Omani Arabs
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| (3 million people) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Oman: 2.15 million |
|
| Languages | |
| Omani Arabic (majority) · Standard Arabic · Mehri · Balochi · Swahili · Kumzari · Luwati · Persian · Urdu · Harsusi · Bathari · Dhofari Arabic · Shihhi Arabic | |
| Religion | |
|
Ibadi Islam (majority) Sunni and Shia (minority) |
Omanis (Arabic: الشعب العماني) are the nationals of Oman. Omanis have inhabited the territory that is now Oman for thousands of years. In the eighteenth century, an alliance of traders and rulers transformed Muscat (Oman's capital) into the leading port of the Persian Gulf. Omani people are ethnically diverse, the Omani citizen population consists of many different ethnic groups. The majority of the population consists of Arabs, with many of these Arabs being Swahili language speakers and returnees from the Swahili Coast, particularly Zanzibar. Additionally, there are ethnic Balochis, Lurs, Lawatis, Persians and Mehri.
Omani citizens make up the majority of Oman's total population. Over one and a half million other Omanis live in other areas of the Middle East and the Swahili Coast.
Most Omanis live in farming villages that are located in either the fertile valleys of Oman's mountainous interior, or along the eastern coast. Interior farmers grow dates, fruits, and grains, while coastal villagers either fish in the Gulf of Oman or work on date palm plantations. Village homes are usually made of concrete blocks, mud brick, or wood and palm thatch. In rural areas, men wear white robes, turbans, and knives in brightly colored sashes.
The Omanis live in modern family units. Their society is patriarchal, or male-dominated.
Most Omanis live in villages, cities and towns. Their lifestyle has a wider variety of occupations, stronger family ties and respected women rights. They are more concerned with hospitality than with property, wealth, and education. Most live in older whitewashed houses and are employed as officials, laborers, merchants, and sailors. An increasing number of them are also working in the petroleum industry. In 1970, Oman's new sultan introduced several developmental programs to help modernize the country. These included developing the oil industry; building new roads, hospitals and schools; and establishing adult literacy programs.
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