News: Amid increasing trade restrictions in the US due to tariffs and the European Union on account of the carbon tax, India has signed a trade deal with Oman to expand the footprint for its exports in West Asia.
Key facts about Oman
- Location: Oman is located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, at the junction of the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea.
- Sharing border: It shares borders with Yemen (southwest), Saudi Arabia (west), and the United Arab Emirates (northwest).
- The country has a strategic frontage near the Strait of Hormuz through the Musandam Peninsula.
- Ruler: It is ruled by a hereditary monarchy under the Āl Bū Saʿīd dynasty.
- Capital: Muscat
- Physical Geography
- Oman’s interior is dominated by the Rubʿ al-Khali (Empty Quarter) desert which is shared by the Saudi Arabia and Yemen also.
- The Ḥajar Mountains run parallel to the northern coast and include Mount Shams, the highest peak at about 2,980 m.
- The Al-Bāṭinah coastal plain is fertile and densely populated.
- Climate: Oman has a hot and arid climate, with extreme summer temperatures exceeding 43°C in coastal areas.
- Ports: The Port of Salalah is the largest port in Oman.
- Islands: It also has offshore territories such as Maşīrah Island and Al-Ḩallāniyyah Island.
- Flora: Natural vegetation is sparse, limited mainly to acacia trees and irrigated areas.
- Fauna: Oman protects endangered species such as the Arabian oryx, Arabian leopard, and loggerhead turtle. The country has rich bird diversity due to its geographical location.
