OMAN

Sultanate of Oman Saltanat ‘Uman CAPITAL: Muscat (Masqat) FLAG: The flag is red with a broad stripe of white at the upper fly and green at the lower fly. In the upper left corner, white crossed swords overlay a ceremonial dagger. ANTHEM: Nashid as-Salaam as-Sutani (Sultan’s National Anthem). MONETARY UNIT: The Omani riyal (RO), established in November 1972, is a paper currency of 1,000 baizas. There are coins of 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, and 500 baizas, and notes of 100, 250, and 500 baizas (the last two being replaced by coins) and 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 riyals. RO1 = $2.60417 (or $1 = RO0.384) as of January 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system was adopted on 15 November 1974. The imperial and local system also are used. HOLIDAYS: Accession of the Sultan, 23 July; National Day, 18 November; Sultan’s Birthday, 19 November. Movable Muslim religious holidays include ‘Id al-Fitr, ‘Id al-‘Adha’, and Milad an-Nabi. TIME: 4 PM = noon GMT. Solar time also is observed.