Oman has a very low population density (14h / km2). The population is now predominantly urban, but the cities are very spread out. Many Omanis come to live in town for work but they remain very attached to their villages to which they return every weekend. Omanis have a tribal organization. The family name is a tribal name and a meaning. In each city, village or township, there is a majority tribe. Omanis attach importance to the history of their tribes.
Oman has many different ethnic groups, the main ones being :
Oman is largely a Muslim country. The majority branch is Ibadism. It is a strict form of Islam in the sense that one tries to respect as much as possible the religious precepts of the Koran. as much as possible It is also a very tolerant type of Islam: Ibadites in particular have always refused to fight with other Muslims and have great respect for "People of the Book" (Jews and Christians) who pray to the same unique God. Christians and Hindus also live in Oman and can practice their religion without any problems. The government even helps to build churches.
The Sultanate of Oman is a relatively rich country.
Since 1970, oil revenues have enabled a rapid modernization of the country. Sultan Qaboos is very concerned not to see Omanis destitute. Public services (schools and hospitals) are free for the Omani and reach the remote countryside. The school system is effective up to secondary level. School is compulsory but free, as is transfer by the school bus, so that almost all children (boys and girls) are at school. On the other hand, only a limited number of places are offered at public university. Places are reserved for the best students. Young Omanis have a good basic culture, but many have no specialization.
At the beginning of the reign of Sultan Qaboos, the administration was nonexistent. It was also necessary to redistribute oil revenues to rapidly improve the standard of living of the population. A large number of Omanis were then hired as civil servants. To prepare for the post-oil era, an "Omanisation" policy has been launched, which aims to increase Omani employment in the private sector. The main natural resources are oil (reserves for 20 years) and gas (reserves for 80 years). In order to prepare the country for conversion, the government wants to provide the country with good infrastructure and industrial clusters to attract business and stimulate the private sector. It also focuses on tourism development.
Desert country.
The Sultanate of Oman is home to vegetation particularly adapted to drought. There are over a hundred species of acacia, agaves, and shrubs with succulent or leathery leaves. After the rains, we see a small patch of grass covering the ground. The region of Dhofar enjoys a particular climate, is particularly rich in endemic flora. Particularly noteworthy are Boswelia Sacra (Incense Tree), Dragon's Blood, and Baobabs.Animal life.
In the northern mountains the fennecs, foxes of Arabia, jackals, scorpions, snakes, partridges, raptors, and gazelles are relatively numerous. The Arabian tahrs are confined to some remote and difficult to reach massifs. Some leopards and Arabian wolves also survive in Dhofar. A reserve in the central part of the country protects the oryx.Raptors are also common (Egyptian vultures, tawny vultures, eagles). In the palm groves we also see beautiful colorful birds, the most common being Indian rollers and bee-eaters.
Oman counts as one of the richest waters in the world concerning its abundance of fish.
The aquatic fauna is particularly rich. In addition to the many multicolored fish, Oman is a paradise for sea turtles that swim off the coast and come to nest on many beaches.
The seabirds are also very numerous, especially near the lagoons and on the wild beaches that stretch along the Indian Ocean.
Meals. p>
The Omani breakfast varies and is often salty (mashed beans, beans, hard-boiled egg, or Omani bread and honey). It is always accompanied by sugared milk tea. In restaurants we find breakfasts of Indian influence: Dal (lentils), Kima (meat ax, tomato, peas)
Lunch is the most important dish of the day. It is based on rice, cooked in different ways, always fragrant and succulent: Mandi, Kebsa, Maqboos, Kabuli, Biryani, etc ... It is accompanied by meat, chicken or fish.
Dinner is usually lighter: meat or vegetables eaten with bread.
Fish is abundant, varied, and inexpensive; it's a treat! p>
There are several types of bread in Oman: Omani bread (a very thin pancake), lebnani, tannour, chapathis, barotas p>
Some festive dishes. p>
There are several types of bread in Oman: Omani bread (a very thin pancake), lebnani, tannour, chapathis, barotas. p>
Some typical dishes.
Qahwa is the local drink. p>
This is a light coffee flavored with cardamom. It is drunk all day long. It is the rule to eat dates or even fruits before drinking coffee. We bring 3 cups, whatever the number of guests. Everyone drinks in turns. Qahwa is never sweet.
The tea is usually sweet and milky. It's called Chai.
You can drink in Oman delicious fresh fruit juices at a low price.
Alcohol is not over-the-counter in Oman. Non-Muslim expatriates can apply for a card to buy alcohol at 2 stores in Muscat. Alcohol can be consumed on site at licensed tourist hotel bars. It is also obviously forbidden to consume alcohol in public, with the exception of hotel bars. You can bring alcohol to Oman and even buy it at Duty Free in Muscat.