Country Profile: Oman

Oman is a country located in the Middle East, bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. With a population of approximately 3.97 million, Oman has a diverse demographic, including Arabs, Baluchis, and South Asians, among others. Its economy is primarily based on oil, with significant efforts towards diversification and sustainability. Governed by an absolute monarchy, Oman maintains a moderate foreign policy and has been recognized for its development initiatives and reforms, particularly under Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said.

Geography

Oman is situated on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, neighboring Yemen to the southwest and the UAE to the northwest. The country features a diverse landscape, including rugged mountains, central desert plains, and a lengthy coastline of 2,092 km.

Total area: 309,500 sq km
Climate: Dry desert with a hot and humid coastal region
Highest point: Jabal Shams at 3,004 m
Natural resources: Petroleum, copper, and natural gas
Land use: Only 4.8% is agricultural land (2023)
Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone of 200 nm

People and Society

As of 2025, Oman's population is estimated to be around 3.97 million, with a majority residing in the northern mountainous regions and the city of Salalah in the south. The population is predominantly Muslim, with various ethnic groups coexisting harmoniously.

Population: 3,969,824 (2025 est.)
Major languages: Arabic (official) and English
Urbanization: 88.4% of the population is urban (2023)
Life expectancy: 77.4 years (2024 est.)
Literacy rate: 97.3% (2022 est.)
Median age: 27.5 years (2025 est.)
Major religions: 85.9% Muslim (2020 est.)

Economy

Oman's economy is characterized by a high reliance on oil exports, contributing to a high-income status. The government is making strides towards economic diversification, fostering sectors such as tourism and manufacturing.

GDP (PPP): $193.591 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate: 1.7% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 3.2% (2024 est.)
Oil production: 1.056 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
Exports: $64.749 billion (2023 est.)
Public debt: 46.9% of GDP (2017 est.)

Government

Oman is an absolute monarchy, with the Sultan serving as both head of state and government. The political framework allows for limited participation through a bicameral legislature, comprising the elected Shura Council and the appointed State Council.

Capital: Muscat
Sultan: Haitham bin Tarik Al Said (since 2020)
Suffrage: Universal for citizens aged 21 and above
Legislature: Bicameral Majles consisting of the Shura Council (90 seats) and the State Council (87 seats)
Political parties: Banned; tribal affiliations influence loyalties

Military and Security

Oman maintains a professional military force known as the Sultan's Armed Forces, which includes the Royal Army, Navy, and Air Force. The country collaborates with international partners for military training and exercises.

Military expenditures: 6% of GDP (2024 est.)
Active personnel: Approximately 40,000 (2025)
Military service age: 18-25 (voluntary for both genders)
Defense partnerships: Strong historical ties with the UK and the US

Energy

Oman has achieved 100% electrification for its population and is heavily reliant on fossil fuels for electricity generation. The government is exploring renewable energy options to complement its energy portfolio.

Electricity consumption: 40.738 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Installed capacity: 11.589 million kW (2023 est.)
Natural gas production: 41.726 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Petroleum reserves: Estimated at 5.373 billion barrels (2021 est.)

Environment

Oman faces several environmental challenges, including limited freshwater resources and desertification. The government is a signatory to various international agreements aimed at addressing such issues.

Water withdrawal: 1.547 billion cubic meters for agriculture (2022 est.)
Total water resources: 1.4 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Municipal waste generated: 3.308 million tons (2024 est.)
Recycling rate: 13.9% of municipal solid waste (2022 est.)

Transportation

Oman boasts a well-developed transportation network, including roads, airports, and seaports that facilitate trade and tourism.

Airports: 37 operational in 2025
Merchant marine: 57 vessels (2023)
Road network: Extensive, connecting major urban centers with rural areas
Civil aircraft registration: Prefix A4O

Communications

Telecommunications in Oman have seen significant advancements, with a high penetration rate of mobile and internet connectivity.

Telephone subscriptions: 6.35 million mobile subscriptions (2024 est.)
Internet users: 95% of the population (2024 est.)
Fixed-line subscriptions: 579,000 (2023 est.)
Broadband subscriptions: 562,000 (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	3,969,824 (2025 est.)
Area	309,500 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$193.591 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	3.2% (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	296.586 million Btu/person	(2023 est.)
Birth Rate	20.65 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	77.4 years (2024 est.)
Literacy Rate	97.3% (2022 est.)
Military Expenditure as % of GDP	6% (2024 est.)
Total Renewable Water Resources	1.4 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)