A small green rectangular playing field situated on a dusty, dry hillside with rocky terrain and mountainous backdrop.

Population

Population

Written by: Luca Krohn Last updated at: May 21, 2025

Oman had around 4.52 million inhabitants in 2021. It is likely that the number has again increased, as it has generally been on the rise in recent decades. The birth rate of almost three children per woman not only reflects the Arabian love for large families, rather, it is an expression of the deep satisfaction that persists in the country and of the fact that people have experienced a transformation in the last few decades that is second to none. Due to this fact, more than half of Omanis are under 18 years old and more than 30 % are under 15. The people of Oman today have a much longer life expectancy than they did some three decades ago. Only parts of the country can really be described as inhabited. Oman is about the size of the Federal Republic of Germany, but a much smaller population. In addition, about 78 % of the people in Oman live in metropolitan areas. Only 5 % of the people live as Bedouins even the desert dwellers have mostly traded their tents for permanent houses. In addition to high birth rates and low mortality rates, many European expatriates have contributed to the strong growth of the population in recent decades, which has almost quintupled in the last 30 years.

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Oman's foreign trade in the first half of the last century was limited exclusively to agricultural products. Oman’s top exports early on were dates and regionally produced vegetables, fish, and frankincense resins. Trade during this time was primarily a domestic affair, with virtually no exchange with other states. Even rice, a staple of Omani food, was imported. Other types of goods were rarely imported nor considered necessary. There were no major trading ports in Oman, no serviceable airports, no infrastructure, and no modern communications technology. Oman was a dead country economically, ...

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Military in Oman

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The Commander-in-Chief of the Oman Armed Forces isHaitham ibn Tariq. The size of these armed forces is quite manageable. About 43,000 soldiers are active in the country, ensuring secure borders and – especially in recent years – due to the unrest in theneighboring countries of Oman, also ensuring that this unrest from Yemen and Saudi Arabia does not cross the border into Oman. Additionally, the military supports the police in maintaining order in the country. The army consists of four branches: - Land Forces - Artillery - Navy - Air Force There is no conscription in Oman; the army is a pu...

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Oman's nature

7 min read

Oman offers an astonishing variety of natural wonders, each more unique than the last. From the vast dunes of the desert to the lush terraces of the mountain regions, from the rugged coastline with its picturesque bays to the serene oases inland—the Sultanate presents an unparalleled range of landscapes. Each of these locations has its own distinct atmosphere, inviting travelers to experience the beauty of nature in a variety of ways. The contrasts between these landscapes make Oman an ideal destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Whether you seek the solitude of the desert, want...