Oman is most tradional country in middle East. Mostly Pakistani
Indian and Bangladashi go there for work. It was once an imperial
power that vied first with Portugal and later with Britain for
colonial influence. Its development since 1970 is all the more
striking because the country's oil reserves are so limited,
and because it has been kept sealed away from the outside world.
Full country name: Sultanate of Oman
Area: 212,500 sq km
Population: 2.8 million
People: Arab, Asian, African, Baluchi
Language: Arabic, English, Persian
Religion: Ibadi Muslim (75%), Sunni Muslim, Shiite Muslim, Hindu
Government: monarchy
Head of State: Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said
GDP: US$18.6 billion
GDP per capita: US$7,900
Annual Growth: 1%
Inflation: 0.5%
Major Industries: Oil, natural gas, agriculture, fishing
Major Trading Partners: Japan, UAE, South Korea, China, EU,
Thailand
