Geography of Oman

Study Notes

Geography of Oman

Located in the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, the Sultanate of Oman covers an area of approximately 309,500 square kilometers. It is bordered by the United Arab Emirates to the northeast, Saudi Arabia to the northwest, and Yemen to the southwest. The country extends from the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman to the Arabian Sea.

Oman's topography is diverse, featuring mountain ranges, coastal plains, inland plateaus, and deserts. The prominent feature is the Al-Hajar Mountains, which stretch from the Musandam Peninsula to nearly Ra’s Al-Hadd, with many peaks exceeding 4,800 feet (1,463 meters). The country is divided into several physiographic zones, including Al-Batinah, the Eastern Al-Hajar and Western Al-Hajar, the Oman interior area or Al-Jaww, Az-Zahirah, Ash-Sharqiyah, Ja‘lan, and Dhufar (also spelled Zufar).

Oman's climate is generally considered to be arid and semi-arid, although it varies significantly across different regions. The northern and central parts experience rainfall primarily during winter (from November to April), while the southern region (Dhofar) experiences a seasonal summer monsoon from June to September, leading to a temperature change. The country's potential evaporation ranges from 1,660 mm/year in the southern Salalah plain to 2,200 mm/year in the interior.

The landscape includes various ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and coral reefs. There are several hundred springs scattered throughout the country, particularly in mountainous areas. The Sultanate of Oman has a relatively small population, with approximately 4.8 million residents as of 2020.

For millennia, human settlements have existed in Oman, with early civilizations interacting with those of the Indian subcontinent, China, and the eastern Mediterranean. Historical records show that Oman played a significant role in the maritime trade routes of the Indian Ocean.

Description

Explore the diverse geography of the Sultanate of Oman, from its mountain ranges and coastal plains to deserts and plateaus. Learn about the different physiographic zones and ecosystems that characterize Oman's landscape, along with its arid climate and unique seasonal monsoon patterns.