Oman |
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Last reviewed: 17 November 2008 |
Area: 309,500 sq km
Population: 3,311,640 (July 2007)
Life Expectancy: 73.9 years
Capital City: Muscat
People: Arab, Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan), African and Baluchi
Omani nationals: 2,734,347
Expatriate residents: 577,293
Language(s): Arabic (official), English, Farsi, Baluchi and Urdu
Religion(s): No state religion. The majority are Ibadhi Muslims. Sunni and Shi’a Muslims make up the rest of the Omani population. Significant numbers of South Asian Hindus and Christians.
Currency: Omani Rial
Major Political Parties: None
Government: Monarchy, with assistance from Consultative Council (Majlis ash-Shura)
Head of State: Sultan Qaboos bin Said
Foreign Minister: Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah
Membership of international groups/organisations: Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC); Organisation of the Islamic Council (OIC); the Arab League; the United Nations
In 2002 the WHO considered the Oman national health service as the best in the world for value for money in health care. There are several well-equipped private hospitals and clinics.