Human Development and Its Geographical Variation in Sultanate of Oman

According to International Human Development Report (published by UNDP in 2005), Oman ranks as 71 out of 177 countries in the world, which means that Oman is in a good position at a medium human development category.  

This study aims at tracing some of the recent changes in the Omani society and illustrating the impact of Omani resources on the all processes of human development in Oman. It also attempts to observe the development of the main indicators of human development in Oman. Moreover, it stresses the important role of woman on human development in Oman. Furthermore, it tries to show the geographical variations of human development (indicators & index) among Omani regions. 

The study depends on quantitative methods to realize its goals, using the estimations of population before 1993 and population & housing censuses (1993 & 2003). The statistical bulletins issued by different Omani ministries, the human development reports issued by UNDP, and the first Omani human development report (2003) have been also used. The data were managed, analysed, and presented by some statistical and GIS programs.

The most important findings of the study are: Firstly, Omani resources (especially oil and gas) have played an important role in the Omani human development process. Secondly, the standard of living has remarkably improved, which is reflected in the increase in private ownership and consumption rates by the Omani people. Thirdly, crude death and infant mortality rates have notably decreased, which leads to increase in life expectancy (longevity). Fourthly, illiteracy rate has massively decreased in a short time. Fifthly, woman_s position in the Omani society has greatly improved as compared to the period before the 1970s. Lastly, there are some geographical variations in the process of human development (indicators & index) among Omani regions.

Finally, the study recommends the following: First: It is necessary to make a balance between horizontal and vertical aspects of development in all sectors of the Omani society (education, for instance) in order to improve skills. Second: It is advisable to expand the market capability in order to enable it to absorb unemployed Omani people. Third: Development projects have to be equally distributed in order to minimize differences among Omani regions. Last: It is necessary to enlighten the Omani people on the culture of national development as a means of developing resources.