Country Profile: Oman

Oman is a strategically located country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf. With a population of approximately 3.97 million, it is characterized by a diverse society composed of Arabs, Baluchis, South Asians, and Africans. Oman possesses a high-income, oil-based economy which is gradually diversifying while maintaining a comprehensive welfare system. Governed as an absolute monarchy under Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, the country has seen significant political reforms in recent years aimed at increasing citizen engagement and participation in governance.

Geography

Oman occupies a total area of 309,500 square kilometers and is primarily composed of dry desert and rugged mountains. The coastline stretches for 2,092 kilometers along the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman, with the highest point being Jabal Shams at 3,004 meters. The country has a dry desert climate influenced by a strong summer monsoon in the southern regions and exhibits a sparsely populated interior with clusters of habitation around major cities.

• 309,500 sq km: Total area
• 2,092 km: Total coastline
• 1,561 km: Land boundaries with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Yemen
• 4.8% (2023 est.): Agricultural land use
• 100%: Electrification of the population

People and Society

As of 2025, Oman has a population estimated at 3,969,824, with a notable urbanization rate of 88.4%. The majority of Omani citizens are Muslim, primarily belonging to the Ibadhi and Sunni sects. The country boasts a high literacy rate of 97.3%, reflecting significant investment in education. The median age is approximately 27.5 years, and there exists a diverse ethnic composition including Arabs and various South Asian communities.

• 3.97 million: Total population (2025 est.)
• 97.3%: Literacy rate (2022 est.)
• 88.4%: Urban population (2023)
• 20.65 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025 est.)
• 77.4 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)

Economy

Oman's economy is primarily oil-based, characterized by significant government expenditure on welfare and infrastructure development. The Real GDP has shown a steady increase, with a projected growth rate of 1.7% for 2024. While oil remains central, efforts to diversify the economy are underway, with both female labor participation and industrial sectors expanding rapidly.

• $193.591 billion: Real GDP (PPP, 2024 est.)
• 3.2%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
• 54.2%: Share of industry in GDP composition (2024 est.)
• $36,700: Real GDP per capita (2024 est.)
• 61.1%: Exports as a percentage of GDP (2023 est.)

Government

Oman operates as an absolute monarchy with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq as both the head of state and government. The legal system is a mix of Islamic law and Anglo-Saxon influences. Despite the absence of organized political parties, the country has made strides in political reform, allowing elections for municipal councils and the Shura Council, which is partially elected.

• Sultanate of Oman: Official name
• 11: Number of governorates
• 21 years: Minimum voting age
• 90: Seats in the elected Shura Council
• 6 November 1996: Constitution promulgated

Military and Security

Oman's military consists of the Sultan's Armed Forces, which include the Royal Army, Navy, and Air Force. The country emphasizes maritime security, particularly in the crucial Strait of Hormuz, and is a partner in regional security initiatives. Military expenditures are a significant aspect of the budget, reflecting the importance of defense capabilities in maintaining national stability.

• 40,000: Active military personnel (2025)
• 6%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.)
• Voluntary service: Military service age from 18-25
• 57: Total number of merchant marine vessels (2023)
• Joint base: Training relationship with UK military

Energy

Oman relies heavily on fossil fuels for electricity generation, accounting for 96% of installed capacity. The country is making strides towards diversification in energy sources, including solar power. Given its substantial oil and natural gas reserves, Oman remains a key player in the energy sector in the region.

• 11.589 million kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.)
• 40.738 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 est.)
• 1.056 million bbl/day: Petroleum production (2023 est.)
• 651.287 billion cubic meters: Proven natural gas reserves (2021 est.)
• 100%: Electricity access for the population (2022 est.)

Environment

Oman faces environmental challenges such as limited freshwater resources and rising desertification. The country is engaged in international environmental agreements aimed at biodiversity and climate change. Urbanization and industrialization efforts are being balanced with sustainable practices to mitigate these environmental impacts.

• 1.4 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022)
• 34.9 µg/m³: Particulate matter emissions (2019 est.)
• 13.9%: Municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.)
• 130 million cubic meters: Municipal water withdrawal (2022 est.)
• High soil salinity: Notable environmental issue

Transportation

Oman features a well-developed transportation network that includes 37 airports and numerous ports. The civil aviation sector is supported by a mix of state-owned and private entities, enabling both domestic and international travel.

• 37: Total airports (2025)
• 57: Merchant marine vessels (2023)
• 7: Total ports (2024)
• 20: Heliports (2025)
• 11: General cargo vessels in the merchant marine

Communications

Oman has made significant advancements in telecommunications, with a high percentage of the population using mobile phones and the internet. The country boasts multiple state-run media and private broadcasters, enhancing information dissemination.

• 95%: Internet penetration rate (2024 est.)
• 6.35 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 est.)
• 579,000: Fixed-line subscriptions (2023 est.)
• 562,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 est.)
• 11: Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (fixed and mobile)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	3,969,824 (2025 est.)	Total estimated population
Area	309,500 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$193.591 billion	Real GDP for 2024
Energy Consumption	40.738 billion kWh	Total electricity consumed (2023 est.)
Birth Rate	20.65 births/1,000	Birth rate for 2025 est.
Unemployment Rate	3.2%	Unemployment rate for 2024
Life Expectancy	77.4 years	Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
Literacy Rate	97.3%	Literacy rate (2022 est.)
Military Expenditure	6% of GDP	Military expenditure (2024 est.)
Electricity Access	100%	Electrification of population (2022 est.)