The Sultanate of Oman, located in the southwest of the Arabian Peninsula.

Divided into 6 distinct geographical regions, the Sultanate of Oman extends from the Strait of Hormuz in the north to the southern border with Yemen in the Dhofar region. On the sea side, Oman is bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Arabian Sea.

On the land side, Oman faces the empty quarter of Saudi Arabia. The climate is typically hot and dry; summer begins in April and lasts until October, with temperatures reaching 53 degrees Celsius in the interior of Oman. The Dhofar region, however, receives more rainfall due to the monsoon season between June and September.
The coastal plain is fertile alluvial soil, well watered by the southwest monsoon. Forested mountain ranges, rising to about 1,500 metres, form a crescent behind a long, narrow coastal plain, on which the provincial capital of Salalah is located. Behind the mountains, gravel plains gradually merge northwards into the Rub al-Khali.

The climate is hot and dry inland and hot and humid along the coast. Summer temperatures in the capital Muscat and other coastal areas often rise to 43°, with high humidity; winters are mild, with lows around 17°.

Due to the low rainfall, vegetation is sparse, except where there is irrigation, which is provided by an ancient system of water channels known as aflaj (singular : falaj ). The canals are often underground and originate in wells near the bases of the mountains.
Acacia trees form most of the little natural vegetation that exists and the soil is extremely rocky; plant species are protected in nature reserves. The government also protects rare animal species, such as the Arabian oryx, Arabian leopard, mountain goat and loggerhead turtle. Oman's birdlife is extraordinarily diverse and includes species such as the glossy ibis, Egyptian vulture, Barbary falcon and Socotra cormorant.

Cultural life.

Oman is a tribal society, although tribal influence is gradually diminishing. Its predominantly Muslim ibaḍi population observes social customs that, while still conservative by Western standards, are considerably less strict than those in neighbouring Saudi Arabia. Women in particular have enjoyed relatively more freedom in Oman than elsewhere in the Arabian Peninsula.

Mealtime is the focus of most social gatherings. The typical Omani meal consists of rice, spiced lamb or fish, dates and coffee or tea. Incense, especially frankincense, is burnt at the end of the meal.

Omani craftsmen are renowned for woodcarving, weaving, pottery, goldsmithing and the making of daggers and swords. Their handicrafts are among the many items that can be found in the souk, or market, of Muscat, a thriving centre of folk culture. The Ministry of National Heritage and Culture is responsible for preserving historic buildings, excavating archaeological sites and supporting traditional crafts such as weaving and silver and gold jewellery making. It also promotes Omani literature and has printed an encyclopedia of Omani heritage.

The Museum of Oman (founded in 1974), located outside Muscat, is the country's main cultural repository; it tells the history of the country and includes exhibitions on Islam. The history of the Omani military is the focus of the Armed Forces Museum (1988). Other institutions include the National Museum (1978), the Natural History Museum (1983), the Children's Museum (1990) and Bait Nadir, a converted 18th-century residence that now houses Omani art and traditional artifacts, including jewellery, silverware, pottery and woodcarvings. The Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra was formed in the late 1980s and has performed with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra; it is one of the few national orchestras in the Middle East.