Oman

Oman is a country on the southeast side of the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East. It has a long coastline on the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. The country has tall mountains, sandy deserts, and green valleys called wadis. The capital city is Muscat. Oman is ruled by a sultan, which is like a king.

Land and Nature

Oman has many different kinds of land. The Hajar Mountains rise high in the north. The Wahiba Sands desert has big rolling dunes. Green oases grow around natural springs. Along the coast, you can see dolphins and sea turtles swimming. In summer, the southern city of Salalah gets rain from a special wind and turns bright green.

People and Traditions

People in Oman speak Arabic. Many Omani men wear a long white robe called a dishdasha. Women often wear colorful dresses. Old forts and castles are found all over the country. Some are hundreds of years old. Families enjoy eating rice dishes, dates, and coffee with cardamom.

Fun Facts

• Oman has over 500 old forts and castles.
• Frankincense, a sweet-smelling tree sap, comes from Oman.
• Sea turtles come to Oman's beaches to lay their eggs.

Did You Know?

Oman is one of the oldest countries in the Arab world, with a history that goes back thousands of years.