Government of Oman
Long Conventional Name
Sultanate of Oman
Short Conventional Name
Oman
Long Local Name
Saltanat Uman
Short Local Name
Uman
Government Type
Monarchy
Capital City
Muscat
Administrative Divisions
5 regions (manatiq, singular - mintaqat) and 4 governorates* (muhafazat, singular - muhafazat) Ad Dakhiliyah, Al Batinah, Al Buraymi*, Al Wusta, Ash Sharqiyah, Az Zahirah, Masqat*, Musandam*, Zufar (Dhofar)*
Independence Day
Monday, 8th January 2007
Constitutional History
None; note - on 6 November 1996, Sultan QABOOS issued a royal decree promulgating a basic law considered by the government to be a constitution which, among other things, clarifies the royal succession, provides for a prime minister, bars ministers from holding interests in companies doing business with the government, establishes a bicameral legislature, and guarantees basic civil liberties for Omani citizens
Legal System
Based on English common law and Islamic law; ultimate appeal to the monarch; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage
21 years of age; universal; note - members of the military and security forces are not allowed to vote
Executive Branch
Chief of State
Sultan and Prime Minister Qaboos bin Said al-Said (Sultan since 23 July 1970 and Prime Minister since 23 July 1972); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of government
Head of Government
Sultan and Prime Minister Qaboos bin Said al-Said (Sultan since 23 July 1970 and Prime Minister since 23 July 1972)
Cabinet
Cabinet appointed by the monarch.
Elections
Last held 4 October 2003 (next to be held in October 2007).
Legislative Branch
Bicameral Majlis Oman consists of Majlis al-Dawla (or upper chamber) (58 seats; members appointed by the monarch; has advisory powers only) and Majlis al-Shura (or lower chamber)(84 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms; body has some limited power to propose legislation, but otherwise has only advisory powers)
Judical Branch
Supreme Court. Note: the nascent civil court system, administered by region, has judges who practice secular and Shari'a law
Flag Description
Three horizontal bands of white, red, and green of equal width with a broad, vertical, red band on the hoist side; the national emblem (a khanjar dagger in its sheath superimposed on two crossed swords in scabbards) in white is centered near the top of the vertical band
