The Sultanate of Oman is an Arab nation made up of eleven governorates. Its neighbors are Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Al Batinah, Ash Sharqiyah, and Muscat are the three most important governorates. The country is the eighth largest in the Middle East, covering a total area of 309,500 square kilometers. The far south experiences a summer monsoon, whereas the rest has a dry desert climate. The geography is defined by mountains to the north and south, as well as a desert plain in the center. There are approximately 4.5 million people residing there, with 60% of them being immigrants.Muscat is the capital and most populous city in the country, with 76,344 persons. The cities of Salalah and Seeb are also notable. Muscat International Airport (MCT) is the largest airport in the country, serving almost 14 million people each year. In addition, the airport offers international links and is home to the national carriers, Oman Air and Salam Air. With Islam practiced by 86% of the population and Arabic being the official language, Islam dominates the country's culture. The legal code combines Anglo-Saxon and Islamic sharia law.Sultan Haytham bin Tariq bin Taimur Al-Said serves as both the head of state and the head of government, resulting in an absolute monarchy. The nation's official currency is the Omani Rial (OMR), which is presently set at OMR 0.38 to the US dollar. With an open economy, the country generates a GDP of approximately $203 billion. It has a high average income of $47,366 per capita. These days, the petroleum and petrochemical sectors still account for 85% of government revenue. In order to reduce reliance on oil and gas even more, the government is focusing on expanding alternate revenue streams like as the banking and tourism industries.The Sultanate of Oman has numerous historical and scenic tourism attractions. The country is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in total.Misfat al Abryeen, Masirah Island, Bahla, Salalah, Jebel Akhdar, Ras Al Jinz, and the Musandam Fjords are some of the most famous tourist destinations. The nation's beaches, mild weather, lodging options, dining options, and retail establishments all draw tourists. The majority of the 3.5 million overnight visitors each year come from Europe and the neighboring Gulf states.
