World Happiness Report for Oman 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Oman: na
- Happiness Score Oman:na
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Oman. OM.
Oman is a country located in the Middle East with a sultanate political structure.
- It is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional music and dance forms.
- Oman’s economy is largely dependent on oil and gas exports.
- Oman is home to the ancient city of Nizwa, known for its historic fort and traditional souq.
Oman – A Comprehensive Overview
Early History: The region that encompasses modern-day Oman has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the Stone Age. The area was home to various ancient civilizations, including the Magan civilization, which thrived during the Bronze Age and was known for its copper production and maritime trade.
Kingdoms and Empires: Throughout its history, Oman has been ruled by various kingdoms and empires, including the Azd dynasty, which established control in the 7th century AD, and the Nabhani dynasty, which ruled from the mid-17th century until the mid-20th century. During the 16th and 17th centuries, parts of Oman were under Portuguese colonial rule.
Colonial Period: Portugal established control over coastal areas of Oman in the early 16th century, primarily for strategic trade purposes. However, Portuguese rule was often challenged by local resistance and conflicts with the Ottoman Empire. By the mid-17th century, the Omanis had succeeded in expelling the Portuguese, marking the end of the colonial period.
Independence and Modern Era: Oman gained independence from Portugal in 1650 and has remained an independent nation since then. In 1970, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said took power and implemented significant reforms, modernizing the country and developing its infrastructure and economy. Oman has largely maintained political stability and avoided major conflicts in the modern era.
Current Political Situation: Oman is an absolute monarchy ruled by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, who succeeded Sultan Qaboos in 2020. The sultan serves as the head of state and prime minister, and the government is structured as a hereditary monarchy. Recent elections for the Consultative Assembly, the lower house of the bicameral parliament, were held in 2019.
International Relations: Oman maintains friendly relations with most countries and has positioned itself as a neutral mediator in regional conflicts. It has close ties with its Gulf Cooperation Council neighbors and is a member of the Arab League and the United Nations. Oman has avoided involvement in major international conflicts.
Human Development and Economy: Oman has a high-income economy primarily driven by its oil and gas exports. The government has focused on diversifying the economy, promoting sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, and logistics. Oman ranks highly on human development indicators, with good access to education and healthcare.
Cultural Highlights: Oman has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its Arab, Islamic, and ancient Omani traditions. Arabic is the official language, and Islam is the predominant religion. Notable cultural contributions include traditional Omani architecture, music, and the art of Khanjari (dagger-making).
Oman faces challenges such as economic diversification, youth unemployment, and sustainable development in the face of depleting oil reserves. However, the country’s political stability, strategic location, and efforts towards modernization present opportunities for continued growth and development.
Travel Tips for Oman
Best Times to Visit: The best times to visit Oman are during the cooler months of October to April, when temperatures are more manageable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions, such as dressing modestly when visiting religious sites or public places. Avoid public displays of affection and be mindful of cultural sensitivities during Ramadan.
Safety Precautions: Oman is generally a safe country, but it’s advisable to exercise caution, particularly in remote areas. Avoid restricted military zones and follow local laws and regulations.
Must-See Landmarks: Explore the historic forts and castles, such as Nizwa Fort and Bahla Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, and experience the natural beauty of the Wahiba Sands and Jebel Akhdar mountains.
Main facts
1. Location
Oman is a country located in the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and the Persian Gulf. It is situated in a strategically important position at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, neighboring Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
2. Map References
Oman is located in the Middle East region of Western Asia.
3. Area – Comparative
Oman has an area of approximately 309,500 square kilometers (119,500 square miles), making it slightly smaller than the state of Kansas in the United States.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Oman has a total land boundary length of 1,749 kilometers (1,087 miles), bordering the following countries:
- Saudi Arabia: 676 km (420 mi)
- United Arab Emirates: 609 km (378 mi)
- Yemen: 288 km (179 mi)
5. Coastline
Oman has a total coastline of 2,092 kilometers (1,300 miles), stretching along the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and the Persian Gulf.
6. Maritime Claims
Oman claims the following maritime zones:
- Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
- Contiguous zone: 24 nautical miles
- Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
7. Climate
Oman has a hot, dry desert climate, with hot, humid conditions along the coastal areas. The interior regions experience hot and arid conditions, with cooler temperatures in the mountainous areas.
8. Terrain
Oman’s terrain is varied, with central desert plains, rugged mountains in the north and south, and a narrow coastal plain along the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. The Hajar Mountains and the Qara Mountains are the major mountain ranges.
9. Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Oman is Jabal Shams (3,028 meters or 9,932 feet), located in the Hajar Mountains. The lowest point is the Arabian Sea (0 meters).
10. Natural Resources
Oman’s major natural resources include petroleum, copper, asbestos, marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum, and natural gas.
11. Major Bodies of Water
The major water bodies in Oman include the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and the Wadi Hadhramaut (a seasonal river system).
12. Natural Hazards
The natural hazards in Oman include cyclones, earthquakes, and periodic droughts.
13. Geography – Notes
Oman’s strategic location at the mouth of the Persian Gulf has given it significant maritime importance throughout history. The country’s diverse landscape, ranging from desert to mountains and coastal areas, contributes to its unique natural environment and biodiversity.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 0.00%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 63,457. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 4.60%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 21.473532955.975413.
- Capital: The capital of Oman is Muscat
- Major Cities:
- Muscat: 1,200,000
- Seeb: 436,000
- Sohar: 327,000
- Salalah: 197,000
- Nizwa: 87,000
- Population: 5,266,535
- Area(Km2): 309501
- Population Density( P/Km²):16. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:968
- Official Language(s):Oman is Arabic (official) 87%, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects 11%, English, Swahili, and South Asian languages 2%.
- Currency: OMR
Main Economic Indicators
Oman’s economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas exports, which account for a significant portion of government revenue. The country has been working to diversify its economy by investing in non-oil sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, and logistics. However, the economy remains vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. Key economic challenges include high unemployment rates, particularly among the youth population, and the need to create job opportunities in the private sector.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2021: 1.6%
2020: -0.9%
Source: Central Bank of Oman
Credit Ratings
Fitch: BB+
Moody’s: Ba3
Standard & Poor’s: BB-
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 1.4%
Industry: 41.5%
Services: 57.1%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Dates, limes, alfalfa, mangoes, milk
Industrial Products: Petroleum, chemicals, copper, gold, metals, fish processing
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 2.059 million (2021 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 122nd
Current Account Balance
2021: $5.75 billion
2020: -$5.19 billion
Comparative Ranking: 25th
Exports and Imports
Exports: $35.9 billion (2021 est.)
Key Export Partners: China, UAE, India, South Korea, Qatar
Main Exports: Petroleum, natural gas, re-exports, fish
Imports: $25.6 billion (2021 est.)
Key Import Partners: UAE, China, India, United States, Japan
Main Imports: Machinery, transportation equipment, manufactured goods, food, livestock, lubricants
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $19.5 billion (2021 est.)
Gold Reserves: 5.95 million ounces (2021 est.)
- GDP (Current US$):$76,983,094,928. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 2.50%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 27.40%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.45. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $4.33. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 2.67%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
National Identity
Noun: Omani(s)
Adjective: Omani
Ethnic Groups
- Arab (Omani Arab, Zanzibari Arab, and other Arab ethnic groups) – 88.5%
- Baloch – 6.7%
- South Asian (Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, and others) – 3.8%
- African – 0.5%
- Others – 0.5%
Religions
- Muslim (Ibadhi Muslim and Sunni Muslim) – 85.9%
- Christian – 6.5%
- Hindu – 5.5%
- Buddhist – 0.8%
- Others – 1.3%
Age Structure
- 0-14 years – 23.1%
- 15-64 years – 73.2%
- 65 years and over – 3.7%
Dependency Ratios
Total Dependency Ratio: 37.2%
Youth Dependency Ratio: 30.3%
Elderly Dependency Ratio: 6.9%
Median Age
Total: 30.8 years
Male: 32.1 years
Female: 29.4 years
Lifestyle Indicators
- Obesity Rate: 27.6% of the adult population
- Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol is prohibited in Oman due to religious and cultural reasons.
- Tobacco Use: Approximately 7.9% of the adult population smoke tobacco products.
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 77.6. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 94.8%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:19.19. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:4. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 2.89. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 82.2%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 4,250,777. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):6.40%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
The military of Oman consists of the following main branches: Royal Army of Oman, Royal Air Force of Oman, Royal Navy of Oman, and Royal Oman Police. Notable specialized units include the Omani Royal Guard, Omani Special Forces, and the Royal Oman Police Coast Guard.
The Royal Oman Police maintains internal security and handles law enforcement, investigative services, and border and coastal protection duties.
Military Expenditures
Oman’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2022: 8.6%
- 2021: 8.3%
- 2020: 9.5%
- 2019: 8.8%
- 2018: 9.2%
Oman ranks 15th globally in terms of military expenditure as a percentage of GDP.
Personnel Strengths
Oman has a total active-duty military personnel strength of around 42,000, with the following breakdown:
- Royal Army of Oman: 25,000
- Royal Air Force of Oman: 5,000
- Royal Navy of Oman: 4,200
Other security services include the Royal Oman Police (around 20,000 personnel).
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Oman’s military hardware inventory includes:
- Main battle tanks: M60A3, Challenger 2
- Armored personnel carriers: Piranha, BMP-3, LAV-25
- Artillery: G5 howitzers, M109 self-propelled howitzers
- Combat aircraft: F-16 Fighting Falcons, Eurofighter Typhoons, Hawk jet trainers
- Naval assets: Al-Shamikh-class guided-missile patrol boats, Khareef-class corvettes
Significant future acquisitions include the planned purchase of additional F-16 fighter jets and Typhoon aircraft.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Voluntary military service in Oman is open to Omani citizens aged 18-30. There is no mandatory military service requirement.
Military Deployments
Oman currently has a small contingent of troops deployed as part of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. It has also contributed personnel to various United Nations peacekeeping missions in the past.
Strategic Military Notes
Oman’s defense strategy focuses on protecting its territorial integrity, securing its maritime borders, and contributing to regional stability. The military plays a key role in defending Oman’s strategic location at the entrance to the Persian Gulf.
Oman maintains close military cooperation with the United States, United Kingdom, and other Western nations. It is also a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and participates in joint military exercises with other GCC states.
- Armed Forces Size: 42000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 2
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 72.40%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.