Oman is a chameleon of a country: whatever you want it to be, it will become. If you are seeking a modern country, you will spot its cosmopolitan shopping malls and well-equipped watersports facilities. If you are seeking antiquity and tradition, you will observe ancient trading towns and smell the aroma of frankincense. Very much still an Islamic country, resplendent mosques jostle alongside large hotel complexes.

Oman is a beautiful country, and, moreover, very unspoiled - whatever you are looking for, you are sure to find it here.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Sultans of Muscat (Oman) were often powerful figures in Arabia and East Africa, who often came into conflict with the colonial powers in the region, particularly the Portuguese, who first settled in the 16th century, in an attempt to protect their eastern trade routes.

In recent years, Omani concerns have been focused on the country’s strategic importance to the West, underlined throughout the last two decades as it has been used as a staging post for Anglo-American military, naval and air operations, most recently in both assaults on Afghanistan and Iraq. In 1994, Oman was also the first Gulf state to establish official relations with Israel. It has managed to, under politically delicate circumstances, also foster cordial relations with countries such as Iran, now extending as far as mutual security co-operation in the Gulf.

309,500 sq km (119,500 sq miles).

3 million (UN estimate 2005).

9.7 per sq km.

Muscat. Population: 638,000 (UN estimate 2003).

Sultanate since 1744. 

Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken. Swahili is also spoken by the population from East Africa. German and French are spoken by some hotel staff.

Predominantly Ibadi Muslim, with Shi’ite Muslim, Sunni Muslim and Hindu minorities.

GMT + 4.

Shaking hands is the usual form of greeting. A small gift, either promoting your company or country, is well received. As far as dress is concerned, it is important that women dress modestly, ie long skirts or dresses (below the knee) with long sleeves, men should wear trousers and shirts with sleeves. Tight-fitting clothes must be avoided and although this is not strictly followed by Westerners, it is far better to adopt this practice and avoid causing offence. Shorts should never be worn in public and beachwear is prohibited anywhere except the beach. Collecting sea shells, abalone, corals, crayfish and turtle eggs is also prohibited. Dumping litter is forbidden. It is polite not to smoke in public, but generally no-smoking signs are posted where appropriate. Homosexual behaviour is illegal.

Photography: Visitors should ask permission before attempting to photograph people or their property. ‘No Photography’ signs exist in certain places and must be observed.

220/240 volts AC, 50Hz.

Sultan Qaboos bin Sa’id since 1970.