|Location| |Land of Contrast| |Climate| |Population| |Religion| |Driving| |Clothing|
	|Time Zone| |Currency| |Visa Procedures|
	Location The Sultanate of Oman is in the extreme southeast corner of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in the west, Yemen in the south, Arabian Sea on the east and the Strait of Hormuz on the north. Oman spreads over a vast area of around 309,500 km2 and has a coastal line of around 1,700 km. Oman is situated at the strategic meeting point of the Asian and African continents and straddles the two most important industrial blocs of the world, the European industrialized countries and the Asian tigers. It is also a member of the Indian Ocean Countries Association for Regional Cooperation. Oman is rich in oil, natural gas and copper in addition to several other valuable minerals. The capital of Oman is Muscat, a cosmopolitan, but relaxed city, free from the hustle and bustle found in many of Arabia's other capital cities. In the south of the Sultanate, is Salalah, the administrative capital of the Dhofar region. Oman is a surprisingly green country, particularly in Dhofar, due to its location at the extreme end of the monsoon paths. Landscaping and beautification are priorities of the Municipalities, and gardens, parks and grassy knolls line the main highway. Land of Contrast The country's terrain ranges from towering mountain ranges of Jabel Akhdhar and other mountains to the plains of Batinah and Salalah to the vast sandy deserts in the Dakhiliya and the Empty Quarter on the south. Oman boasts a number of fascinating tourist locations, most important of them being the Jabel Akhdhar and the Southern region particularly in the monsoon (khareef) season (July to September) with its clouds and drizzle. Climate Oman's climate differs from one area to another. It is hot and humid in the coastal areas in the summer, while it is hot and dry in the interior with the exception of the higher mountains, which enjoy a moderate climate round the year. Rainfall is generally light. In the south, the Dhofar region has a moderate climate and pattern of rainfall is more predictable with a monsoon period occurring regularly between May and September. Population At the end of 1998, the total population of Oman was estimated at 2.288 million, of which 1.685 million (73.6%) were Omanis and the rest expatriates. The census revealed that 37% of the population is aged 15 or under, while those over the age of 64 constitute only 2.3% of the population. Religion Official religion is Islam. Official language is Arabic, but English is widely used. Driving A resident of Oman must posses a valid Oman Driving license. Visitors holding international driving licenses are allowed to drive around the country freely. Clothing For most of the year, light and loose fitting clothes, preferably cotton, are best suited to Oman's climate. To comply with Omani traditions, it is advised not to wear revealing clothes or swimming costumes in residential areas. From December to March, light woollen clothing may be required in the evening. Time Zone Oman's local time is 4 hours +GMT. . Currency Unit of currency is Rial Omani comprising 1000 baizas. One RO is equivalent to about US$ 2.6. Visa Procedures Tourist visas can be obtained through travel agencies, hotels, and upon arrival in Oman for many nationalities. A tourist visa has a validity of 6 months and the holder can stay in Oman for 3 months. Citizens of GCC countries do not require a visa to enter Oman Individual businessmen can obtain business visit visas from Oman's embassies/consulates in their respective countries also. This type of visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue and the holder can stay in Oman for a maximum of 6 months once entered. They can also contact OCCI (Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industries) enclosing the above documents, to obtain such visas.