Clean beaches on the coast of the Arabian Sea, natural scenery, cultural and historical attractions, the high level of service make a vacation in Oman one of the most comfortable and mysterious. Nature of Oman is extremely diverse: picturesque mountains and oases, nature reserves giant tortoises and other rare animals, the famous tropical gardens, beautiful white sandy beaches.
Population
There are 2 903 thousand people in Oman. Oman is composed of Arabs, ethnic Balochis, ethnic Lurs, Swahilis, Hindus and Mehri. The Balochi are the largest non-Arab ethnicity and they are Iranian.
Language
Official language is Arabic. In everyday communication using local dialects of Arabic which are quite different from both the literary Arabic, and from each other. In the tourism sphere English is widely spoken.
Religion
The official religion is Islam. Islam is one of the most significant components of the lifestyle of the population. It is organically intertwined with all the social institutions of Omani society.
Culture
The roots of culture go back to Islam. Iran has its own version of Islam - ibadism. In this country, celebrate all traditional Islamic holidays. Tourists will be interested in visiting the Muscat Festival, which is celebrated in February, as well as the National Day Festival, the festival "Kharif" Festival Multaka and Novruz. During festivals usually perform traditional music, perform traditional dances. By the way, each region of Oman has its own unique musical tradition. Thus, in the Sharqiya region, there are three types of folk singing.
Cuisine
Traditional foods in Oman are rice, meat (lamb, beef, poultry), dairy products, fish. Traditional dishes are maqbous (rice with saffron and meat), aursia (rice with spices), shuwa (meat, prepared 2 days in a clay oven in the ground), mashuai (meat on a spit, served with rice), rukhal (thin bread, baked in the fire, it is usually served with honey). The most popular sweets are paste and candied dates. Traditional non-alcoholic drinks are coffee (it usually add cardamom), tea, Laban (salty yogurt), yogurt flavored with cardamom and pistachios. The preparation of the same dishes differs depending on the region of Oman. However, in all corners of Oman remains unchanged hospitality of the locals.
Climate
The climate is tropical, very hot. The average air temperature is + 28,30C. The highest average temperature observed in Oman in June +380C, and the lowest in January and February (+190C). Average rainfall is 99 mm.
Transport
There are a small amount of municipal bus routes inside of the large cities. However, it is better to take a taxi or shuttle. The price for the taxi ride is to negotiate with the driver before boarding.
Official currency
International name: OMR. US dollars, the currency of the United Arab Emirates, Euros and British pounds are exchanged everywhere. Credit cards are accepted in all hotels, major shops and restaurants. Cash machines are ubiquitous, even in remote towns, often near the offices of banks and shopping malls.