Oman has historically been an important trade hub for frankincense and myrrh. In the 20th century, it gained geopolitical significance due to its oil production and strategic location along the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large portion of global oil shipments pass. The country experienced periods of isolation and declining influence after the death of certain sultans. Currently, Sultan Qabus bin Said al Said rules as both the head of state and government. Oman maintains strong alliance relationships with both the United Kingdom and United States through historical friendship treaties.

1. OMANKayley Orcutt

2. Historical InfoMerchants from Oman did have a near monopoly on the trade in franklincense and myrrh. Oman has built, shallow draught, broad-beamed ships called dhows crisscrossed the Indian Ocean, trading with India and the Far East.During the twentieth century, Oman became important to the outside world for primary reasons. One, was because it began producing oil in the 1960’s. Two, was because it has strategic location on the Straight of Hormuz, and the passageway for supertankers carrying Middle Eastern oil to the industrialized nations. Then 80% of Japan’s oil needs passes through Hormuz, as does 60% of Western Europe.After Said’s death, a number of ethnic, tribal, and religious differences re-asserted themselves, and Oman had lost its importance in regional affairs. So its territory was again restricted to its small corner of southeastern Arabia.

3. PeopleGovernment LeadersIbadi Imams. He ruled interior Oman with the support of family shaykhs until the eighteenth century.Sultan and Prime Minister Qabusibn Said Al Said is both head of state and head of government.Ahmad ibn Said. He defeated an Iranian invasion and established his authority over most of Oman. For most of the period, Oman had two rulers: a sultan ruling in Muscat and an Imam ruling in the interior.Andrew Jackson’s presidency has made Oman a natural partner in U.S efforts to promote stability in the Gulf Region.

4. Problems and Issues.In 1996 Qabus issued a Basic Law that provides for an appointed Council of State and a Majis al-Shura, also appointed. This may draft legislation on social issues for his approval. If approved, the draft then becomes law. Unlike in other Gulf States, most Omani women are educated, and many play an active part in national life. For the rest of the 1800’s and most of the 1900’s, Oman had sank back into isolation, and was forgotten by the world. Only Britain paid the Omanis attention, giving the sultan a small subsidy in event that Oman might be some future use.

5. Allies:The sultan signed a treaty with the British and it stated that the friendship between the two states shall remain unshookto the end of time.Relationship between the United States:The sultan also signed a friendship treaty with the United States in 1833; in 1836 to the surprise of New York Port authorities, and Omani ship docked in New York Harbor. That’s when the captain said that the Sultan had sent him to get to know Americans who he had heard much about and he wanted to arrange trade contracts.