Country Profile: Oman

Oman is located in the Middle East, bordered by the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf, situated between Yemen and the UAE. The country has a population of approximately 3.97 million, characterized by a diverse mix of ethnicities and languages, with Arabic as the official language. Oman possesses a high-income, oil-based economy with significant investments in modernization and infrastructure, driven by political stability under an absolute monarchy. The governance structure incorporates both traditional and modern elements, allowing for limited democratic participation.

Geography

Oman spans an area of 309,500 sq km, featuring diverse terrains that include central desert plains and rugged mountains. The country has an extensive coastline of 2,092 km, providing strategic access to vital sea routes. Oman's climate varies, exhibiting a hot and humid coastal area with a dry desert interior, influenced by the southwest monsoon in the south.

1,561 km of land boundaries with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Yemen.
Highest point: Jabal Shams at 3,004 m above sea level.
Majority of the population resides around the Al Hagar Mountains in the north.
4.8% of land is used for agriculture (2023 est.).

People and Society

Oman's population is estimated at 3,969,824 as of 2025, with a notable urbanization rate of 88.4%. The society is ethnically diverse, with Arabs constituting the majority, followed by Baluchi and various South Asian communities. Oman exhibits a high literacy rate of 97.3%, and the predominant religion is Islam, with 85.9% of the population identifying as Muslim.

Median age: 27.5 years (2025 est.).
Birth rate: 20.65 births/1,000 population (2025 est.).
Life expectancy: 77.4 years at birth (2024 est.).
Youth dependency ratio: 44.6 (2025 est.).

Economy

Oman's economy is characterized as high-income and heavily reliant on oil, though efforts are underway to diversify. In 2024, the Real GDP is projected at $193.591 billion, with a growth rate of 1.7%. The labor force participation among women is notably high, reflecting progressive reforms in recent decades.

54.2% of GDP derived from industry (2024 est.).
Unemployment rate stands at 3.2% (2024 est.).
GDP per capita expected to be $36,700 (2024 est.).
Major exports include crude petroleum and natural gas.

Government

Oman is an absolute monarchy, with the Sultan serving as both chief of state and head of government. The country has a mixed legal system that combines Anglo-Saxon and Islamic law. The legislative body consists of a bicameral structure, featuring a lower house consisting of 90 directly elected members.

Sultan: HAITHAM bin Tariq Al Said since January 11, 2020.
Suffrage is granted at 21 years of age.
Omani citizens make up around 56.4% of the population.

Military and Security

The Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF) include the Royal Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as various security forces. Military expenditures account for 6% of GDP in 2024. Oman maintains a cooperative defense strategy with the UK and the US, leveraging its strategic location for regional security.

Approximately 40,000 active military personnel (2025).
No conscription; voluntary service from ages 18-25.
Oman has a longstanding military cooperation with the British military.

Energy

Oman has achieved 100% electricity access for its population. The energy sector is predominantly powered by fossil fuels, contributing to 96% of the total installed capacity. The country is investing in renewable energy sources as part of its diversification strategy.

Total petroleum production: 1.056 million bbl/day (2023 est.).
Natural gas production stands at 41.726 billion cubic meters (2023 est.).
Electricity generation from renewable sources accounts for 3.8% of installed capacity.

Environment

Oman faces environmental challenges, such as limited freshwater resources and soil salinity. The country is a party to multiple international environmental agreements, striving to address issues like desertification and pollution.

4.8% of land used for agriculture (2023 est.).
Urban population is 88.4% of total population (2023).
Total water withdrawal is approximately 1.547 billion cubic meters for agriculture (2022).

Transportation

Oman has a well-established transportation network, with 37 airports and 57 merchant marine vessels. The country’s strategic ports facilitate international trade and commerce.

7 total ports, including key locations like Duqm and Sohar.
20 heliports documented (2025).
Civil aircraft registration code: A4O.

Communications

Oman has a high level of connectivity, with 95% of the population using the internet. The country operates several state-run media outlets and has seen growth in mobile cellular subscriptions.

6.35 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 est.).
579,000 fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023 est.).
562,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	3,969,824 (2025 est.)
Area	309,500 sq km
GDP (Purchasing Power Parity)	$193.591 billion (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption	40.738 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Birth Rate	20.65 births/1,000 population	2025 est.
Unemployment Rate	3.2% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy at Birth	77.4 years (2024 est.)
Literacy Rate	97.3% (2022 est.)
Urban Population	88.4% (2023)
Military Expenditures	6% of GDP (2024 est.)