Oman

Oman, officially the Sultanate of Oman is a country on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It borders the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The coast is formed by the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. The country also contains Madha, an exclave enclosed by the United Arab Emirates, and Musandam, an exclave also separated by Emirate territory.

Oman remained as a self governing state for about 150 years since the middle of 18 century. The British slowly brought about a collapse of Muscat and Oman's "empire" by the end of the nineteenth century without use of force. Through gradual encroachment on its overseas holdings economically and politically, they caused Oman to retreat to its homeland. In time Britain held such sway in Muscat and Oman itself that it became in effect, and later in fact, a British protectorate. The country declared independence in 1971 as the Sultanate of Oman.

Oman's oil revenue has been consistently invested in the national infrastructure, particularly roads, schools, hospitals, and utilities. More than ever, the country is poised to take advantage of its strategic trade location on the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf to further its economic growth and role in the world.