Oman

• Capital of Oman: Muscat
• Total Area of Oman: 309,500 km² (119,500 mi²) (71st)
• Population of Oman: 5,281,538 (123rd) - (2024 est.)
• Location: Southwestern Asia, Middle East
• Languages of Oman: Arabic (official), Bangla, English, Hindi, Malayalam, Balochi, Swahili, Urdu, Sindhi, Gujarati, Jadgali, Achomi, Shehri, Tamil and other Indian languages
• Religions of Oman: Muslim (official) 95%, Christian 1.67%, Hindu 1.67%, other and unaffiliated 1.66% (2023 est.)
• Ethnic groups of Oman: Oman's population primarily consists of Arabs, with a Baloch, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi), and African minority.
• Currency: Omani rial (RO) (OMR)
• Time zone: UTC+4 (GST). DST is not observed.
• Calling code: (+968)
• Organizations: United Nations
• Border countries (3): Saudi Arabia 676 km (420 mi), United Arab Emirates 410 km (250 mi), Yemen 288 km (179 mi).
• Coastline: 3,165 km (1,967 mi)
• Maritime boundaries: Gulf of Oman, Indian Ocean

Main Regions and Cities of the Sultanate of Oman

1. Muscat

• Governorate: Muscat Governorate.
• Description: The capital of the Sultanate of Oman and its most important and populous city (1.7 million in the metro area in 2021). It has been inhabited since at least 1000 BCE and for centuries was an important trading port on the Maritime Silk Road. It is home to a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society, and receives the largest number of foreign visitors to the country. It is famous for the Royal Opera House, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and historic areas like Mutrah.

2. Bahla

• Governorate: Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate.
• Description: A town located 40 km away from Nizwa, and about 200 km from Oman's capital Muscat. It is notable as the home of one of the oldest fortresses in the country, the 13th-century Bahla Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress and the town are enclosed by extensive remnants of a 12 km-long (7.5 mi) fortified wall. Nearby lies Jabreen Castle, a massive three-story structure built during the Al Ya'ruba dynasty in the mid-17th century, serving as an example of magnificent Islamic architecture with wooden inscriptions and ceiling paintings.

3. Nizwa

• Governorate: Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate.
• Description: Considered one of the oldest cities in Oman and a historically significant center for culture and religion. Nizwa was the capital of Oman in the 6th and 7th centuries CE. It is famous for the impressive Nizwa Fort and its vibrant traditional market (Souq), which hosts the well-known weekly cattle market. Nizwa is a starting point for exploring the surrounding mountains like Jabal Akhdar.

4. Ibra

• Governorate: North Ash Sharqiyah Governorate.
• Description: A historic and quiet town located in the Ash Sharqiyah region. It is known as the main gateway to the Wahiba Sands. It is also famous for its traditional weekly markets, especially the "Wednesday Souq," where women primarily participate to sell traditional products and handicrafts.

5. Salalah

• Governorate: Dhofar Governorate (Zufar).
• Description: Located in the far south of Oman. It features a unique subtropical climate and is famous for the Khareef (Southeastern Monsoon) phenomenon, which covers the region in greenery and dense fog from June to September, making it a major local and regional tourist destination. Salalah is also a historical center for the frankincense trade.

6. Sur

• Governorate: South Ash Sharqiyah Governorate.
• Description: A historic coastal city that was a major center for seafaring and trade across the Indian Ocean. Sur is still famous for the traditional Dhows (wooden ships) that are hand-built to this day, preserving its ancient maritime heritage.

7. Sohar

• Governorate: North Al Batinah Governorate.
• Description: Sohar is considered one of the oldest historical capitals of Oman and a vital trading hub on the Gulf of Oman. It is famed as one of the legendary birthplaces of the mythical navigator Sindbad the Sailor. Today, it is a modern industrial center and seaport.

8. Buraimi

• Governorate: Al Buraymi Governorate.
• Description: A border town adjacent to the city of Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates. It is considered an important crossing point and holds commercial significance due to its geographical location connecting Oman to overland trade routes.

9. Mutrah

• Governorate: Muscat Governorate.
• Description: Located adjacent to the capital, Muscat, and is equally historic. It is famous for the Mutrah Souq, one of the oldest markets in the Arab world, the beautiful Mutrah Corniche, and the historic Mutrah Fort overlooking the harbor.