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Oman
is known for its popular tourist attractions. The direct rule of the sultan gives Oman a largely stable economic and social system free of party politics. Sultan Qaboos, encourages market-oriented policies and private sector development as the mechanism for prosperity and growth. |
Women wear hijabs and abayas. Some women cover their faces and hands, but most do not. The abaya is a traditional dress and it is currently having different styles. The Sultan has forbidden the covering of faces in public office.
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Cities |
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Muscat (1,090,797)
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Muttrah (650,000)
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Ibra (351,730)
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Salalah (178,369)
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Omani men dressed in headscarfs
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Omani women dressed in headscarfs
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Demographics |
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- Population: 3,102,229
- Life Expectancy: 73.37 years
- Literacy: 75.8%
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- Median Age: 19 years
- Suffrage: 21 years - universal
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Geographics |
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- Land size: slightly smaller than Kansas
- Total: 212,460 sq km
- Water: 0 sq km
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Government |
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- Absolute monarchy by the Sultan
(hereditary position)
- Cabinet, called the "Diwans"
appointed by the Sultan
- Elected advisory council (83
seats)
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History |
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- Omani
Empire
- Portugese Occupation (1508-1648)
- Peace Treaty with Yemen (1982)
- US and British launch Gulf War from Oman
(1991)
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Language |
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- Arabic (official)
- English
- Baluchi
- Urdu
- Indian dialects
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