Country Profile: Oman

Oman is a Middle Eastern nation located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. With a population of nearly 4 million, the country has a diverse society influenced by various ethnicities, including Arabs, Baluchis, and South Asians. The economy is primarily oil-based but is gradually diversifying, supported by a significant welfare system and a focus on increasing local employment opportunities. Governed as an absolute monarchy, Oman has maintained stability and moderate foreign relations, particularly with the UK and the US, since its modernization under Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said.

Geography

Oman is situated in the Middle East, bordered by the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and the Persian Gulf, with land borders to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Yemen. The country covers an area of 309,500 square kilometers, characterized by a central desert plain and rugged mountains in the north and south. The climate is predominantly dry desert, with hot and humid conditions along the coast. Natural resources include petroleum and natural gas, along with some minerals.

309,500 sq km: Total area.
2,092 km: Coastline length.
1,561 km: Total land boundaries with neighboring countries.

People and Society

Oman has an estimated population of approximately 3.97 million people as of 2025, with a median age of 27.5 years. The population is predominantly Muslim (85.9%), with Arabic as the official language. Urbanization is high, with 88.4% of the population residing in urban areas. The country has a literacy rate of 97.3%, and Omani citizens make up roughly 56.4% of the population.

3.97 million: Estimated population (2025).
88.4%: Urban population (2023).
97.3%: Literacy rate (2022).

Economy

Oman has a high-income, oil-based economy characterized by a significant welfare system and a focus on diversifying economic activities. The estimated real GDP (purchasing power parity) for 2024 is approximately $193.6 billion. Major sectors include industry, which accounts for 54.2% of GDP, followed by services at 46.5%. The government has been implementing reforms to support local employment and reduce reliance on foreign labor.

$193.6 billion: Real GDP (PPP) estimate for 2024.
3.2%: Unemployment rate (2024).
$36,700: Real GDP per capita (2024).

Government

Oman operates under an absolute monarchy, with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said as both the head of state and head of government. The country's legal framework is a mix of Islamic and Anglo-Saxon law, with a bicameral legislature consisting of the elected Shura Council and the appointed State Council. Rights to vote and participate in governance have been gradually expanded since the 2011 reforms aimed at decentralizing authority.

Absolute Monarchy: Form of government.
11 governorates: Administrative divisions.
$29.3 billion: Revenue estimate (2018).

Military and Security

Oman's military includes the Sultan's Armed Forces and Royal Oman Police, with approximately 40,000 active personnel. Military spending is projected to be 6% of GDP in 2024. The country has a unique security relationship with both the UK and US, allowing for joint training and cooperation.

6%: Projected military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024).
40,000: Approximate active military personnel (2025).

Energy

Oman has a robust energy sector heavily reliant on fossil fuels, accounting for 96% of installed electricity generation capacity. As of 2023, the country produces over 1 million barrels of oil daily and has significant natural gas resources. Access to electricity is universal, with high consumption rates per capita.

100%: Electrification rate (2022).
1.056 million bbl/day: Total petroleum production (2023).
40.7 billion kWh: Electricity consumption (2023).

Environment

Oman faces several environmental challenges, including limited freshwater resources and soil salinity. The country is a participant in multiple international agreements concerning biodiversity and climate change. Urbanization and industrial activities have also led to pollution concerns, particularly in coastal regions.

13.9%: Municipal solid waste recycling rate (2022).
1.4 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022).

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure in Oman includes 37 airports and a merchant marine fleet of 57 vessels. The country's ports, such as Duqm and Sohar, facilitate international trade, especially in oil and gas.

37: Total airports (2025).
57: Merchant marine vessels (2023).

Communications

Oman has a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure, with a high percentage of the population being internet users. Fixed and mobile telephone subscriptions are widespread, enhancing connectivity.

95%: Internet penetration (2024).
6.35 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	3,969,824	Estimated for 2025
Area	309,500 sq km	Total area of Oman
GDP (PPP)	$193.6 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	3.2%	Projected for 2024
Electricity Access	100%	Electrification coverage
Literacy Rate	97.3%	Estimate for 2022
Urban Population	88.4%	Total urban population (2023)
Life Expectancy	77.4 years	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	20.65 births/1,000 people	Estimated for 2025
Median Age	27.5 years	Estimated for 2025