Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Richard Lewis BALTIMORE III
embassy: Jameat A'Duwal Al Arabiya Street, Al Khuwair area, Muscat
mailing address: P. O. Box 202, P.C. 115, Madinat Al-Sultan Qaboos,
Muscat
telephone: [968] 698989, extension 203
FAX: [968] 699771
Flag description:
three horizontal bands of white, red, and green of equal width with
a broad, vertical, red band on the hoist side; the national emblem
(a khanjar dagger in its sheath superimposed on two crossed swords
in scabbards) in white is centered near the top of the vertical band
Economy Oman
Economy - overview:
Oman's economic performance improved significantly in 2000 due
largely to the upturn in oil prices. The government is moving ahead
with privatization of its utilities, the development of a body of
commercial law to facilitate foreign investment, and increased
budgetary outlays. Oman continues to liberalize its markets and
joined the World Trade Organization (WTrO) in November 2000. GDP
growth improved in 2001 despite the global slowdown and then fell
back to 2.2% in 2002. In order to reduce unemployment, the
government is trying to replace expatriate workers with local
workers. Another government objective is the development of the
nation's gas resources.
GDP:
purchasing power parity - $22.4 billion (2002 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
2.2% (2002 est.)
GDP - per capita:
purchasing power parity - $8,300 (2002 est.)
GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 3%
industry: 55%
services: 42% (2001 est.)
Population below poverty line:
NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%