Test Your Knowledge of Oman's History

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In 1624, an Omani imam, Nasir bin Murshid, expelled the Portuguese from Muscat. This victory sparked the beginning of a new dynasty, the Yaruba dynasty, which ruled Oman until the mid-18th century. Under their rule, Oman became a powerful empire, extending its influence to Zanzibar and the east coast of Africa. The Yaruba dynasty was succeeded by the Al Said dynasty, which continues to rule Oman today.

Al Said dynasty

In 1744, Ahmad bin Said Al-Busaidi, a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, became the Imam of Oman. His descendants continue to rule Oman today, with the current Sultan, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, ascending to the throne in January 2020 following the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

During the 19th century, Oman reached the height of its power and influence, with its control extending down the east coast of Africa and across the Strait of Hormuz to Iran and Pakistan. However, the decline of the empire began in the 20th century, with the country coming under the influence of the United Kingdom. Oman gained independence in 1971, with Sultan Qaboos bin Said coming to power and modernizing the country. The sultanate has since become a prosperous and stable nation, with a strong economy and a high standard of living.This text provides a historical account of Oman from the 16th century to the present day. It covers the rise of the Yaruba Imams who expelled the Portuguese from Oman and established a maritime empire that included East Africa. The text also discusses the British colonization of Oman in the 19th century and the treaty of Seeb which granted autonomy to the Imamate in the interior of Oman. The text further highlights the Jebel Akhdar War which was fought between British-backed forces and the Imamate's army, and the Dhofar Rebellion which was put down by Sultan Qaboos bin Said. The reign of Sultan Qaboos is discussed in detail, including his modernization policies and efforts to outlaw slavery.This text provides information about the history, geography, climate, biodiversity, politics, foreign policy, and military of Oman. It mentions Oman's membership in the Gulf Cooperation Council, political reforms, voting rights for women, and the Arab Spring protests. It also describes Oman's climate, vegetation, wildlife, and environmental challenges. The text discusses Oman's absolute monarchy, legal system, bicameral legislature, and foreign relations, including its friendly ties with Iran. It also provides details about Oman's military spending, manpower, and equipment.Oman ordered three Khareef class corvettes from the VT Group in 2007 for £400 million, and in 2010, the country spent 8.5% of its gross domestic product on military expenditures, with a long history of association with the British military and defence industry. Oman was the 23rd largest arms importer from 2012 to 2016, according to SIPRI. However, human rights abuses have been reported, including torture methods such as mock execution, beating, hooding, and solitary confinement. Censorship and self-censorship are common, with limited access to political information through media, and the government decides who can or cannot be a journalist. Omanis cannot hold a public meeting without government approval, and the government does not permit the formation of independent civil society associations. The economy is relatively diversified but remains dependent on oil exports, with tourism as the fastest-growing industry. Agriculture and industry account for less than 1% of the country's exports, and Oman is likely to remain a net importer of food. The largest foreign community is from India, and foreign workers send an estimated US$10 billion annually to their home states in Asia and Africa. Oman's natural gas reserves are estimated at 849.5 billion cubic meters, and tourism has grown considerably recently, contributing 2.8% to the Omani GDP in 2016.