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OMAN

Nomadic Thoughts Top Tip

Scarf, glasses and mobile phone for desert trips

Nomadic Thoughts Backgrounder

Nomadic Thoughts Backgrounder
Area 309,500 sq km (119,500 sq miles).
Population 2,287,642 (1998).
Capital Muscat- population 621,544 (1998)
Climate The months between May and August are particularly hot. The climate is best from September through to April. Rainfall varies according to the region. During the period June to September there is a light monsoon rain is Salalaha.
Language Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken. Swahili is also spoken by the population from East Africa. German and French are spoken by hotel staff.
Religion Islam.
Time

GMT + 4

 

Highlights

Muscat, the capital is the Mecca for visitors to Oman. Most of Oman's top hotels are found in Muscat, which can be used as a base from which to explore the country. The many sandy beaches offer good bathing, diving and sailing facilities as well as game fishing. Muscat's old walled town is dominated by two well-preserved 16th century Portuguese forts, Jelali and Mirani. The town consists of traditional old houses, narrow streets and three beautifully carved original gates. Nizwa, famous for its forts and its gold and silver handicrafts is the main town in the interior province. The town's immense palm oasis stretches for 13km (8 miles) along the course of two wadis - all worth a visit! Salalah is the 'tropical' capital of the southern region. It is a city set amongst coconut groves and banana plantations, sprawled along sandy beaches that run the length of its plain. The Al-Balid ruins, site of the ancient city of Zafar are a major tourist attraction.

 

Country Facts Oman occupies the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsular. It is bordered to the northwest by the United Arab Emirates, to the west by Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Yemen to the south. The 1700 miles of coastline are surrounded by the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. The Musandam Peninsula forms a coastal enclave on the Strait of Hormaz. The Hajir Mountains divides the land stretching from the Musandam Peninsula to the southeast