6 regions (mintaqat, singular - mintaqah) and 2 governorates* (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah) Ad Dakhiliyah, Al Batinah, Al Wusta, Ash Sharqiyah, Az Zahirah, Masqat, Musandam*, Zufar*; note - the US Embassy in Oman reports that Masqat is a governorate, but this has not been confirmed by the US Board of Geographic Names (BGN).
Population:
2,622,198
note: includes 527,078 non-nationals (July 2001 est.)
Currency:
Omani rial (OMR)
Languages:
Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects
Elevation:
highest point: Jabal Shams 2,980 m
lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m
Natural hazards:
summer winds often raise large sandstorms and dust storms in interior; periodic droughts
Climate:
dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south
Oman's economic performance improved significantly in 2000 due largely to the upturn in oil prices. The government is moving ahead with privatization of its utilities, the development of a body of commercial law to facilitate foreign investment, and increased budgetary outlays. Oman continues to liberalize its markets and joined the World Trade Organization (WTrO) in November 2000.
Industry:
crude oil production and refining, natural gas production, construction, cement, copper
Ethnicgroups:
Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi), African
Yellow fever:
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from infected areas.
Malaria:
Very limited malaria risk—including P. falciparum—may exist in remote areas of Musandam Province. Chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum reported. Risk for travellers in such areas extremely low.
