Oman
Isolated, the Sultanate of Oman reappears in the Seventies, with the Qabus Sultan. This country has a rich and varied history, which places it in margin compared to its neighbors.
Gateway of the strait of Ormuz, by which every day a great part of world oil is shipped, the Sultanate of Oman keeps the place which it occupied during millenia, that of crossroads between the Arab peninsula, Africa, and Asia. After a period of industrialization, Oman seeks today to rejoin its past, and to emphasize its inheritance. Enjoy this country by 4X4. Oman accomodates the visitors with pleasure.
Because agricultural land is limited by a low and unreliable rainfall, expansion of farm land is not possible.
Investment in agriculture is therefore crucial. Oman aims at food self-sufficiency by improving the efficiency of existing agricultural system and by developing underground water resources. Control of plant diseases, improvement of marketing and transport facilities, use of Hybrid varieties, selective use of fertilizers and mechanized equipment are some of the steps already taken.
In industrial investment, priority is given to cement factories. Refined oil products, fertilizers, chemicals, plastics 'and gas-liquefaction are common. Consumer-oriented industries including soft- drink bottling plants, flour mills, fish-processing establishments and textile-weaving firms are developed. Handicrafts are to cater to the tourists and export trade. Silver jewellery and its unique design fetch foreign exchange.
Roads are in good condition, and the main tracks as well. To drive, it is necessary to have an international licence. Hotels have rental car agencies. Speed is frequently controlled, and the fines expensive. Warning, as in all the countries of the gulf, there are many domestic animals roaming the roads. Service stations are everywhere, and the gasoline is cheap.
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