Oman: flag, capital, currency and history
Oman, officially the Sultanate of Oman, is a country in Western Asia, Asia. Its capital is Muscat. The currency is the Omani rial. Languages spoken include Arabic.
Quick facts about Oman
- Official name
- Sultanate of Oman
- Capital
- Muscat
- Region
- Asia, Western Asia
- Currency
- Omani rial (OMR, ر.ع.)
- Languages
- Arabic
- Calling code
- +968
- Internet domain
- .om
- Area
- 309,500 km² (119,499 sq mi)
- Land borders
- Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen
- Demonym
- Omani
- National day
- National Day, November 18
Flag of Oman
Download the flag of Oman as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇴🇲.
History of Oman
Oman has a long history of settlement and maritime trade along the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. Islam arrived in the 7th century, and the Ibadi imamate became a lasting feature of Omani politics. The Portuguese took Muscat in 1507 and were driven out in 1650. The Al Said dynasty, founded in the 18th century, later ruled an overseas realm that included Zanzibar. Oman maintained close ties with Britain in the 19th and 20th centuries. A change of ruler in 1970 led to the adoption of the name Sultanate of Oman. It is a monarchy.
Key dates
- 7th centuryIslam spreads to Oman during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad and shortly afterwards.
- 1507Portuguese forces capture Muscat and establish a presence on the coast.
- 1650Omani forces expel the Portuguese from Muscat.
- 1744Ahmad bin Said establishes the Al Said dynasty, which still rules.
- 1970Qaboos bin Said takes power as sultan, and the state is renamed the Sultanate of Oman.
- 1971Oman joins the United Nations.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Oman
Oman uses the Omani rial (OMR, ر.ع.). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Festivals and greetings in Oman
Celebrations observed in Oman, with free greeting images and wishes you can personalise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Oman?
The capital of Oman is Muscat.
What currency does Oman use?
Oman uses the Omani rial (OMR, symbol ر.ع.).
What languages are spoken in Oman?
Languages used in Oman include Arabic.
What is the calling code of Oman?
The international calling code of Oman is +968. Its internet domain is .om.
Which countries border Oman?
Oman shares land borders with Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
On which continent is Oman?
Oman is in Asia, in the region of Western Asia.
What is the national day of Oman?
Oman marks National Day on November 18.
Neighbours of Oman
More countries in Western Asia
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).