Oman

Oman flag

The national emblem (a dagger in its sheath on top of crossed swords in scabbards) in white; white stands for peace and prosperity, red for battles against foreign invaders, and green for the Green Mountains and fertility

Climate

Dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon in far South

Population

4 million

Ethnic groups

Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi), African

Languages

Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Swahili, Urdu, Indian dialects

Religions

Muslim 86%, Christian 6%, Hindu 6%, other

Capital

Muscat

Economy

High-income, oil-based; large welfare system; growing government debt; citizenship-based labor force growth policy; US free trade agreement; diversifying portfolio; high female labor force participation

Oman is the oldest what in the Arab world?

Independent state

When did Oman abolish slavery?

1970

Who operates the main broadcasters in Oman?

The government, media censorship is widespread

Who can online activists in Oman be targeted by?

Authorities

In what year were women given the right to stand for election to, and vote for, the Consultative Council?

1997

In 2002 Oman extended voting rights to all citizens over the age of…

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