Sultanate of Oman: interesting facts

An unusual country with an ancient history - the Sultanate of Oman, whose rest will become a true eastern fairy tale, is gaining popularity among tourists all over the world. It perfectly combines high-level service, excellent conditions for beach holidays and an interesting excursion program.

History

The Sultanate of Oman, whose history dates back more than one millennium, has been known since the time of the Paleolithic. Here people traveled from Africa to Asia. In 4-3 millennium BC the territory of Oman was inhabited by people who were engaged in trade with Mesopotamia, Hindustan, Egypt and Ethiopia. In the 6th century BC. The territory was captured by the Persians and remained under their control for many centuries. In the 7th century AD. This region became part of the Arab Caliphate, Islam is established here. Until the 16th century this land is in the hands of the Arabs. Later, the country was dominated by the Portuguese, who were periodically expelled by the Persians.

Only in 1650 Imam Sultan ibn Saif liberates the territory and creates an independent state. From this moment the country begins to develop and expand. Until the middle of the 19th century, Oman was part of the most powerful Omani empire. At this time, there is a division of the territory between the sons of the Sultan. The territory of modern Oman falls under the British protectorate.

At the beginning of the 20th century, a struggle began between individual tribes and a separatist movement in the interior of the country. In 1938, the new Sultan Said bin Taymour, who was able to subdue the interior of the country, returned the state to the medieval level of development and management. This inevitably led to unrest, and to power, not without the support of the British in July 1970 comes Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who is gradually building life in the country. It modernizes the economy and social structure of the state. In 1987 he opened the country for tourists, began to build a new infrastructure.

Geography

Oman today covers an area of 300,000 km² in the south-east of the Arabian Peninsula. The length of state borders is 3,400 km. The country is next to Iran (through the Strait of Hormuz), with the UAE and Yemen. A separate part of the state is the peninsula of Musandam, which is cut off from the main part of the country by the Arab Emirates, Masira Island and Curia-Muria archipelago.

The relief of the country is mostly flat, in the north the Hajjar mountains are located with the highest point - Mount Esh Sham (3000 m). Oman - the country is arid, there is not a single permanent river, temporary water streams can appear as a result of rains.

Looking at the map of the country, one can ask which of these cities is the capital of the Sultanate of Oman: Muscat, Salalah, Suwayk, Ibri or Barca? Officially the capital is Muscat, the others head their administrative units and, in fact, also are capitals, but of a smaller scale. In all, there are 11 provinces in the country. In Muscat, there are about 730,000 people, the remaining settlements of the country number from 80 to 130 thousand people.

Climate

The Sultanate of Oman is in a zone of tropical desert climate. Here the temperature never falls below 20 degrees. But in general, the climate in the country is very different. The coastal zone usually warms up to 40 degrees on a summer day, at night the temperature drops by 10 degrees. But the northern and inner regions in the spring and summer are affected by winds from the desert and warmed to 50 degrees. The amplitude of the temperature fluctuations is much higher, sometimes it can reach 30 degrees. In winter, the average values are 25 degrees, and at night can drop to 10-15. In desert regions, the average winter temperature in the winter can be 30-40 degrees, and at night even up to 2-5. The water temperature in the bay never falls below 24 degrees, so the bathing season lasts all year.

The arid climate of Oman leads to the fact that in some desert areas rain can only run a few times a year. On the coast, precipitation falls more often in winter, their level is not more than 200 mm. Most rains (up to 500 mm per year) are in the mountainous regions of the country. The best time for tourism is the period from October to April, when the most pleasant weather is.

Government structure

The Sultanate of Oman, by its political system, is an absolute monarchy. The Sultan performs the functions of the country's leader, supreme commander, minister of foreign affairs, finance and defense, chief imam and supreme judge. Directly under him is the Cabinet of Ministers, which is also appointed by the Sultan.

The basic law in force in the country is approved by the sultan himself, who relies on his wisdom and the Koran. Any political parties and trade unions are banned in the state. Power in the country is inherited, no elections are held here.

Until the 1970s, Oman was a closed state. Today, the foreign policy of the Sultanate of Oman has changed, it seeks to gain greater prestige in the international arena. The state is a member of the League of Arab States, the United Nations, the "Islamic Conference". The country has a small professional army and spends about 11% of its GDP for its maintenance.

Economy

The basis of the country's economy is the extraction and sale of oil. In recent years, the Sultanate has been aimed at diversifying the economy, seeking to develop other industries, in particular, many resources have been thrown on the development of tourism. Today in the Persian region begins to form a stable state of a new type - the Sultanate of Oman. Information about the possible depletion of oil reserves and the decline in prices for black gold force the country to actively seek new ways of development.

Before the rapid development of the commodity sphere, the economy of Oman was built on the production of agricultural products. The country today is a major supplier of dates. Extraction of fish and seafood allows the state not only to meet domestic needs, but also to successfully export these products. A convenient location at the intersection of sea routes allows Oman to profit from shipping. The Sultanate is on the list of 100 countries with the highest per capita GDP, but the decline in oil prices poses a significant threat to the stability of the economy. Therefore today all forces are thrown on development of own productions and creation of a qualitative tourist infrastructure.

Population

The Sultanate of Oman has a population of about 4 million people, almost half of which is concentrated around the capital. The density is 15 people per km². In recent years, mortality is consistently inferior to fertility. The average age of a resident of Oman is 24 years. The dominant ethnic group is Arabic (about 80%). Among them are the ancestral tribes (Arab-ariba), who once came from Yemen and mixed peoples (Mustaba-ariba). In coastal areas, mulattoes predominate. In the province of Dhofar there are many people who call themselves "punitive". In their blood more Negroid component and speech is close to the dialects of Ethiopian tribes. Also in the country live Indians, Persians, tribes of nomads.

The state religion of Oman is ibadism. It is a branch of Islam, different from Sunnis and Shiites.

Language

The official language of the country is Arabic, but in many provinces speak such dialects, which are difficult to compare with the usual version. In addition, many nomadic tribes continue to use their own languages of mixed origin. But in all tourist regions the level of English is high. The capital of the Sultanate of Oman speaks almost everything in the language of Great Britain, so communication in a hotel, restaurant or shop does not present any difficulties.

Culture

The Sultanate of Oman, whose millenary history is reflected in traditions and customs, has a unique culture in which one can see the Arab and Yemeni traits, as well as the echoes of the cultures of Britain and Portugal, a large layer of Muslim features. All the charm of local life can be seen by visiting the market. Here you can see national clothes, utensils, decorations, see how local people communicate with each other, try real national food. It's also easy to see an endless variety of oriental spices and buy an excellent home coffee.

Oman as a Muslim country is quite strict in the requirements of everyday life, but the time of celebrations here is very interesting and beautiful. Ramadan is one of the main holidays, which is widely celebrated for several days. At this time people wear the best clothes, sing, dance, prepare festive dishes.

In this country you can still touch the primordial life of the East, untouched by civilization. Guides lead tourists to authentic workshops of artisans, where they make products made of leather, fabric and metal. These items will be great souvenirs for friends.

sights

Today, one of the most interesting and safe countries of the Arabian Peninsula is the Sultanate of Oman. The sights of this country store its long history. Among the main places of the state include:

• Forts Jalali and Mirani, inside of which you can not get, but their appearance is impressive;
• The third largest in the world mosque of Sultan Qaboos is amazing with its scale and beauty;
• Al Matthrah market is a classic oriental bazaar;
• Sultan's palace in Indian style.

In addition, the sights are unique natural places: the mountains of Sabhan, lagoons, Wahida Sand desert, mangroves in Dhofar, lands where incense is grown. In this country you can see a lot of curiosities, but the very atmosphere of calmness, regularity, traditions attracts you.

Customs and standards

The Sultanate is a Muslim country, and alcohol is not welcome here. Therefore, hot drinks are sold only in special stores under special permits issued by the police. Tourists can drink alcohol in restaurants and bars at the hotels.

The Sultanate of Oman, a photo of the police and military in which it is banned, does not allow foreigners to enter the mosque. In general, here they treat tourists more gently than they do to locals, but you still need to be courteous and calm.

In Oman it is not accepted to take food with the left hand, it offends the owners. Women are not recommended to wear open and tight clothes in the city, as well as drive a car and walk around the city alone.

Kitchen

To try the original Arabic cuisine, you should go to the Sultanate of Oman. Tours to this country are often built in such a way as to conduct a gastronomic tour of the best points of catering. The national cuisine is simple, but refined and very interesting, thanks to the use of a variety of spices.

The basis of the menu consists of dates, flat breads of barley and wheat, vegetable soup, boiled rice, mutton, beef and fish dishes. They are fried on charcoal, on a spit, make dishes from chopped and stewed with vegetables meat. To all dishes served with vegetable salad sauce, add a lot of tomatoes and legumes, especially beans. Particular importance in the meal is given to bread - a hose, which every housewife and cook makes according to their recipe. Bread can be eaten with gravy, with meat, special sandwiches with chicken or fish are made from it. Desserts are often made from dates and dried fruits. In Oman, they make their own version of halva - haloah. The country consumes a lot of coffee, which is prepared very strong, without sugar, with spices.

Interesting Facts

The Sultanate of Oman is an excellent place for diving. On its banks in absolutely transparent water you can see not only corals, turtles, numerous colorful fish, but also sharks, barracuda, moray eels, whales.

Unlike the capital of the UAE, Muscat is a small city, in which low-rise buildings predominate, it is rare to find buildings of 10 or more floors.

Oman is a country of beautiful roads. There are no railways, but about 35 thousand km of high-quality motor roads. There are almost no traffic jams here. In the capital, the length of which is about 30 km, you can reach anywhere in 20-30 minutes.

Almost all fresh water in the country is a result of desalination, therefore it is highly valued here. This is necessary to know when going to the Sultanate of Oman.

Recreation

Reviews of tourists say that the state today is rapidly catching up with the Arab Emirates in terms of service and comfort. The hotel base is mainly composed of 4-5 stars hotels. Beaches with clean fine sand, clear sea water and sun almost all year round - these are the advantages of Oman. For tourists in the country all conditions are created: in the capital many shops, restaurants, tours in the desert are offered. For diving enthusiasts, this is just a paradise: you can not only rent all the equipment, but also get training.

In addition, the Sultanate of Oman, a holiday in which today becomes more diverse, provides great opportunities for curious tourists. To get acquainted with the ancient culture, to study the monuments of Muslim culture and the era of colonizations can be, by buying an excursion in numerous agencies.

Practical information

In Oman there is no public transport, there is an analogue of our marches, but they are driven only by Indians and poor emigrants. Therefore, all tourists use a taxi, which you can always take from the hotel.

The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Russia, located at: Staromonetny per., 14, Building 1, helps the Russians to make a trip to the country and is ready to answer many questions.

There are no direct flights from Russia to Oman, therefore it is necessary to use the nearest airports: Dubai or Doha.

The time difference with Moscow is +1 hour.

Oman is a fairly safe country, robberies and attacks here are a rarity. But theft - it's quite ordinary, especially for tourists. Therefore, you need to carefully monitor your things at the airport, the hotel, on the beach.