UN Nation

G-77

Interpol

Chief Of State/Head of Government:  Sultan and Prime Minister Qaboos bin Said Al Said

Major Cities: Muscat, Raysut, Duqm

Ethnicity:  Arab, Baluchi, South Asian, African

Lang:  Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu

Religion:  Ibadhi Muslim 75%, Sunni, Shi'a, Hindu

History:  A former Portuguese colony before 1650, Oman became independent that year.  In 1970, Qaboos bin Said Al Said usurped his father's rule, and has been sultan ever since.  He has modernized the country in stages, as to help everyone get accustomed to his changes, before beginning with the next.  The result is a country full of heritage, yet developing properly and as modern as any Middle East nation, within the cities.  The Sultan has maintained a good relationship with the UK, as well as moderate politics throughout the region.  Oman is an oil rich nation.

Current Issues:  Oman has had problems with the tribal areas near the Yemen border.  Still living in the past, these nomadic people have taken up arms against the many oil companies, taking hostages and taking the oil for themselves.

Currency:  Omani Rial

Exchange: 0.38 per US Dollar