Adopted in 1970
| Capital | Muscat |
|---|---|
| Population | 5 281 538 inh. |
| Area | 309 500 km² |
| Population density | 17.1 inh./km² |
| Local time | --:-- |
| Language(s) | Arabic |
| Political system | Unitary parliamentary absolute monarchy |
| National anthem | Nashid as-Salaam as-Sultani (Sultanic Salutation) |
| Currency | Omani rial (OMR) |
| Land borders | United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Yemen |
| Maritime borders | Gulf of Oman, Indian Ocean |
The flag: history and symbolism
Flag History
Until 1970, the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman used a plain red flag. Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who came to power in July 1970, adopted a new flag for the Sultanate of Oman on 17 December 1970.
The flag consists of a vertical red band at the hoist, bearing the national emblem, and three horizontal stripes, white, red and green.
The proportions of the stripes were changed in 1995, giving the flag its current form.
Meaning of Colours & Emblems
The elements of the Omani flag have a traditional meaning:
- White: peace and prosperity, as well as the imam, the religious authority.
- Red: the battles fought against invaders; it was also the colour of the sultanate's former flag.
- Green: the fertility of the land, and the Jebel Akhdar, the ‘Green Mountain’.
- Emblem: a traditional curved dagger (khanjar) over two crossed swords.
Anecdotes & Fun Facts
The khanjar, a dagger with a curved blade, is still worn at the belt on ceremonial occasions by many Omanis, and also appears on the country's banknotes.
The national day, long celebrated on 18 November, the birthday of Sultan Qaboos, who reigned from 1970 to 2020, was moved to 20 November after his death.
Flags of Neighbouring Countries
Sport and history
National teams
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Oman?
Muscat is the capital of Oman.
What do the colours of the flag of Oman mean?
The elements of the Omani flag have a traditional meaning: White: peace and prosperity, as well as the imam, the religious authority. Red: the battles fought against invaders; it was also the colour of the sultanate's former flag. Green: the fertility of the land, and the Jebel Akhdar, the ‘Green Mountain’. Emblem: a traditional curved dagger (khanjar) over two crossed swords.
Which countries border Oman?
Oman shares land borders with: United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Yemen.