Oman
Asia · Western Asia
The quiet Gulf state: low crime, stable, less expat-saturated than the UAE.
Retiree
Ideal destination
At a Glance
📈Oman's Human Development Index
0.819
Very High human development#58 of 191 countries worldwide, #12 of 43 in Asia.
Higher than 70% of countries with data. UNDP Human Development Report.
UNDP builds the index from three dimensions: a long and healthy life, being knowledgeable, and a decent standard of living. They are measured by life expectancy at birth, mean and expected years of schooling, and gross national income per capita.
Closest indicators in this dataset
World Bank, own vintages. UNDP’s own component values are not carried here, so these are related measures rather than the index inputs.
Nearest countries by HDI
Full HDI ranking, all 191 countries →Oman
Oman is an Arabian Peninsula country of unexpected natural beauty, from the dramatic limestone canyons and mountain villages of the Hajar range to the pristine sandy desert of the Wahiba Sands and a frankincense-scented coastline. The culture is deeply rooted in an ancient Arab and maritime trading tradition, and Omanis are known for a hospitality that is warm without being overwhelming. It is one of the most welcoming and safe destinations in the Middle East and consistently surprises those who arrive with preconceptions.
- UN report identified it as the most improved country for quality of life over 40 years.
- Frankincense has been traded here for 5,000 years — Oman still supplies most of the world's supply.
- Has one of the most respected retirement visas in the Middle East.
Quick Facts
Capital
Muscat
Language
Arabic
Currency
ر.ع. OMR
Area
309,500 km²
Nomad Hub
Fixed Broadband
95Mbps
Mobile
170Mbps
GDP / Capita
$20K
PPP / Capita
$42K
Inflation
1.0%
Unemployment
3.3%
Innovation (GII)
28.7
GNI / Capita
$20K
FDI Inflows
11.6%
Education Spend
4.4%
Cost of Living
43.6
Price Level Index
43rd pct
20-Year Trend + IMF Forecast
Income & inflation over time
HDI since 2000
0.702 → 0.819 (+0.117)Year by year →UNDP Human Development Report, 2023-24 edition. 23 annual values, none interpolated; hover any point for its year.
Twenty years here
Year by year →The world report →World Bank observations, first to last available year per indicator (roughly 2005–2024; each series has its own window).
Thinking about Oman for real?
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💬Quick answers
What is Oman's Human Development Index?
Oman's Human Development Index is 0.819 (UNDP Human Development Report), ranked #58 of 191 countries.
Is Oman safe?
Oman scores 1.85 on the Global Peace Index (lower is more peaceful), ranked #59 of 160 countries by the Institute for Economics & Peace. That measures national-level peace, not street crime; both are covered below.
How expensive is Oman?
Numbeo's cost-of-living index puts Oman at 43.6 (New York = 100); that is #80 cheapest of 143 countries with data.
What is life expectancy in Oman?
Life expectancy at birth in Oman is 80.2 yrs (World Bank), ranked #40 of 195 countries.
What is the quality of life in Oman?
Numbeo's quality-of-life index scores Oman at 207.6, ranked #4 of 87 countries with data. It composites purchasing power, safety, healthcare, cost of living, commute and pollution from resident surveys, so it reflects what residents report rather than what an economy produces.