World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Oman
| Publisher | Minority Rights Group International |
| Publication Date | 2007 |
| Cite as | Minority Rights Group International, World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Oman, 2007, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4954ce3a22.html [accessed 18 May 2023] |
| Comments | In October 2015, MRG revised its World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples. For the most part, overview texts were not themselves updated, but the previous 'Current state of minorities and indigenous peoples' rubric was replaced throughout with links to the relevant minority-specific reports, and a 'Resources' section was added. Refworld entries have been updated accordingly. |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Environment
Oman borders the Arabian/Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea and lies between the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Its location next to the Gulf of Hormuz is critical to its strategic importance. Oman is heavily dependent on its oil income, amounting to 90% of its exports.
History
Inhabited and invaded for centuries, Oman was part of the Persian Empire, a Portuguese colony, Ottoman Empire and a British Protectorate. The present ruler, Sultan Qaboos, has ruled since 1970. He took over from his father, who had staunchly limited development in the country, and began the period of modernisation in Oman while at the same time garnering legitimacy for the state, which had been embroiled in civil war under his father, pitting the interior and the south against the coastal and capital area. The fighting was finally ended in 1975.
Peoples
Main languages: Arabic, English, Baluchi, Swahili, Urdu
Main religions: Muslim - with about 75% of these following the Ibadi sect, and 25% Sunni (especially in the Dhofar Governorate) (CIA WorldFactbook, 2007). There is a small Shii presence, while Hindus (non-nationals) make up 13% of the total population (www.atlapedia.com)
Main minority groups among nationals: Sunnis (especially concentrated in the Dhofar Governorate)
The population of Oman is just over 3 million, half a million of whom are non-nationals (FAO, 2005) predominantly Indian, Pakistani, Egyptian, Jordanian, Filipino. The percentage of non-nationals is much less than other Gulf States. The government continues to encourage a reduction in the dependency on migrant workers in order to reduce unemployment.
The majority of the national population of Oman are Ibadi Muslims. Oman is the only country in the world where this Muslim school dominates, with other populations of Ibadis residing in Libya, Algeria, Tunisia and Zanzibar. Ibadi Islam was founded within decades of the death of Prophet Muhammad. Ibadi practice differs in terms of prayer, and the successorship after the Prophet Muhammad.
Governance
Oman is ruled by a hereditary monarchy. Sultan Qaboos has ruled the country as monarch since 1970 and also serves as the Prime Minister. He appoints his cabinet and the upper chamber. The lower chamber (Majlis al-Shura) is currently chosen by universal suffrage every four years. Yet both chambers have advisory powers only, although on some issues the lower chamber can question ministers. Political parties are prohibited.
Ibadi Islam traditionally believed in the rule of Imams, and this led to rebellions and revolts between factions believing in the rule of differing Imams. The last Imam to unite the whole of Oman, however, ruled until 1783. The titles of Imam and Sultan came to be distinguished in the mid-eighteenth century, partitioning therefore religious from political power. However, this led to years of tension between Muscat (the coastal areas) and the rest of Oman (the interior) in the early years of the twentieth century, requiring British intervention to re-establish the rule of Sultan Taymur, the father of Sultan Qaboos. Leftist forces from the south in Dhofar later also challenged central rule, and Oman was only unified in 1975.
Minorities
None listed.
Resources
None listed.
