Introduction
to the Sultanate of Oman
The
Sultanate of Oman
(maps)
occupies the southeastern tip of the Arabian peninsula - 300,000 sq.
km boasting some 1,700 km of coastline stretching along the Indian Ocean
and the Arabian Gulf. It is the second largest country in Arabia, and
has the most diverse landscape including fjord-like rugged mountains
in the far north, magnificent tracts of desert and a lush south.
An
ancient civilization, Oman's history can be traced back to 12,000 BC.
The country is strategically located on the crossroads of several trade
routes that linked the ancient world. It became a center of power in
the 17th century with Omani rule extending from Zanzibar in East Africa
to parts of Persia and Pakistan.
Oman
takes pride in its rich cultural and architectural heritage bestowed
by hundreds of years of international trading and foreign occupation.
Evidence of a glorious ancient past is spread all over the country which
spread all over the country which boasts more than 500 forts, castles,
and towers. Their diversity and numbers reflect the high standards achieved
by Omanis in architecture. Trips to the Oman museum at Qurm and to the
Natural History Museum in Al Khuwair are invaluable in helping the visitor
gain an insight into Oman's history.
The
Sultanate's varied geography makes for a wide range of climatic conditions.
The best time of the year to visit Oman is between October and April,
when the weather is pleasantly warm in the day and cool in the evening.
Temperature average is 25-35 degrees centigrade during the day and plummet
to 17-19 degrees centigrade at night.
Oman
enjoys many unique features including an unspoiled culture and lifestyle
traditional in almost every aspect. The people are friendly and offer
incomparable hospitality. A rich variety of flora and fauna abound,
together with panoramic beauty witnessed in its mountain ranges, deserts
and sand dunes.
