People and Society of Oman

Nationality

Omani(s)

Ethnic Groups

Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi), African

Population

4,644,384

Population in Major Urban Areas

MUSCAT (capital) 743,000

There are a number of modern medical facilities in Oman. Local medical treatment varies from quite good to inadequate, depending in large part on location. Many Western pharmaceuticals can be found in Oman. Hospital emergency treatment is available. Doctors and hospitals often expect cash payment for health services.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in Oman has risen dramatically over the past several decades, reflecting the country's substantial investments in healthcare infrastructure, public health programs, and overall economic development. As of the most recent estimates, the average life expectancy at birth in Oman stands at approximately 78 to 79 years overall, with women typically living slightly longer than men — around 80 years for females compared to roughly 77 years for males. This represents a remarkable transformation. In the early 1970s, before the modern development era initiated under Sultan Qaboos bin Said, life expectancy in Oman was estimated to be as low as 49 to 50 years. The rapid improvements since then are attributable to several key factors, including the expansion of a nationwide network of hospitals and primary healthcare centers, improved access to clean water and sanitation, reductions in infant and child mortality rates, and successful vaccination and disease prevention campaigns. Oman's Ministry of Health has played a central role in this progress, establishing healthcare facilities across both urban centers such as Muscat and Salalah and more remote interior and coastal regions. The country operates a largely government-funded healthcare system that provides services to Omani nationals at low or no cost. Maternal and neonatal health programs have also contributed significantly to longevity gains, helping to reduce complications during childbirth that historically weighed heavily on life expectancy figures. Non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity-related conditions have become increasingly prevalent as Oman has modernized, presenting ongoing public health challenges that the government is actively addressing through awareness campaigns, dietary guidance, and lifestyle initiatives. Road traffic accidents also remain a notable concern affecting mortality statistics in the country. Compared to regional neighbors, Oman's life expectancy figures are competitive and reflect a well-developed national health system for a country that began its modern development journey only in the 1970s. The government's continued investment in healthcare capacity, preventive medicine, and Vision 2040 health sector goals suggests that life expectancy in Oman is likely to continue its upward trend in the coming decades.

Infant Mortality Rate

Oman has made remarkable strides in reducing infant mortality over the past several decades, transforming from a country with very high rates in the 1970s to one of the stronger performers in the Middle East and North Africa region. As of the most recent available data, Oman's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 9 to 10 deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure that reflects sustained investment in public health infrastructure and maternal and child health services. In the early 1970s, before the modernization efforts initiated under Sultan Qaboos bin Said, infant mortality in Oman was estimated at well over 100 deaths per 1,000 live births. The dramatic decline since then is attributed to the rapid expansion of healthcare facilities, increased access to skilled birth attendants, improved nutrition programs, widespread immunization campaigns, and greater educational opportunities for women. The Omani government has prioritized mother and child health through its national health strategy, establishing a network of primary health care centers across urban and rural areas alike. These centers provide prenatal care, postnatal support, and vaccination services that directly contribute to keeping infant mortality low. Immunization coverage for major childhood diseases such as measles, polio, and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis remains consistently high, typically above 95 percent nationally. UNICEF data also highlights that Oman has met or approached several targets related to child survival, and the country ranks favorably compared to regional neighbors. Nonetheless, some disparities between rural and urban areas persist, and health authorities continue to focus on ensuring equitable access to quality care across all governorates. The neonatal component — deaths occurring within the first 28 days of life — accounts for a significant share of remaining infant deaths, a pattern common across countries that have already reduced post-neonatal mortality through vaccination and disease prevention. Efforts to improve obstetric care, neonatal intensive care capacity, and management of premature births are central to pushing the rate even lower in coming years.

• Ibadhi Muslim75.0%
• Sunni Muslim, Shia Muslim, Hindu15.0%

Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects

• Arabic
• Urdu

• Sultan QABOOS

  Government Leader

Crime Information

The incidence of street crime is low in Oman; violent crime is rare by U.S. standards, but can occur. Crimes of opportunity remain the most likely to affect visitors. Visitors to Oman should, therefore, take normal precautions, such as avoiding travel in deserted or unfamiliar areas and after dark. Visitors should also protect personal property from theft. In particular, valuables and currency should not be left unsecured in hotel rooms. Common sense and caution are always the best methods for crime prevention. Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Oman, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States. You can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Oman, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go. Persons violating Oman's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Oman are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Oman prohibits pornographic materials and firearms. Local law limits each traveler to two bottles of alcohol. Items subject to confiscation at the airport due to content considered culturally inappropriate include, but are not limited to, compact discs, digital video discs, and video and audiocassettes. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender travelers should review the LGBT Travel Information page. While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that Omani police and prison officials notify the U.S. Embassy as soon as you are arrested or detained.