Oman

I

Introduction

Oman, independent state in the Middle East, extending about 1,610 km (1,000 mi) along the south-eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered on the north by the Gulf of Oman, on the east and south by the Arabian Sea, the south-west by the Yemen, the west by the Rub‘ al Khali ('Empty Quarter') of Saudi Arabia, and to the north-west by the United Arab Emirates. The country’s territory also includes the northern tip of the strategic Ra’s (Cape) Musandam, which juts between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman; this portion is separated from the rest of the country by territory of the United Arab Emirates. The country’s interior boundaries are not demarcated. Oman has an area of about 309,500 sq km (119,500 sq mi). The capital is Muscat, also known as Masqaţ.

II

Land and Resources

Oman falls naturally into three physical divisions: a narrow coastal plain, ranges of mountains and hills, and an interior plateau. The coastal plain along the Gulf of Oman is known as al-Batinah and is the country’s principal agricultural region. Inland from the plain lie the Akhḑar Mountains (Green Mountains), where some peaks reach elevations in excess of 3,000 m (9,843 ft). The coastal plain extending south along the Arabian Sea is largely barren, although some cultivation takes place in the Dhofar region of the extreme south-west. The principal natural resource is petroleum. Other known mineral resources include copper, asbestos, and marble.

A

Climate

The climate of Oman is generally hot and arid; however, the humidity along the coast is high. The average annual temperature is about 28.3° C (83° F). The average annual rainfall is generally less than 102 mm (4 in).

B

Environmental Concerns

There is a relatively high level of malaria in the country. Water is a scarce resource, although water use is not as intensive here as in neighbouring states, and saline intrusion into aquifers has occurred in some places. A reliance on the oil industry has resulted in cases of ocean and coastal pollution.