Oman

C

Plant and Animal Life

Despite its general aridity, Oman is home to a variety of plants and animals. Grasses, shrubs, and hardy trees such as the acacia grow naturally. Grapes and apricots are grown on the slopes of the Al Ḩajar Mountains. Coconut palms grow on the south side of the mountains in Dhofar and frankincense trees on the north. There are no truly fertile agricultural soils; the best are the alluvial soils washed down from the mountains, both in the interior and along the coast. Wildlife includes several hundred species of birds, lizards, snakes, and scorpions. Rare animal and plant species are protected in nature reserves and protected coastal areas.

D

Natural Resources

Oman’s most important mineral resource is petroleum, although its reserves are modest compared to those of neighboring Saudi Arabia and the UAE. It also has significant natural gas reserves. In addition, there are modest deposits of copper, gold, chromite, manganese, asbestos, coal, and limestone.

E

Environmental Issues

Water is a scarce resource in Oman, although water use is not as intensive as in neighboring countries. Saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers has occurred in some instances. Oman’s reliance on the oil industry brings with it cases of ocean and coastal pollution.

III

People and Society

Oman is less urbanized than most other Arabian countries—only 77 percent of Omanis live in cities and towns. While most of the rest are settled in villages, a few Bedouins still practice their nomadic ways.

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In 2009 Oman had an estimated population of 3,418,085, giving it an average density of 16 persons per sq km (42 per sq mi). The Omani population has grown steadily, doubling between 1960 and 1980, and again between 1980 and 1998. In 2009 the growth rate was a relatively high 3.1 percent. Consequently, Oman has a very young population: In 2009, 43 percent of Omanis were under the age of 15.

A

Principal Cities

Much of Oman’s urban population resides in the greater capital area, which includes Masqaţ, the capital; Maţtraḩ, a major port; and Ruwī, the commercial hub of Oman. The new port of Mīnā’ Qaboos is also in this metropolitan area, as is Mīnā’ al Faḩl, a loading terminal for oil supertankers. Other important cities include Nizwá, the historic seat of the Ibadi imamate (Muslim community headed by an imam) in interior Oman; Şūr, an important fishing port located south of Masqaţ, and Şalālah, the largest city and principal port of Dhofar.

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