Fun Facts About Oman

Location

Eastern Tip of the Arabian Peninsula

Capital

Muscat

Size

82,031 sq mi about the size of Kansas

Population

3,027,959

Age Demographics

Age structure: 0-14 years: 31.2%
15-64 years: 65.7%
65 years and over: 3.1%

Percent of Arable Land

2%

Religious breakdown

Ibadhi Muslim 75%, other (includes Sunni Muslim, Shia Muslim, Hindu) 25%

Primary Languages

Arabic, Portuguese, English

Major Exports

Dates, petroleum, copper, asbestos, marble, limestone gypsum, and natural gas (Traffic in the Oceans too)

Government

Monarchy

Per Capita Income

$25,800

Demonym

Omani

Women’s Rights

Women can work, vote, and have public offices

Fashion

They wear what we here in America wear but with more modest standards. Longer sleeves and covering the knees are a must.

Men wear a white cap and robe called a dishdasha

Most Muslim women wear hi-jabs and normal clothing. Wearing modern fashion with an Under armor like garment is very popular with younger women.

Oman: A Brief History

Converted to Islam in the 7th century and taken over by the Portuguese in 1508.
Portugal was expelled in 1650. The current ruleing family came into power around this time and continues to this day.
In 1970 the sultan was overthrow in a Coup De Tat by his son. His son has done much for Oman by creating a modern government and instituted a major health and education reform.
Talks with Yemen about border disputes have improved and much of the fighting has subsided.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Current Issue In Oman: Communications

Oman's Sultan has recently banned the use of Skype to its citizens. Specifically it has banned Voice Over IP.

Most believe it is because they want the current phone system to be monopolized by Omantel (the current   primary provider of internet and phone service) They also have to take security issues into account.

Here's an article from the Times of Oman on a story enforcing these laws http://www.timesofoman.com/innercat.asp?detail=31853&rand=ZdXYiXQjX4af5Diedq5ZVGDhik

It is also impossible to get a pre-paid SIM card for security reasons...
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