Politics of Oman takes place in a framework of an absolute monarchy whereby the Sultan of Oman is not only head of state, but also the head of government.
The total population of Oman is estimated to be 2,845,000 (2009 est.) The overall population density was only about 9 persons per sq km (about 20 per sq mi).
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.