Forgotten World (93): Oman
Oman – a state of 3M citizens – occupies the south-east corner of the Arabian peninsula and is the oldest independent state in the Arab world. Under Sultan Said bin Taimur, who came to power in 1938, the country experienced decades of international isolation, a society run along feudal lines and internal rebellion.
However, after deposing his father in 1970, Sultan Qaboos Bin Said – who rules by decree – opened up the country, embarked on economic reforms and boosted spending on health, education and welfare. As with other Gulf nations, oil is the mainstay of the economy, providing a large chunk of GDP but, compared to its neighbours, Oman is a modest producer. Agriculture and fishing are important sources of income.
Most Omanis follow the Ibadi sect of Islam – the only remaining expression of Kharijism, which was created as a result of one of the first schisms within the religion. The country has so far been spared the militant Islamist violence that has plagued some of its neighbours.