Oman at a Glance
 Official name: Sultanate of Oman.
Head of State: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
Location: The Sultanate of Oman lies in the far south eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. It extends between latitudes 16.40oN and 26.20oN, and longitudes 51.50oE - and 59.40oE.
Area: 309,500 square kilometers.
Climate: The climate of Oman varies considerably in its different regions. In the northern coastal areas the summer weather is hot and humid in summer, while in the inland areas it is hot and dry, with the exception of some high areas, such as Jebal al-Akhdar, where the climate is temperate around the year. In the south the climate is more temperate. Rainfall in the northern region is generally low, but may be heavy when it does fall, causing flash floods in wadis. In the southern area the monsoon rains in Dhofar province begin in July and continue throughout August and September, during which time the temperate climate and green landscape become popular tourist attractions.
Population: 2,018,074 (1993 census), of which 1,483,226 are Omani (73%) and 534,848 are expatriate.
Capital: Muscat.
Time: 4 hours ahead of GMT.
Currency: Omani Rial.
Airports: Al Seeb International Airport and Salalah International Airport.
Sea Ports: Sultan Qaboos Port and Raisoot Port in Salalah.
Museums: The National Museum, the Omani Musuem in Qurum, the Military Museum in Bait al Falaj, the Omani-French Museum, Sohar Fort Museum, the National History Museum and the Children's Museum.
Flag: The Omani flag was hoisted for the first time on December 17, 1970. The red, green and white flag carries the Sultanate's emblem of two crossed swords with a khanjar and belt superimposed.
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