capital Muscat recorded a population of 630,000 inhabitants in 2003. Other cities: NIZW, Sur, Sodhi, Marrnul, Suhar, Salalah, Mahdah. Ethnic composition: Arab 88%, 3% Persian, Indian , Pakistani, black. Religions: Islam 86%, animism. Forts, the palaces, Saudi myths and legends still live in Oman. Desert forts guarded by soldiers dressed in