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Oman

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Oman is a country located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. Its official religion is Islam. It shares land borders with the United Arab Emirates to the northwest, Saudi Arabia to the west, and Yemen to the southwest, and shares marine borders with Iran and Pakistan. The coast is formed by the Arabian Sea on the southeast and the Gulf of Oman on the northeast. The Madha and Musandam exclaves are surrounded by the UAE on their land borders, with the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman forming Musandam's coastal boundaries. From the 17th century, the Omani Sultanate was a powerful empire, vying with Portugal and Britain for influence in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean. At its peak in the 19th century, Omani influence or control extended across the Strait of Hormuz to modern-day Iran and Pakistan, and as far south as Zanzibar. When its power declined in the 20th century, the sultanate came under the influence of the United Kingdom. For over 300 years, the relations built between the two empires were based on mutual benefits. The UK recognized Oman's geographical importance as a trading hub that secured their trading lanes in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean and protected their empire in the Indian sub-continent. Historically, Muscat was the principal trading port of the Persian Gulf region. Oman's official language is Arabic. The Omani economy is dominated by oil and gas resources, which generates about 60% of its revenue. The economy has been diversifying to include tourism and infrastructure, with Muscat seeing development in recent years. Oman is categorized as a high-income economy and ranks as the 70th most peaceful country in the world according to the Global Peace Index. The Sultanate is administratively divided into eleven governorates. Oman is known for its popular tourist attractions. Wadi Shab in Tiwi, Ash Sharqiyah region, is a popular wadi located 76 km from Muscat. The country has a number of different tourist attractions such as the historic town of Nizwa, Jabal Akhdar, Misfat al Abryeen, Ras al Jinz, the Musandam Peninsula, and the recently developed Jebel Sifah and Hawana Salalah. Oman is known for its cultural tourism, a blend of modernity and ancient Arab, Persian, Indian, African, Portuguese, and Ottoman cultures. This cultural blend is evident in Oman's varied architectural styles and diverse cuisine. The Omani people are known for their hospitality and offer a warm welcome to visitors.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Oman is considered moderate when compared to other countries in the region. Essentials such as housing, food, and transportation are reasonably priced, but some imported goods and services can be expensive.

Weather

Oman has a hot and dry climate with high temperatures in the summer months. The coastal areas are more humid, while the interior regions are arid and have desert conditions. Rainfall is scarce and mostly occurs during the winter months, with occasional heavy downpours that can cause flash floods.

Educational System Oman

The educational system in Oman is overseen by the Omani government, which provides free education to Omani citizens up to the tertiary level. Education is compulsory for children from the age of six to sixteen, which covers the first ten years of schooling. The system is divided into two main stages: basic education and post-basic education. Basic education consists of a 4-year cycle for ages 6-9 (grades 1-4), followed by a 6-year cycle for ages 10-15 (grades 5-10). Post-basic education is a 2-year cycle for ages 16-17 (grades 11-12) and prepares students for higher education or vocational training. Schools in Oman follow a modern curriculum that includes subjects like mathematics, sciences, languages, and social studies, with Arabic being the language of instruction and English taught as a second language. The academic year runs from September to June, with exams at the end of each term. Upon completion of grade 12, students take a national examination that determines their eligibility for higher education. The quality of education in Oman has been improving, with the government investing in educational reforms, teacher training, and infrastructure development. International schools are also available, offering various curricula such as American, British, or the International Baccalaureate, catering to expatriate families.

Healthcare in Oman

Oman's healthcare system includes both public and private sectors. The government provides free or low-cost healthcare to Omani nationals, and the quality of public healthcare is generally considered good, with significant investments in healthcare infrastructure and services. The private healthcare sector is growing, offering a higher standard of comfort and shorter waiting times, but at a higher cost. Expatriates and digital nomads typically need private health insurance to access private healthcare services. They can access public healthcare once they have a residency permit and are employed in Oman, as their employers are required to provide health insurance. However, many expats prefer private healthcare due to the higher quality of services and the availability of international medical staff.

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Living in Oman

Healthcare in Oman

Oman's healthcare system includes both public and private sectors. The government provides free or low-cost healthcare to Omani nationals, and the quality of public healthcare is generally considered good, with significant investments in healthcare infrastructure and services. The private healthcare sector is growing, offering a higher standard of comfort and shorter waiting times, but at a higher cost. Expatriates and digital nomads typically need private health insurance to access private healthcare services. They can access public healthcare once they have a residency permit and are employed in Oman, as their employers are required to provide health insurance. However, many expats prefer private healthcare due to the higher quality of services and the availability of international medical staff.

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