proper noun

• A country at the eastern corner of the Arabian peninsula; population 4,500,000 (estimated 2015); capital, Muscat; language, Arabic (official).

  An independent sultanate known as Muscat and Oman until 1970, Oman was the most influential power in the region during the 19th century; it controlled Zanzibar and other territory. Since the late 19th century, it has had strong links with Britain. The economy is dependent on oil, discovered in 1964