Country Profile: Oman

Oman, located in the Middle East, boasts a rich heritage stemming from its historical involvement in Indian Ocean trade. With a population of approximately 3.9 million, the nation has an economy primarily driven by oil, yet it strives for diversification and modernization under an absolute monarchy. Since the passing of Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 2020, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said has continued to implement reforms aimed at enhancing governance and citizen participation.

Geography

Oman is strategically positioned between Yemen and the UAE, bounded to the south by the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. The country's diverse terrain features rugged mountain ranges and expansive desert plains, with a total area of 309,500 sq km and a coastline of 2,092 km. The climate varies from hot and humid along the coast to dry conditions in the interior.

1,561 km of land boundaries with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Yemen.
Home to Jabal Shams, the highest point at 3,004 m.
4.8% of its land is used for agriculture (2023).

People and Society

Oman's population is estimated at 3,901,992 in 2024, comprising a diverse range of ethnic groups, including Arabs, Baluchis, and South Asians. The official language is Arabic, with English also widely spoken. The majority of Omani citizens are Muslims, primarily belonging to the Ibadhi and Sunni sects.

88.4% of the population lives in urban areas (2023).
The median age is 27.3 years, reflective of a youthful demographic.
Literacy rate stands at 97.3% (2022).

Economy

Oman has a high-income, oil-based economy characterized by a significant welfare system and high female labor force participation. As of 2024, the real GDP (PPP) is projected at $193.591 billion, with an estimated growth rate of 1.7%. Despite substantial oil revenues, the government is actively pursuing economic diversification.

54.2% of GDP is generated from the industrial sector (2024).
Unemployment rate is expected to be 3.2% (2024).
Oman exports goods totaling $64.749 billion (2023), primarily petroleum products.

Government

Oman is classified as an absolute monarchy, with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said serving as both the chief of state and head of government. The country's legal system merges Anglo-Saxon and Islamic law, and there is no political party system, as loyalty typically revolves around tribal affiliations.

The capital city is Muscat, which serves as the political and administrative center.
The legislative body consists of a bicameral system with both elected and appointed members.
Citizens can vote at 21 years of age.

Military and Security

The Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF) protect Oman’s sovereignty and internal security. The armed forces comprise approximately 40,000 active personnel, and military spending accounts for 6% of GDP in 2024. Oman's military history includes collaborations with the UK and the US.

25,000 personnel in the Royal Army of Oman.
No conscription; military service is voluntary from age 18.
The SAF trains with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and partners like the UK and US.

Energy

Oman relies heavily on fossil fuels for its energy needs, with electricity access at 100% as of 2022. In 2023, the country generated 40.738 billion kWh of electricity, predominantly from fossil fuels.

96% of installed electricity capacity is from fossil fuels (2023).
Oil production averaged 1.056 million bbl/day in 2023.
Proven natural gas reserves are around 651.287 billion cubic meters (2021).

Environment

Oman faces environmental challenges, including limited freshwater resources and soil salinity. The nation is committed to various international environmental agreements, addressing issues such as biodiversity and climate change.

4.8% of land is arable (2023).
About 13.9% of municipal solid waste is recycled (2022).
84.073 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions estimated for 2023.

Transportation

Oman has a well-established transportation network, including 37 airports and 57 merchant marine vessels. The country emphasizes the development of its ports to facilitate trade and commerce.

Key ports include Duqm and Sohar, with 6 ports having oil terminals.
The country has 20 heliports as of 2025.
11 million kW of installed electricity capacity for transport infrastructure (2023).

Communications

With a high level of connectivity, Oman boasts a 95% internet penetration rate as of 2024. The country has both fixed and mobile communication systems, ensuring residents have access to modern telecommunication services.

6.98 million mobile subscriptions recorded in 2023.
There are 579,000 fixed telephone line subscriptions (2023).
562,000 fixed broadband subscriptions as of 2023.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	3,901,992 (2024 est.)
Area	309,500 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$193.591 billion (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption	40.738 billion kWh (2023)
Birth Rate	21.1 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	3.2% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	77.4 years (2024 est.)