Oman, the official name of the country is the Sultanate of Oman, located in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, is considered one of the safest and most environmentally friendly countries in the world. This is a land covered with poetic legends, it was here that the adventures of Sinbad the Sailor began and the legendary Queen of Sheba ruled. A visit to Oman is not only admiring the amazing beauty of waterfalls, ancient mountains and caves, picturesque oases and mountain rivers, it is an opportunity to plunge into the unique atmosphere of primeval oriental culture, closely and harmoniously intertwined here with the luxury of modern life. Here the unity of the past and the future, the earth and people is very strongly felt. There are a lot of ancient towers, palaces and forts in Oman, silently testifying to the legendary and majestic past of the country. A highly developed culture is felt even in the extraordinary sincerity and friendliness of the locals, known for their hospitality and good manners. Having visited this country once, without a doubt, you will forever keep its image in your heart.
Geography of Oman
According to itypemba, Oman is a state in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. In the south-west it borders on Yemen, in the west – on Saudi Arabia, in the north-west – on the United Arab Emirates, separating the Hajar mountains from the main territory of the country, the coast of Batin. The western borders are in the deserts and are not accurately drawn. In the northeast it is washed by the Strait of Hormuz, in the southeast – by the Arabian Sea (the island of Masirah, also owned by the state, is located in it). The relief is varied: it includes mountains (El-Hajar-el-Gharbi, El-Akhdar, El-Hajar-el-Sharki) surrounding the plain of el-Batin on three sides. In the south, they are bordered by the Oman plateau, dissected by wadis – channels of temporary drains and dried up rivers. The Dhofar plateau, located in the extreme south, abruptly breaks off towards the Arabian Sea, and in the north it gently descends to the Rub al-Khali desert. The highest point of the country is located in the Khadjar mountains – the city of Jabal-Shams (2980 m). Oman is divided into 5 regions (Ed-Dahiliya, Al-Batinah, El-Wusta, Ash-Sharqiya, Ez-Zahira) and 4 governorates (Muscat (capital), Musandam, Buraimi and Dhofar).
Capital
Muscat
Area
The area of the country is 309,500 km².
Population
About 3,204,897 people live in Oman.
Currency
The official currency is the Omani Rial (OMR).
Language
The official language of Oman is Arabic.
Visa to Oman
Issued for a period of not more than three weeks, issued at the consular department of the embassy. Persons under the age of 18 must have a passport. When traveling through the country, a transit visa is required.
Weather in Oman
The climate in Oman is dry tropical. On the main territory, 2 periods lasting six months can be distinguished: hot and comfortable (from mid-October to mid-March, this is the best time to travel to the country). Precipitation is rare and unpredictable, averaging 25 to 100 mm per year. The capital is famous as the hottest city in the world, the average temperature in June is + 32°, in January + 26°. At the beginning of summer, winds blowing from the Rub al-Khali desert often raise sandstorms. A significant length from north to south and a variety of topography determine the uniqueness of the climatic conditions of some areas. The southeastern coast is characterized by a subtropical climate regime. In summer, the air temperature here is about +35, in winter + 26-30 degrees with a high humidity of 96%. From June to September, monsoons blow from the Indian Ocean, bringing thick clouds that obscure the sun and sow rain. In the interior desert regions, no more than 100 mm of precipitation falls per year, thanks to which the heat is easier to bear, at night in winter the temperature sometimes drops to zero.
Electricity
220 volts, for three-pin sockets, you can buy an adapter in stores or rent it at a hotel.
Religion
The state religion is Islam (Ibadi), however, due to the large number of foreigners in Oman, there are many followers of other religions. Freedom of religion is guaranteed by law.
Security
Oman is one of the safest countries in the world with an extremely low crime rate. Drinking alcohol in public places, its transportation, as well as drunk driving are punished very severely, up to imprisonment. Clothing for women should cover the knees and shoulders, men should wear trousers and a shirt, short sleeves are possible. On the territory of hotels and beaches, these restrictions are lifted, but topless sunbathing is prohibited. In conversations, one should not touch on the topics of personal life, religion, laws, and also talk about the Sultan, who enjoys unquestioned authority in the country. Due to the reverent attitude to water, swimming in the local reservoirs and leaving taps open is prohibited. Natural hazards must also be avoided: heat stroke, solar radiation, sharks, rays, sea urchin spines and poisonous coral fish. During the rainy season, “wadis” fill with water and carry away stones and soil on their way, you should pay attention to the special sign “be careful, wadi!” (rectangle in the form of a vertical arrow, crossed out by three wavy horizontal lines).
Health
When entering the country, special vaccinations and certificates of them are not needed. An insurance policy is required for the entire stay. In case of illness, contact the representative office of the insurance company in Moscow and provide the last name, first name, policy number and reason for contacting. It is also recommended to take out international health insurance. Bottled or boiled water should be used for drinking and brushing teeth, vegetables should be thoroughly washed, fruits should be peeled. In the hot season, it is recommended to wear clothes that cover the whole body, sunglasses, a hat.
