The Arabian Peninsula Partnership

The Gospel for every person and a church for every people in the Arabian Peninsula amongst indigenous peoples

map of Oman

Information about Oman

GEOGRAPHY

Area: 300,000 sq.km. A mountainous land on the southeast coast of Arabia and the strategic tip of the Musandam Peninsula that dominates the entrance to the Arabian/Persian Gulf.

Population Annual Growth Density
2000: 2,541,739 +3.35% 8 per sq. km.
2010: 3,517,471 +3.28% 12 per sq. km.
2025: 5,351,885 +2.55% 18 per sq. km.
Capital: Muscat pop.: 600,000 Urbanites: 72%
PEOPLES

About 27% of the population and 65% of the workforce are foreign. Percentages below are estimates:

Arabs: 21%. Including Indian, Pakistani (Baluch), Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan.

South Asian: 13%. Indian (Malayali, Tamil, Telugu, etc.) Pakistani 30,000.

Mahra: 5.1%. Two non-Arab indigenous minorities.

Iranian: 2.8%.

Other: 4%. Filipino, African, European, North American.

Literacy: 67.1%. Official language: Arabic All languages: 13

ECONOMY

A latecomer as a Middle Eastern oil producer. Oil revenues finance agricultural and industrial diversification. Oil wealth has been distributed wisely for the improvement of living standards. Unemployment: 12% among nationals. Income/person $6,050 (19.2% of USA).

POLITICS

An isolated feudal monarchy until 1970; a benevolent absolute monarchy since then when the Sultan was ousted by his son. No political parties permitted, but there is considerable personal freedom and political stability. One of the most socially progressive nations in the region.

RELIGION

Ibadi Islam is the state religion. Churches and church activities for the expatriate communities are permitted, but proselytising Muslims is forbidden. The Sultan has consistently opposed fanatical Islam since his reign began in 1970.

Religions Population % Adherents
Muslim 92.66 2,355,175
Hindu 3 76,252
Christian 2.54 64,560
Buddhist 1.20 30,501
non-Religious 0.40 10,167
Baha'i 0.20 5,083
Christians Denom. Affiliation ,000
Protestant 21 0.24 6
Anglican 1 0.14 4
Catholic 1 1.22 31
Orthodox 3 0.14 4
Churches Congregations Members Affiliates
Catholic 21 19,872 31,000
Orthodox (3) 13 2,632 3,500
Anglican 3 1,296 3,500
Mar Thoma 7 804 1,850
South Asian protestant groups (5) 8 500 1000
Pentecostal (6) 12 600 900
Prostetant church in Oman 4 350 875
Other denominations 22 804 1,370
Total Christians 90 26,858 44,000
Links

Operation World