The Sultanate of Oman.

The Sultanate of Oman is located in the southeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, a region that the Romans called Arabia Deserta as opposed to Arabia Felix, the happy and green Arabia of Dhofar, on the borders of Yemen .

Oman is divided into two climate zones: the north and east have a Mediterranean climate, while the south and west benefit from a tropical influence with the arrival of the monsoon tails from June to September. The centre of the country has a desert climate. It's hot all year round with a monthly average of more than 25°C. There are only 2 seasons: summer (March to October) and winter (from November to February).

In mountainous regions the average annual rainfall is 300 mm. Daytime temperatures drop a few degrees and especially at night it can get cold. The rainiest months are November for Muscat and its surroundings and August/September for Salalah (Dhofar region).

The flora of Oman: given the extreme conditions of drought and the considerable temperature variations, the plant species are all very resistant. The "rain plants" are buried in the ground and take advantage of the slightest drizzle to grow. They are the ones to turn the desert green. The succulents and thorny plants, the plants that do not need any rain, are able to survive above ground all year round.

Cultural life.

Oman is a tribal society, although tribal influence is gradually diminishing. Its predominantly Muslim ibaḍi population observes social customs that, while still conservative by Western standards, are considerably less strict than those in neighbouring Saudi Arabia. Women in particular have enjoyed relatively more freedom in Oman than elsewhere in the Arabian Peninsula.

Mealtime is the focus of most social gatherings. The typical Omani meal consists of rice, spiced lamb or fish, dates and coffee or tea. Incense, especially frankincense, is burnt at the end of the meal.

Omani craftsmen are renowned for woodcarving, weaving, pottery, goldsmithing and the making of daggers and swords. Their handicrafts are among the many items that can be found in the souk, or market, of Muscat, a thriving centre of folk culture. The Ministry of National Heritage and Culture is responsible for preserving historic buildings, excavating archaeological sites and supporting traditional crafts such as weaving and silver and gold jewellery making. It also promotes Omani literature and has printed an encyclopedia of Omani heritage.

The Museum of Oman (founded in 1974), located outside Muscat, is the country's main cultural repository; it tells the history of the country and includes exhibitions on Islam. The history of the Omani military is the focus of the Armed Forces Museum (1988). Other institutions include the National Museum (1978), the Natural History Museum (1983), the Children's Museum (1990) and Bait Nadir, a converted 18th-century residence that now houses Omani art and traditional artifacts, including jewellery, silverware, pottery and woodcarvings. The Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra was formed in the late 1980s and has performed with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra; it is one of the few national orchestras in the Middle East.