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Flag of Oman

Oman

Middle East · Muscat · absolute monarchy

What Oman means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.

Map showing the location of Oman

$1.1B

U.S. imports, 2025

-15.1%

change in one year

$2.2B

U.S. exports, 2025

4M

Population

$106.9B

GDP

In your house

What you buy that Oman makes

America bought $1.1B in goods from Oman in 2025 — down 15.1% in a single year. Of every $100 of it, here's where the money went.

Industrial supplies, other

$312M27.7%

Bauxite and aluminum

aluminum for cans and autos

$221M19.6%

Jewelry

jewelry

$131M11.7%

U.s. goods returned, and reimports

$111M9.8%

Iron and steel, advanced

$58M5.2%

Finished metal shapes

$50M4.4%

Iron and steel products, n.e.c.

$35M3.1%

Plastic materials

plastics for packaging and goods

$33M3%

Petroleum products, other

gasoline and petroleum products

$27M2.4%

Steelmaking materials

$24M2.2%

2026 so far (through April): $493M in imports. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade in Goods (customs basis).

The other direction

What America sells to Oman

$2.2B in 2025 — a trade rupture cuts both ways, for American producers as well as American prices.

Civilian aircraft, engines, equipment, and parts

$631M

Passenger cars, new and used

$583M

new and used cars

Jewelry, etc.

$86M

jewelry

Petroleum products, other

$82M

Minimum value shipments

$62M

Industrial engines

$59M

Plastic materials

$47M

plastics for packaging and goods

Measuring, testing, control instruments

$36M

Electric apparatus

$36M

Where you stand

U.S. tariff posture toward Oman

No U.S. tariff action singles this country out. Its goods face the universal 10% temporary import surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act (which replaced the IEEPA reciprocal baseline in February 2026) plus the sectoral Section 232 duties — steel and aluminum at 50% — that apply to all countries. The Section 122 surcharge is statutorily temporary — scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 (a 150-day cap) unless extended or replaced.

Reciprocal tariff (universal baseline)

10%

The universal 10% floor — a Section 122 import surcharge since February 2026, previously the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — applies to nearly all U.S. imports. This country has no higher assigned rate of its own.

Policy in motion

Tariff status: a moving target

No U.S. tariff action names Oman. These are the universal measures — applied to every country without a country-specific arrangement — that set its treatment.

  1. 2026-04-06

    Section 232 metals coverage expanded

    In effect

    The April 2026 proclamation strengthening Section 232 actions on aluminum, steel, and copper expanded derivative-product coverage for all countries, keeping the general metals rate at 50%.

    91 FR 18201
  2. 2026-02-24

    IEEPA reciprocal tariffs terminated — replaced by 10% Section 122 surcharge

    In effect

    Executive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions) terminated the IEEPA tariff duties — including the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — effective February 24, 2026. A flat 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge (Proclamation 11012 of February 20, 2026) replaced them, leaving the universal rate unchanged at 10% on a different statutory basis. Section 122 caps such surcharges at 150 days, so this 10% surcharge is scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 absent further action (the administration has signaled it could raise the rate toward the 15% statutory maximum).

    91 FR 9437
  3. 2025-11-13

    Agricultural products exempted from reciprocal tariffs

    In effect

    Executive Order 14360 of November 14, 2025 removed reciprocal duties from certain agricultural products listed in its annexes (coffee, cocoa, bananas, and other goods the U.S. does not produce in sufficient quantity), retroactive to November 13, 2025 — for all countries subject to the reciprocal tariff.

    90 FR 54091
  4. 2025-06-04

    Section 232 steel and aluminum duties doubled to 50%

    In effect

    The June 3, 2025 proclamation raised Section 232 duties on steel and aluminum articles and derivatives from 25% to 50% for all countries, effective June 4, 2025.

    90 FR 24199
  5. 2025-04-05

    Universal 10% reciprocal baseline takes effect

    In effect

    Executive Order 14257 (signed April 2, 2025) imposed a 10% ad valorem reciprocal duty on imports from all trading partners, effective April 5, 2025. Countries without a higher Annex I rate remain at this baseline.

    Federal Register · 2025-06063
  6. 2025-03-12

    Section 232 steel and aluminum duties set at 25% for all countries

    In effect

    Proclamations of February 10, 2025 terminated all country exemptions and quota arrangements and applied 25% Section 232 duties to steel and aluminum imports from every country, effective March 12, 2025.

    90 FR 9817

Reference

The country itself

Middle East · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.

The inhabitants of the area of present-day Oman have long prospered from Indian Ocean trade. In the late 18th century, the nascent sultanate in Muscat signed the first in a series of friendship treaties with Britain. Over time, Oman's dependence on British political and military advisors increased, although the sultanate never became a British colony. In 1970, QABOOS bin Said Al Said overthrew his father and ruled as sultan for the next five decades. His extensive modernization program opened the country to the outside world. He prioritized strategic ties to the UK and US, and his moderate, independent foreign policy allowed Oman to maintain good relations with its neighbors and avoid external entanglements. In 2011, the popular uprisings that swept the Middle East and North Africa inspired demonstrations in Oman that called for more jobs and economic benefits and an end to corruption. In response, QABOOS implemented economic and political reforms such as granting Oman’s legislative body more power and authorizing direct elections for its lower house. Additionally, the sultan increased unemployment benefits and issued a royal directive mandating a national public- and private-sector job creation plan. As part of the government's efforts to decentralize authority and allow greater citizen participation in local governance, Oman successfully conducted its first municipal council elections in 2012. QABOOS, Oman's longest reigning monarch, died in 2020. His cousin, HAYTHAM bin Tariq Al Said, former Minister of Heritage and Culture, was sworn in as Oman's new sultan the same day.

Regional map of Oman

Geography

Location
Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf, between Yemen and the UAE
Area
309,500 sq km
Climate
dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south
Terrain
central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south
Natural resources
petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum, natural gas
Coastline
2,092 km
Natural hazards
summer winds often raise large sandstorms and dust storms in interior; periodic droughts

People & society

Population
3,969,824 (2025 est.)
Nationality
Omani(s)
Ethnic groups
Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi), African
Languages
Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Swahili, Urdu, Indian dialects
Religions
Muslim 85.9%, Christian 6.4%, Hindu 5.7%, other and unaffiliated 2% (2020 est.)
Median age
27.5 years (2025 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
77.4 years (2024 est.)
Literacy
97.3% (2022 est.)

Economy

Economic overview
high-income, oil-based economy; large welfare system; growing government debt; citizenship-based labor force growth policy; US free trade agreement; diversifying portfolio; high female labor force participation
Industries
crude oil production and refining, natural and liquefied natural gas production; construction, cement, copper, steel, chemicals, optic fiber
Agricultural products
vegetables, dates, milk, tomatoes, sorghum, chillies/peppers, goat milk, cucumbers/gherkins, cantaloupes/melons, cabbages (2023)
Exports - partners
China 43%, India 6%, Saudi Arabia 5%, UAE 5%, South Africa 4% (2023)
Imports - partners
UAE 25%, Saudi Arabia 12%, India 8%, China 7%, Qatar 5% (2023)

Government

Government type
absolute monarchy
Capital
Muscat
Independence
1650 (expulsion of the Portuguese)
Constitution
promulgated by royal decree 6 November 1996 (the Basic Law of the Sultanate of Oman serves as the constitution); amended by royal decree in 2011
Executive branch
Sultan and Prime Minister HAITHAM bin Tarik Al Said (since 11 January 2020)
Legislative branch
Majles

Full reference data

Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.

Introduction
Background
The inhabitants of the area of present-day Oman have long prospered from Indian Ocean trade. In the late 18th century, the nascent sultanate in Muscat signed the first in a series of friendship treaties with Britain. Over time, Oman's dependence on British political and military advisors increased, although the sultanate never became a British colony. In 1970, QABOOS bin Said Al Said overthrew his father and ruled as sultan for the next five decades. His extensive modernization program opened the country to the outside world. He prioritized strategic ties to the UK and US, and his moderate, independent foreign policy allowed Oman to maintain good relations with its neighbors and avoid external entanglements. In 2011, the popular uprisings that swept the Middle East and North Africa inspired demonstrations in Oman that called for more jobs and economic benefits and an end to corruption. In response, QABOOS implemented economic and political reforms such as granting Oman’s legislative body more power and authorizing direct elections for its lower house. Additionally, the sultan increased unemployment benefits and issued a royal directive mandating a national public- and private-sector job creation plan. As part of the government's efforts to decentralize authority and allow greater citizen participation in local governance, Oman successfully conducted its first municipal council elections in 2012. QABOOS, Oman's longest reigning monarch, died in 2020. His cousin, HAYTHAM bin Tariq Al Said, former Minister of Heritage and Culture, was sworn in as Oman's new sultan the same day.
Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
For the latest travel advisories for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department's website, available through the link below. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
[968] 24-643-400; US Embassy in Muscat, P.C. 115, Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos, Muscat, Oman; ConsularMuscat@state.gov; https://om.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+, Women, and Special Needs Travelers
Additional travel considerations can be found on the US State Department's International Travel page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations.html
Telephone Code
968
Local Emergency Phone
999
Vaccinations
For the latest information on required or recommended vaccines, please visit the CDC's website, available through the link below. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list
Climate
Dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south
Currency (Code)
Omani rials (OMR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
240 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G
Major Languages
Arabic, English, Baluchi, Swahili, Urdu, Indian dialects
Time Difference
UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Souvenirs
Khanjar daggers, silver boxes inlaid with lapis lazuli, coffee and tea sets, frankincense and incense burners, clay pots, Quran stands, silver and gold jewelry, hand-woven goat-hair carpets, woven baskets
Traditional Cuisine
Shuwa — lamb or goat meat coated in a spice blend of chili peppers, cardamom, cloves, cumin, or coriander then wrapped in banana or palm leaves and placed in a woven bag before being roasted and smoked in underground pits; typically served on a bed of rice with a tomato-based sauce
CIA source last updated
Tuesday, November 05, 2024
Travel resources

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

CDC - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Tuesday, November 05, 2024

Geography
Location
Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf, between Yemen and the UAE
Geographic coordinates
21 00 N, 57 00 E
Map references
Middle East
Area - total
309,500 sq km
Area - land
309,500 sq km
Area - water
0 sq km
Area - comparative
twice the size of Georgia
Land boundaries - total
1,561 km
Land boundaries - border countries
Saudi Arabia 658 km; UAE 609 km; Yemen 294 km
Coastline
2,092 km
Maritime claims - territorial sea
12 nm
Maritime claims - contiguous zone
24 nm
Maritime claims - exclusive economic zone
200 nm
Climate
dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south
Terrain
central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south
Elevation - highest point
Jabal Shams 3,004 m
Elevation - lowest point
Arabian Sea 0 m
Elevation - mean elevation
310 m
Natural resources
petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum, natural gas
Land use - agricultural land
4.8% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 0.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 4.4% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
0% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
95.2% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
1,162 sq km (2022)
Major aquifers
Arabian Aquifer System
Population distribution
the vast majority of the population is located in and around the Al Hagar Mountains in the north; another smaller cluster is found around the city of Salalah in the far south; most of the country remains sparsely populated
Natural hazards
summer winds often raise large sandstorms and dust storms in interior; periodic droughts
Geography - note
consists of Oman proper and two northern exclaves, Musandam and Al Madhah; the former is a peninsula that occupies a strategic location adjacent to the Strait of Hormuz
People and Society
Population - total
3,969,824 (2025 est.)
Population - male
2,130,080
Population - female
1,839,744
Nationality - noun
Omani(s)
Nationality - adjective
Omani
Ethnic groups
Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi), African
Languages - Languages
Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Swahili, Urdu, Indian dialects
Languages - major-language sample(s)
كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Muslim 85.9%, Christian 6.4%, Hindu 5.7%, other and unaffiliated 2% (2020 est.)
Religions - note
note: Omani citizens represent approximately 56.4% of the population and are overwhelming Muslim (Ibadhi and Sunni sects each constitute about 45% and Shia about 5%); Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists account for roughly 5% of Omani citizens
Age structure - 0-14 years
29.8% (male 594,909/female 566,682)
Age structure - 15-64 years
66.2% (male 1,428,141/female 1,155,438)
Age structure - 65 years and over
4% (2024 est.) (male 73,076/female 83,746)
Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio
50.8 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio
44.6 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio
6.2 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - potential support ratio
16.2 (2025 est.)
Median age - total
27.5 years (2025 est.)
Median age - male
28.1 years
Median age - female
26.3 years
Population growth rate
1.7% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
20.65 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
3.17 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-0.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
the vast majority of the population is located in and around the Al Hagar Mountains in the north; another smaller cluster is found around the city of Salalah in the far south; most of the country remains sparsely populated
Urbanization - urban population
88.4% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
2.32% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
1.650 million MUSCAT (capital) (2023)
Sex ratio - at birth
1.05 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 0-14 years
1.05 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 15-64 years
1.24 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 65 years and over
0.87 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - total population
1.16 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
13 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate - total
13.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate - male
15.1 deaths/1,000 live births
Infant mortality rate - female
12.6 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth - total population
77.4 years (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth - male
75.5 years
Life expectancy at birth - female
79.4 years
Total fertility rate
2.61 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.27 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: urban
urban: 94.7% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: rural
rural: 76.3% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: total
total: 92.4% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: urban
urban: 5.3% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: rural
rural: 23.7% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: total
total: 7.6% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
4.4% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
8.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.99 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Hospital bed density
1.2 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: urban
urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: rural
rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: total
total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: urban
urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: rural
rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: total
total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
27% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita - total
0.47 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - beer
0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - wine
0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - spirits
0.29 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - other alcohols
0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use - total
11.6% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - male
17.9% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - female
0.4% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
11.2% (2017 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
55.8% (2020 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% GDP)
4.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% national budget)
14.2% national budget (2022 est.)
Literacy - total population
97.3% (2022 est.)
Literacy - male
98.6% (2022 est.)
Literacy - female
94.9% (2022 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - total
13 years (2021 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - male
13 years (2021 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - female
14 years (2021 est.)
Government
Country name - conventional long form
Sultanate of Oman
Country name - conventional short form
Oman
Country name - local long form
Saltanat Uman
Country name - local short form
Uman
Country name - former
Sultanate of Muscat and Oman
Country name - etymology
the origin of the name is uncertain, but it may date back at least 2,000 years, with an "Omana" mentioned by Pliny the Elder (1st century A.D.) and an "Omanon" by Ptolemy (2nd century A.D.); it is said to derive from Oman ben Ibrahim al Khalil (Oman ben Kahtan), who founded the state
Government type
absolute monarchy
Capital - name
Muscat
Capital - geographic coordinates
23 37 N, 58 35 E
Capital - time difference
UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Capital - etymology
the name derives from the Arabic name for the city, Masqat, which is said to mean "hidden" and refers to the range of hills that isolate the port city from the rest of the country
Administrative divisions
11 governorates ( muhafazat , singular - muhafaza ); Ad Dakhiliyah, Al Buraymi, Al Wusta, Az Zahirah, Janub al Batinah (Al Batinah South), Janub ash Sharqiyah (Ash Sharqiyah South), Masqat (Muscat), Musandam, Shamal al Batinah (Al Batinah North), Shamal ash Sharqiyah (Ash Sharqiyah North), Zufar (Dhofar)
Legal system
mixed system of Anglo-Saxon law and Islamic law
Constitution - history
promulgated by royal decree 6 November 1996 (the Basic Law of the Sultanate of Oman serves as the constitution); amended by royal decree in 2011
Constitution - amendment process
promulgated by the sultan or proposed by the Council of Oman and drafted by a technical committee as stipulated by royal decree and then promulgated through royal decree
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship - citizenship by birth
no
Citizenship - citizenship by descent only
the father must be a citizen of Oman
Citizenship - dual citizenship recognized
no
Citizenship - residency requirement for naturalization
unknown
Suffrage
21 years of age; universal
Suffrage - note
note: members of the military and security forces by law cannot vote
Executive branch - chief of state
Sultan and Prime Minister HAITHAM bin Tarik Al Said (since 11 January 2020)
Executive branch - head of government
Sultan and Prime Minister HAITHAM bin Tarik Al Said (since 11 January 2020)
Executive branch - cabinet
Cabinet appointed by the monarch
Executive branch - note
note: the monarch is both chief of state and head of government
Legislative branch - legislature name
Majles
Legislative branch - legislative structure
bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber - chamber name
Shura Council (Majles A'Shura)
Legislative branch - lower chamber - number of seats
90 (all directly elected)
Legislative branch - lower chamber - electoral system
other systems
Legislative branch - lower chamber - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - lower chamber - term in office
4 years
Legislative branch - lower chamber - most recent election date
11/1/2023
Legislative branch - lower chamber - percentage of women in chamber
0%
Legislative branch - lower chamber - expected date of next election
October 2027
Legislative branch - upper chamber - chamber name
State Council (Majles Addawla)
Legislative branch - upper chamber - number of seats
87 (all appointed)
Legislative branch - upper chamber - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - upper chamber - term in office
4 years
Legislative branch - upper chamber - most recent election date
10/29/2023
Legislative branch - upper chamber - percentage of women in chamber
20.9%
Legislative branch - upper chamber - expected date of next election
November 2027
Judicial branch - highest court(s)
Supreme Court (consists of 5 judges)
Judicial branch - judge selection and term of office
judges nominated by the 9-member Supreme Judicial Council (chaired by the monarch) and appointed by the monarch; judges appointed for life
Judicial branch - subordinate courts
Courts of Appeal; Administrative Court; Courts of First Instance; sharia courts; magistrates' courts; military courts
Political parties
note: organized political parties are banned in Oman, and loyalties tend to form around tribal affiliations
Diplomatic representation in the US - chief of mission
Ambassador Talal Sulaiman AL-RAHBI (since 24 July 2025)
Diplomatic representation in the US - chancery
2535 Belmont Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008
Diplomatic representation in the US - telephone
[1] (202) 387-1980
Diplomatic representation in the US - FAX
[1] (202) 745-4933
Diplomatic representation in the US - email address and website
washington@fm.gov.om Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman, Washington, USA - FM.gov.om
Diplomatic representation from the US - chief of mission
Ambassador Ana ESCROGIMA (since 4 December 2023)
Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy
P.C. 115, Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos, Muscat
Diplomatic representation from the US - mailing address
6220 Muscat Place, Washington DC 20521
Diplomatic representation from the US - telephone
[968] 2464-3400
Diplomatic representation from the US - FAX
[968] 2464-3740
Diplomatic representation from the US - email address and website
International organization participation
ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
1650 (expulsion of the Portuguese)
National holiday
National Day, 18 November
National holiday - note
note: celebrates Oman's independence from Portugal in 1650 and the birthday of Sultan QABOOS bin Said al Said, who reigned from 1970 to 2020
Flag
description: three equal horizontal bands of white (top), red, and green, with a vertical red band on the left side; the national emblem (a khanjar dagger in its sheath on top of crossed swords in scabbards) in white is centered near the top of the vertical band meaning: white stands for peace and prosperity, red for battles against foreign invaders, and green for the Jebel al Akhdar (Green Mountains) and fertility
National symbol(s)
khanjar dagger on top of two crossed swords
National color(s)
red, white, green
National anthem(s) - title
"Nashid as-Salaam as-Sultani" (The Sultan's Anthem)
National anthem(s) - lyrics/music
Rashid bin Uzayyiz al KHUSAIDI/James Frederick MILLS, arranged by Bernard EBBINGHAUS
National anthem(s) - history
adopted 1932; new lyrics written after QABOOS bin Said al Said came to power in 1970; first performed by the band of the HMS Hawkins as a salute to the Sultan during a 1932 visit to Muscat; the ship's bandmaster did the arrangement
National heritage - total World Heritage Sites
5 (all cultural)
National heritage - selected World Heritage Site locales
Bahla Fort; Archaeological Sites of Bat; Land of Frankincense; Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman; Ancient Qalhat
Economy
Economic overview
high-income, oil-based economy; large welfare system; growing government debt; citizenship-based labor force growth policy; US free trade agreement; diversifying portfolio; high female labor force participation
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$193.591 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$190.403 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$188.169 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2024
1.7% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023
1.2% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022
8% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - note
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2024
$36,700 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023
$37,700 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022
$39,800 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate)
$106.943 billion (2024 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate) - note
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
1% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
2.5% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2021
1.7% (2021 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture
2.6% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry
54.2% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services
46.5% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use - household consumption
37.8% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - government consumption
19.1% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in fixed capital
24.3% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in inventories
2.4% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - exports of goods and services
61.1% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - imports of goods and services
-44.8% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
vegetables, dates, milk, tomatoes, sorghum, chillies/peppers, goat milk, cucumbers/gherkins, cantaloupes/melons, cabbages (2023)
Agricultural products - note
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
crude oil production and refining, natural and liquefied natural gas production; construction, cement, copper, steel, chemicals, optic fiber
Industrial production growth rate
0.2% (2024 est.)
Industrial production growth rate - note
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
2.696 million (2024 est.)
Labor force - note
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2024
3.2% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2023
3.2% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2022
3.3% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate - note
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - total
13.9% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - male
11% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - female
30.9% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - note
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Average household expenditures - on food
18.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Average household expenditures - on alcohol and tobacco
0.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2023
0% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2022
0% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2021
0% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances - note
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget - revenues
$29.334 billion (2018 est.)
Budget - expenditures
$35.984 billion (2018 est.)
Public debt - Public debt 2017
46.9% of GDP (2017 est.)
Public debt - note
note: excludes indebtedness of state-owned enterprises
Current account balance - Current account balance 2023
$2.638 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2022
$4.362 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2021
-$4.836 billion (2021 est.)
Current account balance - note
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports - Exports 2023
$64.749 billion (2023 est.)
Exports - Exports 2022
$69.483 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - Exports 2021
$46.572 billion (2021 est.)
Exports - note
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
China 43%, India 6%, Saudi Arabia 5%, UAE 5%, South Africa 4% (2023)
Exports - partners - note
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, natural gas, semi-finished iron, fertilizers (2023)
Exports - commodities - note
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports - Imports 2023
$47.412 billion (2023 est.)
Imports - Imports 2022
$46.682 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - Imports 2021
$37.216 billion (2021 est.)
Imports - note
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
UAE 25%, Saudi Arabia 12%, India 8%, China 7%, Qatar 5% (2023)
Imports - partners - note
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, crude petroleum, iron ore, iron pipes (2023)
Imports - commodities - note
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024
$18.287 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$17.455 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$17.606 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - note
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Exchange rates - Currency
Omani rials (OMR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2024
0.384 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2023
0.384 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2022
0.384 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2021
0.384 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2020
0.384 (2020 est.)
Energy
Electricity access - electrification - total population
100% (2022 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity
11.589 million kW (2023 est.)
Electricity - consumption
40.738 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - transmission/distribution losses
4.267 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - fossil fuels
96% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - solar
3.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - wind
0.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal - consumption
82,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - exports
70,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - imports
323,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum - total petroleum production
1.056 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
Petroleum - refined petroleum consumption
218,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Petroleum - crude oil estimated reserves
5.373 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas - production
41.726 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - consumption
28.646 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - exports
15.536 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - imports
1.924 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - proven reserves
651.287 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita - Total energy consumption per capita 2023
296.586 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications
Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions
579,000 (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
11 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions
6.35 million (2024 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
121 (2024 est.)
Broadcast media
1 state-run TV broadcaster; TV stations transmitting from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, and Yemen available via satellite TV; state-run radio operates multiple stations; first private radio station began operating in 2007, and several additional stations now operating (2019)
Internet country code
.om
Internet users - percent of population
95% (2024 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - total
562,000 (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
11 (2023 est.)
Transportation
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
A4O
Airports
37 (2025)
Heliports
20 (2025)
Merchant marine - total
57 (2023)
Merchant marine - by type
general cargo 11, other 46
Ports - total ports
7 (2024)
Ports - large
0
Ports - medium
1
Ports - small
4
Ports - very small
2
Ports - ports with oil terminals
6
Ports - key ports
Duqm, Khawr Khasab, Mina Al Fahl, Mina Raysut, Sohar
Military and Security
Military and security forces
Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF): Royal Army of Oman (RAO), Royal Navy of Oman (RNO), Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO), Royal Guard of Oman (RGO), Sultan's Special Forces Royal Oman Police (ROP): Civil Defense, Immigration, Infrastructure Security Police, Coast Guard Police, Special Security Police, Special Task Force (2024)
Military and security forces - note
note: in addition to its policing duties, the ROP conducts many administrative functions similar to the responsibilities of a Ministry of Interior in other countries
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2024
6% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2023
5.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2022
5.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2021
8% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2020
11% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 40,000 active Sultan's Armed Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the SAF's inventory includes a mix of older and some more modern weapons systems from a variety of suppliers, particularly the UK and the US; other suppliers have included China, EU countries, South Africa, and Türkiye (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-25 for voluntary military service for men and women; no conscription (2025)
Military service age and obligation - note
note: women have served since 2011
Military - note
the Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF) are responsible for defending the country, ensuring internal security, and protecting the monarchy; it trains with foreign partners such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the UK, and the US; the SAF has a security relationship with the British military going back to the 18th century; today, the SAF and the British maintain a joint training base in Oman, and the British military uses the facilities at Al Duqm Port; in 2019, the US obtained access to the port, expanding on previous military cooperation agreements in 2014, 2010, and 1980; Oman also allows other nations to use some of its maritime facilities, including China; the SAF is part of the Peninsula Shield Forces, a joint military force established by the GCC countries with the aim of maintaining security and stability in the region Oman's naval forces conduct maritime security operations along the country’s long coastline, including patrolling, ensuring freedom of navigation in the key naval chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz, and countering piracy and smuggling; Oman participates in the US-led, multinational Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), which operates multinational task forces conducting maritime security in regional waters (2025)
Terrorism
Terrorist group(s)
Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)
Terrorist group(s) - note
note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons - refugees
714 (2024 est.)
Environment
Environmental issues
limited natural freshwater resources; high levels of soil and water salinity in the coastal plains; beach pollution from oil spills; industrial effluents in the water table and aquifers; desertification due to high winds driving desert sand into arable lands
International environmental agreements - party to
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
International environmental agreements - signed, but not ratified
none of the selected agreements
Climate
dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south
Land use - agricultural land
4.8% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 0.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 4.4% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
0% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
95.2% (2023 est.)
Urbanization - urban population
88.4% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
2.32% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - total emissions
84.073 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from coal and metallurgical coke
661,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from petroleum and other liquids
28.611 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from consumed natural gas
54.8 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
34.9 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Methane emissions - energy
673.6 kt (2022-2024 est.)
Methane emissions - agriculture
36.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Methane emissions - waste
62.4 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Methane emissions - other
9.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually
3.308 million tons (2024 est.)
Waste and recycling - percent of municipal solid waste recycled
13.9% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - municipal
130 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - industrial
238 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - agricultural
1.547 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
1.4 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)