Country Facts And Traveller Information
Occupying almost 310,000 sq kms of land at the far south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, the Sultanate of Oman is a country of considerable size yet is inhabited by only around 2.5 million people, a large percentage of whom live in Muscat and the Al Batinah region which lie along the coast in the north of the country, roughly at a point where the Arabian Sea meets the Gulf of Oman. The remaining residents of Oman are scattered amongst seven other regions, many of whom prefer to follow a semi-nomadic Bedouin existence, shunning the luxuries and conveniences that have now become synonymous with everyday life in almost any town and city in the 21st century.
With a coastline that stretches for over 2000 kms, it's fair to say that the sea has played an important role in the economic history of Oman since many prosperous trade routes had been established before the advent of Islam around the 7th century AD. The colonial style of architecture that remains throughout Muscat serves as a reminder that the city was once occupied by the Portuguese for over 140 years from the 16th century, and while a deep respect for ancient customs and traditions forms the basis of life in Oman, holiday apartments in Muscat and other rapidly evolving metropolitan areas, are becoming increasingly popular with people from all over the world keen to discover a country where upmarket shopping malls, stylish restaurants, exclusive leisure facilities and a selection of luxury hotels and bed and breakfasts shows Oman's ability to embrace contemporary change without compromising its unique historical and cultural identity.
With a vast desert plain covering much of the interior of Oman, the mountainous terrain of the northern regions and rugged coastal landscapes that stretch from the border with the United Arab Emirates in the north to where the southern-most region of Dhofar rubs shoulders with Yemen, provide evidence of a rich and varied natural heritage. Where the temperature can rise to over 50°C between May and October accompanied by soaring levels of humidity, the barren, parched countryside that spreads into neighbouring Saudi Arabia is a place where only traditional Bedouin communities can exist successfully during this part of the year, although the rain that falls mostly in December and January provides welcome relief to many parts of Oman, and where it's most reliable in the mountain areas, the lushly vegetated slopes and 'wadis' provide a stark contrast to the arid desert-lands of the interior.
Many coastal locations receive little rainfall during the course of the year, but despite this, the country's largest towns and cities can be found along the coast, including Muscat, the capital, and Sur in the north and Salalah in the south. These, and other, destinations across the country have risen to meet a steadily growing demand for holiday accommodation in Oman, even though Muscat has proved to be the most popular tourist spot for many years due, in part, to its breathtaking sandy beaches and variety of opportunities for sport and recreation that could include anything from snorkeling and dolphin watching to camel racing and mountain climbing! And while many prestigious, modern shopping, dining and entertainment facilities prove that Muscat has a cosmopolitan attitude, it can still let you enjoy a truly authentic experience of life in a city where everything from the hospitality, dress-code and cuisine to the 16th century fortresses, ornate mosques and bustling souks will remind you of Oman's enduring links with history, religion and tradition.
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