Vital Statistics

Population: 2,402,000
Area: 310,000 sq kms (119,690 sq miles) with 1,700 kms of coastline
Capital: Muscat
Language: Arabic but English is widely spoken
Religion: Islam, but other religions (mainly followed by expats) are tolerated
Time Zone: GMT +4 hours
Currency: Rial (OMR/OR) divided into 1000 baizas
Electricity: 220/240 volts with 3 pin plugs
Weights & Measures: Metric
International Dialling Code: 00 968

The Place

Oman's potential as a tourist destination is still unfolding, but all the right ingredients are here: unspoilt landscapes, wonderful beaches, a rich culture and dignified, friendly people. Even Muscat, the capital, is beguiling. Though mainly modern, the low level buildings are entwined in the folds of serrated hills. The city thus reveals itself gradually and never completely.

Oman's variety of landscapes isn't found elsewhere in the Gulf, likewise the range of climate. In summer, while temperatures soar to 50C (122F), the coastal area of Dhofar is wet and misty, the vegetation lush, with bananas and coconuts flourishing. And in spite of modernisation, you can still find perched mud villages in the mountainous interior, barasti (palm frond) houses on the Batinah coast, and round, thatched homes in the mountains of Dhofar, traditional modes of living not impetuously swept away as they so often were elsewhere in the region but preserved as a valuable part of the heritage.

It is possible to sample a little of Oman's regions in the space of about two weeks. Muscat makes a good base for the north, offering forays along the Batinah coast to Sohar; through the Sumail Gap to Nizwa, Jabrin and Bahla; and along the rugged east coast to Sur, a boatbuilding town with the dreamy air of a 19th century water colour of the orient. Salalah is the obvious base for Dhofar, a region well worth making the effort to visit, preferably by air but also possible by road.

Climate

The best time to visit Oman is from October to March. THe coolest months in Muscat are December and January when nights are cool and daytime temperatures rarely go above 90C (86F). From May to September, it is hot and humid except in Dhofar where it rains during the monsoon. Rainfall in Muscat region is rare, but torrential when it occurs - often causing flash floods. July and August are the hottest months with temperatures sometimes hitting 50C (122F).

Etiquette

Generally, Oman remains very traditional. Shorts are fine on the beach but not in the shops. Women should wear garments that cover their upper arms and their legs to the knee. Displaying the soles of your feet is seen as insulting.

When taking photographs of locals, especially women, always ask permission first. Taking photographs of military establishments is not allowed.

Non Muslims are not allowed to enter mosques (with one or two exceptions). During Ramadan do not eat, drink or smoke in public.

Security and crime

For up-to-date travel advice go to www.fco.gov.uk

Oman is a Muslim state and Islamic customs are strictly observed in public. Non Muslims can import alcohol, to a maximum of 2 litres per family. Possession of cannabis, even in very small quantities, will incur a minimum 12 month sentence followed by deportation.

Traffic laws in Oman are strictly upheld and legal blood-alcohol level fro driving is close to zero. Homosexual behaviour is illegal in Oman.

Tourist office website - www.omantourism.gov.om