Oman civics quiz: questions and answers
All 15 general civics quiz questions about Oman with answers and explanations, grouped by topic. This is a learning quiz, not an official exam. Select a question to see the answer.
Government and law 5 questions
The Sultan, the Council of Oman and the Basic Statute of the State.
Practise only: Government and law →
What is the capital of Oman?
Muscat
Muscat, on the Gulf of Oman coast, is the capital and seat of government.
What is the title of Oman’s head of state?
Sultan
Oman is a sultanate, and the Sultan is both head of state and head of government.
What are the two chambers of the Council of Oman?
The State Council and the Shura Council
The Council of Oman is made up of the appointed State Council and the elected Shura Council.
In which year was Oman’s first Basic Statute of the State issued?
1996
The Basic Statute of the State, Oman's first constitutional document, was issued by Royal Decree in 1996.
Which dynasty has ruled Oman since the 18th century?
Al Said (Al Busaidi)
The Al Busaidi dynasty, whose ruling branch is known as Al Said, has ruled Oman since the 1740s.
History 5 questions
The frankincense trade, the expulsion of the Portuguese, Zanzibar and the 1970 Renaissance.
In which year did Sultan Qaboos bin Said begin his reign?
1970
Sultan Qaboos came to power in 1970 and began a period of modernisation known as the Renaissance.
What was Oman’s official name before 1970?
The Sultanate of Muscat and Oman
The country was known as the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman until it was renamed the Sultanate of Oman in 1970.
Which European power was expelled from Muscat in 1650?
Portugal
The Portuguese had held Muscat since the early 16th century and were driven out in 1650 under the Ya'ruba imams.
Which East African island was once ruled by the Omani sultans?
Zanzibar
Zanzibar was part of the Omani realm, and Sultan Said bin Sultan made it his main residence in the 19th century.
Which aromatic resin made southern Oman famous in ancient trade?
Frankincense
Dhofar in southern Oman was a major source of frankincense, and the Land of Frankincense sites are listed by UNESCO.
Geography, culture and symbols 5 questions
The flag, the rial, the Hajar Mountains, Musandam and UNESCO-listed Bahla Fort.
Practise only: Geography, culture and symbols →
Which colours appear on Oman’s flag?
Red, white and green
Oman's flag has white and green stripes and a red band, with the national emblem in the upper hoist corner.
What is the currency of Oman?
The Omani rial
The Omani rial is the national currency.
What is the highest mountain in Oman?
Jebel Shams
Jebel Shams, in the Al Hajar Mountains, is Oman's highest peak at around 3,000 metres.
Which Omani exclave overlooks the Strait of Hormuz?
Musandam
The Musandam Peninsula is separated from the rest of Oman by UAE territory and lies on the Strait of Hormuz.
Which fort was Oman’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Bahla Fort
Bahla Fort, a large mud-brick fortress in an oasis town, was inscribed by UNESCO in 1987.
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