Long known as the hermit of the Middle East, the Sultanate of Oman is slowly emerging from its shell, revealing a land of friendly people, dramatic landscapes and lots of forts. The capital, Muscat, lacks the nouveau-riche feel that typifies much of the rest of the Gulf, and although Oman remains, in many ways, the most traditional country in the region, it's often more outward looking than it's given credit for.

During the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, Oman was an imperial power that vied first with Portugal and later with Britain for influence in the Gulf, the Indian Ocean and the coasts of India and East Africa. Its development since the ascension of Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 1970 is all the more striking because the country's oil reserves are so limited, and because the previous sultan, Said bin Taimur, had kept Oman sealed off from the outside world. Today, Oman is considered a safe and secure destination, although visitors are advised to avoid demonstrations and political gatherings.

Full country name: Sultanate of Oman
Area: 212,500 sq km (82,000 sq mi)
Population: 2.5 million
Capital city: Muscat (population 380,000)
People: Arab, Asian, African, Baluchi
Languages: Arabic (official), English, Farsi, Baluchi, Urdu
Religion: Ibadi Muslim (75%), Sunni Muslim, Shiite Muslim, Hindu
Government: Sultanate
Head of State: Sultan Qaboos bin Said

GDP: US$18.6 billion
GDP per head: US$7900
Annual growth: 1%
Inflation: 0.5%
Major industries: Oil, natural gas, agriculture, fishing
Major trading partners: Japan, UAE, South Korea, China, EU, Thailand

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