Oman
Population facts The population of this Asian country is thought to be more than 4,636,262 people. The majority of Oman's inhabitants reside in Muscat which is the country's most populous city. Oman has an average population when compared to most other countries across the world, its overall population density is approximately 9 people per sq km. The estimated population of Asia is approximately 4,393,296,000 inhabitants, making it the continent with the largest population in the world. The continents in order of population, starting with highest population first, are: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Australia (Oceania Region) and Antarctica. The total population of the entire world is in excess of 7.6 billion people.
Capital & major cities Oman's capital city is called Muscat. The names of other major cities situated in this country are Seeb, Salalah, Bawshar, Sohar and As Suwayq.
National symbol(s): khanjar dagger superimposed on two crossed swords
National colors: red, white and green
National Anthem/Song: Nashid as-Salaam as-Sultani (Translation: The Sultan's Anthem)
National Holiday(s): National Day, 18 November (1940)
Map of Oman
Geography
Oman is located on the continent of Asia, where it has a coastal position and is bordered by Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean. There are seven continents in the world: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Antarctica, Australia (Oceania). Asia is the world's largest continent, occupying a total area of 43,820,000 km2. Asia has 48 countries, with some countries belonging to both Asia and Europe, and forms 29.5% of the world's landmass. Oman is a coastal country that spans a total area of approximately 309,500 km2. It is of average area size when compared to other Asian countries. Oman is only slightly larger than the Philippines.
The following guideline provides details on the approximate border lengths of Oman:
Coastline 2,092 km, Saudi Arabia 658 km, UAE 609 km, Yemen 294 km.
Climate
Oman receives an arid desert climate with hot and humid conditions along the coast, high temperatures and arid conditions inland, and a summer monsoon that occurs in southern regions from May to September. The geography of Oman is dominated by central desert areas, and mountainous regions in the northern and southern parts of the country. The lowest point of Oman is the Arabian Sea at 0m, and the highest point of elevation is Jabal Shams at 3,004m.
Culture
The official language of Oman is Arabic. Other languages that are used as a primary form of communication but on a smaller scale include English, Baluchi and Urdu.
The main religion of Oman is Muslim at approximately 85% of the population. People belonging to the Islamic religion worship Allah. In the English language, the word Allah refers to God in Islam. Those belonging to the religion of Islam believe in one god. Most of Oman’s population are Muslim and follow the practices of Islam. Around 6% are Christian and 5% Hindu. The remaining population either belongs to other religions or no religion at all.
Economy
Natural resources can be described as materials and substances found naturally occurring on Earth. Natural resources are very important across the world, and can be exploited for economic gain. The level of natural resources present in an individual country depends on varying factors which are influenced by the geography, climate and location of that country. Some countries, such as Russia, The United States, Saudi Arabia and Canada, have many natural resources, where as some other countries have limited to none. Three of the primary uses of natural resources are food, transport and construction. The following examples provide information on the everyday uses of natural resources: Fish occurs naturally in many bodies of water and can be caught for food consumption. Crude oils can be refined into various fuels in order to power vehicles/cars. Wood/timber can be extracted from forests and used to construct houses and furniture. The natural resources found in Oman include petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum and natural gas.
The flag
Every country has its own unique culture, history and identity. Flags, symbols, emblems, mottos, songs, anthems and colors are used by countries across the world to represent national pride and identity. These national symbols are formed through the unique history of a nation and are symbolic of both hardship and prosperity, embodying freedom, strength and unity. Flags, emblems, colors, songs and mottos reflect the past, present and future aspirations of a country, and create an important image to the rest of the world. National symbols can include a mixture of things that are symbolic to a country such as animals, birds, flowers, trees, geographical features, tools of agriculture, crops, and tools of war. The following facts depict some of the national symbols, songs and colors that are important to Oman: