Oman, regional map
Oman, regional map
Oman, by the Numbers
All data courtesy of The CIA World Factbook.
Area: 212,460 sq km (slightly smaller than Kansas).
Population: 3,418,085, including 577,293 non-nationals (2009 estimate).
Urban population: 72% of total population (2008 estimate).
Male literacy rate: 86.8% (2003 census).
Female literacy rate: 73.5% (2003 census).
Political System
Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal; exception: members of the military and security forces are not allowed to vote.
Form of government: Monarchy, with a bicameral Majlis (legislature). The government is headed by Sultan and Prime Minister Qaboos bin Said al-Said (sultan since 23 July 1970 and prime minister since 23 July 1972). The sultan is determined by hereditary succession, but Majlis members are elected by popular vote to four-year terms.
Political parties: none.
National Economy
GDP: USD 67 billion (2008 estimate).
GDP, real growth rate: 6.7% (2008 estimate).
Unemployment rate: 15% (2004 estimate).
Oil revenues: Oil production accounts for around 75 % of export earnings and 40% of GDP.
Major trading partners: China 26.8%, South Korea 15.2%, Japan 14.3%, Thailand 10.4%, UAE 7.6%, US 4.3%, Iran 4.1% (2007 data).
Internet users: 340,000 (2007 estimate).
