Sultanate of Oman: Geographical Briefing

 Location:

 Sultanate of Oman is located in south-eastern part of the Arab semi- peninsula, between latitudes 16.40 and 26.30 and longitudes 51.50 and 59.40. Its shore extends from Hormoz in the north to Yemen republic in the south, so it is open to three seas: Arab Gulf, Oman Gulf and Arab sea. Bordered by UAE and Saudi Arabia in the west, Republic of Yemen in the south, Hormoz bay in the north, and Arab sea in the eastern border. This location has given Oman its historical role in connecting Arab Gulf states with these countries, by land or sea or air.

   Area:

Its area is about 309500 km².It is the third largest country in Arab peninsula.

   Relief:

The relief varies from flat to mountainous land. The most important costal flat land and covers 3% of the area and it extends by the sea shores from Gulf of Oman to Arab sea, while the mountainous land covers about 15% of the area. The important mountain ranges are Al-Hajar ranges  that extends from Musandam in the north to Ras Al_Had and Al_Qara ranges  in far south west, 82% of the area is sand and desert which is part  of the Empty Quarter desert.  

 Islands:

There are so many islands across the shore, and the most important of which are Masera and Al_Halanyat islands.

Vallies:

There are many vallies in Oman like Samael, Rustaq, Hawasna, Sahatan, Htat, Nam, Adai, Batha´a and Dank vallies.

Climate:

Desert climate characterized by long hot humid summer and short warm winter. The rainy season in northern part of the country is between November – April. Quantity of rain goes up to about 100 mm in munitions land. Rain falls in Dhofar –southern part of the country in July and August which are part of summer season. Rain seldom falls in desert area. 

Population:

According to 2003 census the population is 2,340,815 of which 1,781,558 are Omanis. Expatriates are about 23.9 % of total population.

Administrative Regions:

The Sultanate is divided into five administrative regions and  four  governates, and each region/governate is formed of several willayat, while educational service is administered by ten General Directorates in seven region and 4 governates, and one directorate in one region    (Al-Wosta region)

Important cities:

Muscat, Salalah, Mirbat, Sur, Ibra, Al_Mudibi, Nizwa, Samael, Ibri, Buraimi, Sohar, Rustaq and Khasab.

Ports:

Sea ports: Sultan Qaboos, Al_Fahal and Salalah ports.

Air ports: Muscat international Airport and Salalah Airport.

Exports:

petroleum, fish, dates, and copper