Overview

In 1970, QABOOS bin Said Al Said ousted his father and has ruled as sultan ever since. His extensive modernization program has opened the country to the outside world and has preserved a long-standing political and military relationship with the UK. Oman's moderate, independent foreign policy has sought to maintain good relations with all Middle Eastern countries.

Country

Surface Area: 212,460 square km Population: 2,903,165 (includes 577,293 non-nationals - July 2004 est.) Located in: Asia (Middle East) Capital City: Muscat Head of State: Sultan QABOOS bin Said Al Said Prime Minister: Sultan QABOOS bin Said Al Said Independent since: 1650 (expulsion of the Portuguese) Currency: Omani rial (OMR) Flag (image):