Summary

Oman has been Islamic since the 7th century. In about 1507, the city of Muscat and its hinterland came under Portuguese control. The Portuguese maintained their control until 1650 when the Omanis revolted and extended their influence as far south as the island of Zanzibar, off the African coast. The country was under Persian control for a short time (1741-1749) and then in 1798, a treaty of friendship was signed with Great Britain though Oman retained its independence.

From 1932 to 1970 Oman was controlled by Sultan Said bin Taimur, a reclusive and repressive ruler whose policies finally resulted in revolt in Dhofar in 1965. In 1970 his son, the British-educated Qaboos bin Said overthrew him and embarked upon an ambitious modernization programme.