93.6% 85.6% (2015 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

85.6% (2015 est.)

male

93.6%

total population

91.1%

Major urban areas - population

MUSCAT (capital) 838,000 (2015)

Maternal mortality rate

17 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

Median age

25.4 years 26.5 years 24 years (2016 est.)

female

24 years (2016 est.)

male

26.5 years

total

25.4 years

Nationality

Omani(s) Omani

adjective

Omani

noun

Omani(s)

Net migration rate

-0.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2016 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

26.5% (2014)

Physicians density

2.43 physicians/1,000 population (2012)

Population

3,355,262 (July 2016 est.) immigrants make up over 40% of the total population, according to UN data (2015)

note

immigrants make up over 40% of the total population, according to UN data (2015)

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

2.05% (2016 est.)

Religions

Muslim (official; majority are Ibadhi, lesser numbers of Sunni and Shia) 85.9%, Christian 6.5%, Hindu 5.5%, Buddhist 0.8%, Jewish approximately 75% of Omani citizens, who compose almost 70% of the country's total population, are Ibadhi Muslims; the Omani government does not keep statistics on religious affiliation (2013)

note

approximately 75% of Omani citizens, who compose almost 70% of the country's total population, are Ibadhi Muslims; the Omani government does not keep statistics on religious affiliation (2013)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 97.3% of population rural: 94.7% of population total: 96.7% of population urban: 2.7% of population rural: 5.3% of population total: 3.3% of population (2015 est.)

rural

5.3% of population

total

3.3% of population (2015 est.)

urban

2.7% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

14 years 14 years 14 years (2011)

female

14 years (2011)

male

14 years

total

14 years

Sex ratio

1.05 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.1 male(s)/female 1.38 male(s)/female 1.14 male(s)/female 0.99 male(s)/female 1.19 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

0-14 years

1.05 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.1 male(s)/female

25-54 years

1.38 male(s)/female

55-64 years

1.14 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.99 male(s)/female

at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

total population

1.19 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.84 children born/woman (2016 est.)

Urbanization

77.6% of total population (2015) 8.54% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

8.54% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

77.6% of total population (2015)

Administrative divisions

11 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazat); 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

Muscat 23 37 N, 58 35 E UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

geographic coordinates

23 37 N, 58 35 E

name

Muscat

time difference

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

Citizenship

no the father must be a citizen of Oman no unknown

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

1996 (the Basic Law of the Sultanate of Oman serves as the constitution); amended by royal decree in 2011 (2016)

Country name

Sultanate of Oman Oman Saltanat Uman Uman Sultanate of Muscat and Oman 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.)

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

Ambassador Marc J. SIEVERS (since 7 January 2016) Jamait Ad Duwal Al Arabiyya Street, Al Khuwair area, Muscat P. O. Box 202, P.C. 115, Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos, Muscat [968] 24-643-400 [968] 24-643-740

chief of mission

Ambassador Marc J. SIEVERS (since 7 January 2016)

embassy

Jamait Ad Duwal Al Arabiyya Street, Al Khuwair area, Muscat

FAX

[968] 24-643-740

mailing address

P. O. Box 202, P.C. 115, Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos, Muscat

telephone

[968] 24-643-400

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Hunaina bint Sultan bin Ahmad al-MUGHAIRI (since 9 November 2005) 2535 Belmont Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 387-1980 [1] (202) 745-4933

chancery

2535 Belmont Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador Hunaina bint Sultan bin Ahmad al-MUGHAIRI (since 9 November 2005)

FAX

[1] (202) 745-4933

telephone

[1] (202) 387-1980

Executive branch

Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said Al-Said (sultan since 23 July 1970 and prime minister since 23 July 1972); note - the monarch is both chief of state and head of government Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said Al-Said (sultan since 23 July 1970 and prime minister since 23 July 1972) Cabinet appointed by the monarch the Ruling Family Council determines 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

cabinet

Cabinet appointed by the monarch

chief of state

Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said Al-Said (sultan since 23 July 1970 and prime minister since 23 July 1972); note - the monarch is both chief of state and head of government

elections/appointments

the Ruling Family Council determines 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 QABOOS bin Said Al-Said (sultan since 23 July 1970 and prime minister since 23 July 1972)

Flag description

three horizontal bands of white, 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 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

Supreme Court (consists of 5 judges) judges nominated by the 9-member Supreme Judicial Council (chaired by the monarch) and appointed by the monarch; judges appointed for life Courts of Appeal; Administrative Court; Courts of First Instance; sharia courts; magistrates' courts; military courts

highest court(s)

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

bicameral Council of Oman or Majlis Oman consists of the 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) and the Consultative Council or Majlis al-Shura (85 seats; members directly elected in single- and two-seat constituencies by simple majority popular vote to serve renewable 4-year terms); note - following political reforms in 2011, legislation from the Consultative Council is submitted to the Council of State for review by the Royal Court Consultative Assembly - last held on 25 October 2015 (next to be held in October 2019) percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA

description

bicameral Council of Oman or Majlis Oman consists of the 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) and the Consultative Council or Majlis al-Shura (85 seats; members directly elected in single- and two-seat constituencies by simple majority popular vote to serve renewable 4-year terms); note - following political reforms in 2011, legislation from the Consultative Council is submitted to the Council of State for review by the Royal Court

election results

percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA

elections

Consultative Assembly - last held on 25 October 2015 (next to be held in October 2019)

National anthem

"Nashid as-Salaam as-Sultani" (The Sultan's Anthem) Rashid bin Uzayyiz al KHUSAIDI/James Frederick MILLS, arranged by Bernard EBBINGHAUS 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

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

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

Birthday of Sultan QABOOS, 18 November (1940)

National symbol(s)

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

khanjar dagger superimposed on two crossed swords; national colors

red, white, green

Political parties and leaders

political parties are illegal

Political pressure groups and leaders

none

Suffrage

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

Agriculture - products

dates, limes, bananas, alfalfa, vegetables; camels, cattle; fish

Budget

$23.58 billion $35.63 billion (2015 est.)

expenditures

$35.63 billion (2015 est.)

revenues

$23.58 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-20.6% of GDP (2015 est.)

Central bank discount rate

2% (31 December 2010) 0.05% (31 December 2009)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

4.76% (31 December 2015 est.) 5.08% (31 December 2014 est.)

Current account balance

-$7.373 billion (2015 est.) $4.699 billion (2014 est.)

Debt - external

$12.94 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $10.66 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Economy - overview

Oman is heavily dependent on its dwindling oil resources, which generate 84% of government revenue. In 2015, low global oil prices drove Oman’s budget deficit to $6.5 billion, or nearly 11% of GDP. Oman has limited foreign assets and is issuing debt to cover its deficit. Oman is using enhanced oil recovery techniques to boost production and has actively pursued a development plan that focuses on diversification, industrialization, and privatization, with the objective of reducing the oil sector's contribution to GDP from 46% at present to 9% by 2020. Tourism and gas-based industries are key components of the government's diversification strategy. Muscat also is focused on creating more jobs to employ the rising number of Omanis entering the workforce. Increases in social welfare benefits, however, particularly since the Arab Spring, dating to 2011, have challenged the government's ability to effectively balance its budget, as oil prices decline. Omani officials intend to reduce social entitlements to cut the deficit but have faced stiff public opposition to spending cuts, hindering their implementation.

Exchange rates

Omani rials (OMR) per US dollar - 0.3845 (2015 est.) 0.3845 (2014 est.) 0.3845 (2013 est.) 0.3845 (2012 est.) 0.3845 (2011 est.)

Exports

$34.43 billion (2015 est.) $53.22 billion (2014 est.)

Exports - commodities

petroleum, reexports, fish, metals, textiles

Exports - partners

China 35.4%, UAE 15.3%, South Korea 6.8%, Saudi Arabia 5.8%, Pakistan 4.2% (2015)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

37.3% 28.7% 33.9% -1.3% 53% -51.6% (2015 est.)

exports of goods and services

53%

government consumption

28.7%

household consumption

37.3%

imports of goods and services

-51.6% (2015 est.)

investment in fixed capital

33.9%

investment in inventories

-1.3%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

1.5% 55.1% 47.2% (2015 est.)

agriculture

1.5%

industry

55.1%

services

47.2% (2015 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$44,600 (2015 est.) $44,300 (2014 est.) $44,500 (2013 est.) data are in 2015 US dollars

note

data are in 2015 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

4.1% (2015 est.) 2.9% (2014 est.) 4.7% (2013 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$58.49 billion (2015 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$171.4 billion (2015 est.) $164.6 billion (2014 est.) $159.9 billion (2013 est.) data are in 2015 US dollars

note

data are in 2015 US dollars

Gross national saving

13.8% of GDP (2015 est.) 26.9% of GDP (2014 est.) 32.5% of GDP (2013 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

NA% NA%

highest 10%

NA%

lowest 10%

NA%

Imports

$28.27 billion (2015 est.) $27.89 billion (2014 est.)

Imports - commodities

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, livestock, lubricants

Imports - partners

UAE 29.7%, Japan 10.2%, US 7.5%, China 6.7%, India 6.3% (2015)

Industrial production growth rate

1.3% (2015 est.)

Industries

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

0.1% (2015 est.) 1% (2014 est.)

Labor force

968,800 about 60% of the labor force is non-national (2007 est.)

note

about 60% of the labor force is non-national (2007 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

NA% NA% NA%

agriculture

NA%

industry

NA%

services

NA%

Market value of publicly traded shares

$20.19 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $19.07 billion (31 December 2014 est.) $20.27 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

Population below poverty line

NA%

Public debt

8.3% of GDP (2015 est.) 4.9% of GDP (2014 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$17.54 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $16.32 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Stock of broad money

$39.85 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $35.8 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$NA

Stock of domestic credit

$45.1 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $33.69 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$13.96 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $12.5 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

40.3% of GDP (2015 est.)

Unemployment rate

15% (2004 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

69 million Mt (2013 est.)

Crude oil - exports

806,000 bbl/day (2013 est.)

Crude oil - imports

7,060 bbl/day (2013 est.)

Crude oil - production

982,000 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

5.3 billion bbl (1 January 2016 es)

Electricity - consumption

25 billion kWh (2014 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2013 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

100% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2013 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

8.2 million kW (2014 est.)

Electricity - production

28 billion kWh (2014 est.)

Electricity access

100,000 98% 99% 93% (2013)

electrification - rural areas

93% (2013)

electrification - total population

98%

electrification - urban areas

99%

population without electricity

100,000

Natural gas - consumption

22.6 billion cu m (2014 est.)

Natural gas - exports

10.27 billion cu m (2014 est.)

Natural gas - imports

1.97 billion cu m (2014 est.)

Natural gas - production

30.9 billion cu m (2014 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

688.1 billion cu m (1 January 2016 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

160,000 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

33,450 bbl/day (2013 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

14,810 bbl/day (2013 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

158,600 bbl/day (2013 est.)

Broadcast media

1 state-run TV broadcaster; TV stations transmitting from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Yemen available via satellite TV; state-run radio operates multiple stations; first private radio station began operating in 2007 and 2 additional stations now operating (2007)

Internet country code

.om

Internet users

2.438 million 74.2% (July 2015 est.)

percent of population

74.2% (July 2015 est.)

total

2.438 million

Telephone system

modern system consisting of open-wire, microwave, and radiotelephone communication stations; limited coaxial cable; domestic satellite system with 8 earth stations fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership both increasing with fixed-line phone service gradually being introduced to remote villages using wireless local loop systems country code - 968; the Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) and the SEA-ME-WE-3 submarine cable provide connectivity to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean), 1 Arabsat (2015)

domestic

fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership both increasing with fixed-line phone service gradually being introduced to remote villages using wireless local loop systems

general assessment

modern system consisting of open-wire, microwave, and radiotelephone communication stations; limited coaxial cable; domestic satellite system with 8 earth stations

international

country code - 968; the Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) and the SEA-ME-WE-3 submarine cable provide connectivity to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean), 1 Arabsat (2015)

Telephones - fixed lines

434,932 13 (July 2015 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

13 (July 2015 est.)

total subscriptions

434,932

Telephones - mobile cellular

6.647 million 202 (July 2015 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

202 (July 2015 est.)

total

6.647 million

Airports

132 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2013)

2,438 to 3,047 m

5

914 to 1,523 m

1 (2013)

over 3,047 m

7

total

13

Airports - with unpaved runways

26 (2013)

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 (2016)

Heliports

3 (2013)

Merchant marine

chemical tanker 1, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 3 15 (Malta 5, Panama 10) (2010)

by type

chemical tanker 1, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 3

registered in other countries

15 (Malta 5, Panama 10) (2010)

total

5

National air transport system

6,365,784 412,234,008 mt-km (2015)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers

412,234,008 mt-km (2015)

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers

6,365,784

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers

45

number of registered air carriers

1

Pipelines

condensate 106 km; gas 4,224 km; oil 3,558 km; oil/gas/water 33 km; refined products 264 km (2013)

Ports and terminals

Mina' Qabus, Salalah, Suhar Salalah (3,200,000) Qalhat

container port(s) (TEUs)

Salalah (3,200,000)

LNG terminal(s) (export)

Qalhat

major seaport(s)

Mina' Qabus, Salalah, Suhar

Roadways

60,230 km 29,685 km (includes 1,943 km of expressways) 30,545 km (2012)

paved

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

total

60,230 km

unpaved

30,545 km (2012)

Military branches

Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF): Royal Army of Oman, Royal Navy of Oman, Royal Air Force of Oman (al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Sultanat Oman) (2013)

Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF)

Royal Army of Oman, Royal Navy of Oman, Royal Air Force of Oman (al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Sultanat Oman) (2013)

Military expenditures

11.8% of GDP (2014) 15% of GDP (2013) 8.61% of GDP (2012) 6.13% of GDP (2011) 8.61% of GDP (2010)

Military service age and obligation

18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2012)

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

5,000 (Yemen) (2016)

refugees (country of origin)

5,000 (Yemen) (2016)