Oman The small country of Oman occupies a strategic position across the Strait of Hormuz, through which most of the world s oil supplies travel, from Iran. At the time of the coup, the country was involved in suppressing a Communist-led rebellion in the Dhofar region, and only settled its border dispute with neighboring Yemen in 1997. The country has pursued a slow and purposeful development program since 1971. The focus continues to be on sustainable development projects that will gradually reduce the country s reliance on income from the petroleum sector.
Trade plays a key role in the government s plans.
The number of business visitors to the country increased dramatically during the 1990s, and tourist visas were granted for the first time in 1996. The country is becoming more involved in regional politics and business. Although the proposals had all been submitted by the July 1995 deadline, the contract award decision was held up while the Ministers of PTT and Information discussed which of them should sponsor the Internet project. The PTT minister finally gained control of the Internet with the argument that the Internet was simply another telecommunications service. The contract to establish an ISP site for the GTO was awarded to Sprint International in July 1996.