Country Profile: Oman

Oman is located in the Middle East, strategically positioned along the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf, bordered by Yemen and the UAE. It has a population of approximately 3.97 million people, comprised mostly of Arabs, Baluchis, and South Asians. The Omani economy is predominantly oil-based, complemented by a growing diversification strategy and a focus on increasing female workforce participation. Governed as an absolute monarchy, Oman has seen significant modernization and political reforms over recent decades while maintaining stable diplomatic relations across the region.

Geography

Oman occupies a central position in the Middle East, sharing land borders with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Yemen, while its coastline stretches 2,092 km along the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. The terrain features desert plains and rugged mountains, with a climate that is generally dry with high humidity along the coast and hot, dry conditions inland.

Total area: 309,500 sq km
Highest point: Jabal Shams at 3,004 m
Natural resources: Includes petroleum, copper, and natural gas
Population distribution: Predominantly in and around the Al Hagar Mountains
Irrigated land: 1,162 sq km (2022)
Major aquifers: Arabian Aquifer System

People and Society

Oman's population is estimated at 3.97 million in 2025, with a majority residing in urban areas, particularly the capital, Muscat. The society is ethnically diverse, consisting mainly of Arabs, along with communities of Baluchi and South Asian descent. Islam is the dominant religion, with a notable proportion of the populace practicing Ibadism.

Ethnic groups: Arab, Baluchi, South Asian, African
Languages: Arabic (official), English, and others
Urbanization rate: 88.4% of the total population (2023)
Life expectancy: 77.4 years (2024)
Literacy rate: 97.3% (2022)
Population growth rate: 1.7% (2025)

Economy

The economy of Oman is classified as high-income and heavily reliant on oil exports, forming a significant part of its GDP. The government has been implementing reforms to diversify its economy, reduce dependency on oil, and improve the overall labor market, including a focus on female participation.

GDP (purchasing power parity): $193.591 billion (2024 est.)
GDP per capita: $36,700 (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 3.2% (2024)
Exports: $64.749 billion (2023)
Inflation rate: 1% (2023)
Labor force: 2.696 million (2024)

Government

Oman is an absolute monarchy with the Sultan serving as both head of state and government. The governance structure consists of a bicameral legislature, including an elected lower house and an appointed upper house. Political parties are banned, and affiliations tend to be tribal.

Capital: Muscat
Government type: Absolute monarchy
Sultan: HAITHAM bin Tariq Al Said (since January 2020)
Suffrage: Universal for citizens aged 21 and older
Administrative divisions: 11 governorates
Constitution: Basic Law promulgated in 1996, amended in 2011

Military and Security

The Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF) are responsible for Oman’s defense and security, operating alongside various police and civil defense units. Oman maintains a cooperative military relationship with the UK and the US, reflecting its strategic importance in the region.

Active military personnel: Approximately 40,000 (2025)
Military expenditures: 6% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military service age: 18-25 for voluntary service, no conscription
Military equipment: A mix of older and modern systems
Regional alliances: Participates in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Combined Maritime Forces

Energy

Oman has made significant investments in its energy sector, with a focus on oil and natural gas production. Electricity access stands at 100%, and the country is exploring renewable energy sources to diversify its energy portfolio.

Total petroleum production: 1.056 million barrels/day (2023)
Natural gas production: 41.726 billion cubic meters (2023)
Electricity generation: 40.738 billion kWh (2023)
Fossil fuels' contribution to energy: 96% of total installed capacity (2023)

Environment

Oman faces several environmental challenges, including limited freshwater resources and high levels of soil salinity. The government has taken steps to address waste management and pollution issues, participating in various international environmental agreements.

Total water withdrawal: Totaled 1.915 billion cubic meters (2022)
Municipal solid waste generated: 3.308 million tons (2024 est.)
Urban population: 88.4% (2023)
International environmental agreements: Party to various agreements, including the Climate Change Paris Agreement.

Transportation

Oman has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including a number of airports and seaports that facilitate trade and travel. The nation operates a substantial merchant marine fleet, enhancing its capabilities in maritime logistics.

Airports: 37 (2025)
Merchant marine: 57 vessels (2023)
Total ports: 7 (2024)
Civil aviation registration code: A4O

Communications

Telecommunications in Oman have seen remarkable growth, with high internet penetration rates and widespread mobile phone usage. The government is committed to expanding and modernizing communication networks across the country.

Internet users: 95% of the population (2024)
Mobile cellular subscriptions: 6.35 million (2024)
Fixed-line subscriptions: 579,000 (2023)

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)
Life Expectancy	77.4 years	(2024 est.)
Electricity Access	100%	(2022 est.)
Total Petroleum Production	1.056 million bbl/day	(2023 est.)
Natural Gas Production	41.726 billion m³	(2023 est.)
Infant Mortality Rate	13.6 deaths/1,000 live births	(2025 est.)
Literacy Rate	97.3%	(2022 est.)