Oman occupies the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula and is located between latitudes 16° 40' and 26° 20' North and Longitudes 51° 50' and 59° 40' East. Oman's coastline extends 1,700 kms from the Strait of Hormuz in the north, to the borders of the Republic of Yemen in the south and overlooks three seas - the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

Oman borders Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in the West; the Republic of Yemen in the South; the Strait of Hormuz in the North and the Arabian Sea in the East. The total land area of Oman is approximately 309,500km2 and it is the third largest country in the Arabian Peninsula.

Topography

an has a variety of topographical features consisting of plains, wadis and mountains. The most important area is the coastal plain, which represents about 3% of the total land area. The mountain ranges occupy about 15%. The Hajar range runs from Musandam in the North to Ras al-Hadd, the extreme limit of the Arabian Peninsula. In the South, the Qara range attracts the monsoon, which brings unique weather conditions and creates a special environment in Dhofar. The remaining area, which occupies 82% of the country, is mainly sand and gravel desert and includes part of the Empty Quarter.

Climate

The climate differs from one area to another. It is hot and humid in the coastal areas in summer; while it is hot and dry in the Interior with the exception of the higher mountains, which enjoy a moderate climate throughout the year. Rainfall is generally light and irregular; although heavy rain and thunderstorms can cause severe flooding. In the south, the Dhofar region, a moderate climate and a pattern of rainfall is more predictable with heavy monsoon rains occurring regularly between May and September thus transforming this part of Arabia into an oasis of green slopes and mountains peaks that are covered with clouds.