Country Profile: Oman

Oman, located in the Middle East, boasts a strategic geographic position bordering the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. The nation has a population of approximately 3.9 million, comprising a diverse mix of ethnicities and cultures. Oman's economy is heavily reliant on oil, but it is actively diversifying with growing sectors in services and industry. Governed as an absolute monarchy, Oman has witnessed significant political and economic reforms in recent years aimed at enhancing governance and citizen participation.

Geography

Oman is situated on the southeastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Yemen to the southwest and the United Arab Emirates to the northwest. The country covers a total area of 309,500 sq km, characterized by a mix of rugged mountains and central desert plains. Oman has a coastline of 2,092 km, extensive maritime claims, and a predominantly dry desert climate.

Elevation: Highest point at 3,004 m (Jabal Shams).
Natural resources: Includes petroleum and natural gas along with minerals like copper and chromium.
Land boundaries: Totaling 1,561 km with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Yemen.
Climate: Hot and dry interior with a humid coastal region and a strong southwest summer monsoon.

People and Society

With an estimated population of 3,901,992 in 2024, Oman has a diverse demographic landscape. Arabic is the official language, spoken alongside several others, including English and Baluchi. The majority of the population adheres to Islam, with a significant portion being Ibadhi, while the rest comprises various minority religions.

Median age: 27.3 years indicating a youthful population structure.
Urbanization: Approximately 88.4% of the population lives in urban areas.
Literacy rate: High at 97% overall, with 99% for males and 95% for females.
Life expectancy: 77.4 years at birth.

Economy

Oman's economy is classified as high-income and is primarily oil-based, but steps are being taken to diversify its economic portfolio. The government has implemented policies to increase labor force participation, particularly among women, and is focused on sustainable economic growth.

Real GDP: Estimated at $193.591 billion in 2024 (PPP).
GDP per capita: Approximately $36,700 in 2024 (PPP).
Unemployment rate: Estimated at 3.2% for 2024.
Exports: Totaling $64.749 billion in 2023, with crude oil and natural gas being primary commodities.

Government

Oman functions as an absolute monarchy with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said as its current leader since January 2020. The legal system is a blend of Islamic and Anglo-Saxon laws, with a bicameral legislature comprising an appointed upper house and an elected lower house.

Capital: Muscat.
Administrative divisions: Consists of 11 governorates.
Suffrage: Universal at age 21 with restrictions for military personnel.
Constitution: Established in 1996, underwent amendments in 2011.

Military and Security

Oman's military, known as the Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF), includes the Royal Army, Navy, and Air Force among other components. The country maintains a robust defense posture, engaged in regional security collaboration, particularly in maritime operations.

Military Expenditures: 6% of GDP in 2024.
Active personnel: Approximately 40,000 in the SAF (as of 2025).
Military service: Voluntary for men and women, no conscription.
Key operations: Engage in maritime security and counter-piracy efforts in regional waters.

Energy

Oman's energy sector is characterized by reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation, alongside increasing investments in renewable sources.

Electricity access: 100% of total population (2022).
Total petroleum production: Around 1.056 million bbl/day (2023).
Natural gas production: Approximately 41.726 billion cubic meters in 2023.
Installed electricity capacity: 11.589 million kW (2023).

Environment

Environmental challenges in Oman include limited freshwater resources and pollution from oil spills, highlighting the need for sustainable management practices.

Water resources: Total renewable water resources are estimated at 1.4 billion cubic meters (2020).
Environmental agreements: Oman is a party to multiple international agreements on biodiversity and climate change.
Waste management: Generated about 1.7 million tons of municipal solid waste annually (2014).
Air quality: Particulate matter emissions were 34.88 micrograms per cubic meter (2019).

Transportation

Oman has a well-developed transportation infrastructure that includes a network of roads, air travel, and ports.

Airports: A total of 37 airports as of 2025.
Merchant marine: Comprises 57 vessels (2023).
Ports: There are 7 ports, including key facilities like Duqm and Sohar.
Civil aircraft registration: Country code A4O.

Communications

The communication sector in Oman is expanding, boasting high mobile and internet penetration rates.

Telephones: Over 6.98 million mobile subscriptions (2023).
Internet users: Approximately 95% of the population has internet access (2024).
Broadband: Fixed broadband subscriptions total 562,000 (2023).
Fixed telephones: Roughly 579,000 fixed-line subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	3,901,992	Estimated for 2024
Area	309,500 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$193.591 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	3.2%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	21.1 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	77.4 years	Estimated for 2024
Literacy Rate	97%	Total population, estimated for 2022
Electricity Access	100%	Total population (2022)
Military Expenditure	6% of GDP	Estimated for 2024
Natural Gas Production	41.726 billion cubic meters	Estimated for 2023