Perhaps the most distinctive local drink is traditional coffee (gahwa) – although this doesn’t bear much resemblance to European coffee.
Officially name: Sultanate of Oman
Capital: Muscat
Largest city: Muscat
Official language: Arabic
Government: Islamic absolute monarchy
Salalah is the capital of the southern region. It is a city set amongst coconut groves and banana plantations, sprawled along sandy beaches that run the length of its plain. The lush vegetation makes Salalah seem almost tropical.