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Muscat, the capital city of the Sultanate of Oman, is the largest city with a
population of six lacs as per the census of 2005. The city located at the edge
of the Arabian peninsula is remarkably green with the main streets lined by trees
and traffic circles decorated by beautiful flowers that make the so called desert
a green valley.
History of Muscat: Muscat is one of the oldest cities in the Middle East finding
its origin in the second century AD. It was situated very close to the main
trading center near the Dhofar region. Vasco da gama the first of the foreigners
who landed in Oman during his voyage to India. The Portuguese, however, stepped
in to take a control over Muscat in 1507 only to be driven out in 1649 by Imam
Sultan Bin Saif. However the Persians took over the control in 1737 due to the
internal strife that had weakened them.
Muscat which is located at the edge of the Arabian Peninsula comprises of three
major towns - Muscat, Matruh and Ruwi. However, the distance between these towns
are pretty long. There is plenty of things to do and see in and around Muscat.
The Population of Muscat presents a mixed one comprising of Arabs, the Banians
from Western India, Beloochees from Makran, Abyssinians, Somali, Nubians and
Persians.
There is plenty on offer for Tourism in Muscat as such a considerably large
number of tourists from different countries of the world visit the place. There
is large number Attractions in Muscat which is an oasis for the tourists in
the desert hence tourism is one of the main source of revenue to a country with
a healthy economy. The politics centers around the Sultan, who has given Oman
with its first written constitution with a clear division of powers. The sultan
is assisted by a cabinet that consists of 26 members appointed by Sultan Qaboos
who is the reigning monarch. It is more like a monarchial democracy.
Arabic is the most widely spoken Language of Muscat and is also the official
language. Since the place is inhabited by a mixed group of people English is
used as a common language of communication. Travelers in Muscat must be aware
that the currency of Oman is the Omani Rial.
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