OMAN

Arabic is the official, and most widely spoken language [i] in Oman. Standard Arabic is taught in schools, although vernacular Omani Arabic is widely spoken and differs significantly. As it is not mutually intelligible. Historically Oman did not speak Arabic, but instead South Arabian Languages such as Mehri, Harsusi, and Bathari [ii]. The influence from these languages gives Omani Arabic its unique vocabulary. There is a significant community of Swahili speakers, due to a significant Swahili speaking Omani community in Zanzibar [iii] which relocated to Oman in the 1970’s. Various Indian languages, most notably Balochi is spoken by Indian guest workers in the country.

Oman is located along various important global trade routes [iv], and due to its geographic location, it is a melting pot of various Eurasian cultures (among others). When compared to its local neighbors in the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is comparatively more traditionally liberal and its citizens (particularly its female citizens) are afforded greater freedoms than their Saudi or Yemeni neighbors. The khanjar [v], a curved dagger worn by Omani men for ceremonial occasions originated in Oman. It is worn on the front, in the waistband and it is a symbol of the country. The khanjar can be found on the nation’s emblem.

Oman is a Muslim majority country, with Muslims accounting for 85% of the population [vi]. Likewise, Islam is the official religion although other religions are generally embraced. What makes Oman unique is a majority of the Muslims in the country follow the Ibadi school of Islam [vii], Oman is the only Ibadi majority country in the world. Sunnis represent about 25% of Muslims in the country, with the final 5% represented by Shi’i. There are several other faiths in Oman, demonstrated by the high numbers of guest workers. Oman has been adamant about protecting the spaces [viii] of all faiths of its migrant laborers.

Oman is an absolute monarchy [ix]. The reigning monarch is Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, who took power from Sultan Qaboos bin Said on January 11th 2020 after his passing. Sultan Qaboos was instrumental in creating policies of modernization [x] in Oman. He abandoned Oman’s isolationist tendencies [xi] and embraced the international community, capitalized on its oil resources to ensure the development and enhancement of infrastructural and social services projects, and emphasized a culture of mutual respect and understanding. Oman maintains close ties with the United Kingdom, United States, Saudi Arabia, and Iran simultaneously. The country is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) [xii].

Oman is a petrostate [xiii], with Oil and gas exports accounting for between 60% and 85% of the Country’s revenue. Due to Oman’s reliance on energy extraction, non-energy sectors of the economy are generally underdeveloped, and noncompetitive on the international market. This makes Oman vulnerable to the whims of the oil market, as long term slumps, such as those occurring now can have devastating repercussions for the country’s long-term budget. Currently the government is facing a 12% budget shortfall, even after pursuing austerity measures [xiv]. Due to this the Omani government has tried to diversify the country’s economy away from the energy sector.

Although nominally independent, Oman was de facto colonized by the United Kingdom in the second half of the 19th Century. Oman’s importance to Britain [xv] was to secure the Persian Gulf as a connection between Britain and India. Oman achieved effective independence in 1970, when it was admitted to the UN. That Same year Qaboos bin Said peacefully overthrew his father and ruled until his death in 2020. In 2012, Oman faced widespread protests as part of the transnational Arab Spring protests. The protests were largely successful [xvi] as Sultan Qaboos bin Said agreed to economic concessions and the dismissal of unpopular ministers.

Oman’s climate is extremely hot and arid, as almost the entirety of the country has a hot desert climate, and only a small area that receives enough rain for a tropical climate. The central part of the country is covered by rocky deserts, with the North and South being mountainous. The Al Hajar Mountains run along the Northern part of the country, and the Dhofar Mountains [xvii] along the South. The southern Dhofar governorate receives more rainfall than the rest of the country and as such has significant vegetation. This makes the region the only part of the country suitable for agriculture.