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Huge transformation seen in Oman's economic development [Times of Oman]
[July 21, 2014]

Huge transformation seen in Oman's economic development [Times of Oman]


(Times of Oman Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Muscat: The Renaissance Day which is celebrated on the July 23 each year is a very special occasion to every Omani. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said laid the foundations of the Renaissance on July 23, 1970. Since that day, Oman has made great achievements in all sectors, transferring the country into the ranks of developed nations. The developments achieved within the last 44 years are a source of pride for Oman and its people. The National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) issued a report revealing some of the Oman's accomplishments over the past 44 years.



The total area of the Sultanate is 309,500 square kilometres, while the total population has reached four million by the end of June 2014, compared with 2.6 million in 2006. The density of population has increased from 8.3 (person per square kilometre) in 2006 to 12.5 (person per square kilometre) in 2013. Although the government has focused on the development of all sectors, great attention was given to the education sector in order to develop human resources and to enhance the contribution of the citizens in the construction and development of the country and subsequently taking it into the ranks of developed nations.

The education sector has seen great change over the years; from just three schools in 1970, to 1,259 schools in 2006, it rose to 1,418 schools in 2009 and 1,553 schools in 2013. The total number of students at these schools also saw an increase from less than 1,000 student before 1970 to 626,474 students in 2006. This number witnessed an increase in 2009 to 629,353 students, and then to 660,973 students in 2013. The total number of teachers also increased from 44,055 in 2006, to 50,796 in 2009, and 64,990 teachers in 2013.


Additionally, health sector received special attention from the government as well, witnessing significant development under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said since the dawn of the Renaissance Day.

The number of hospitals increased from 59 hospital in 2006 to 66 in 2013. The number of beds also increased from 5,328 beds in 2006 to 6,518 beds in 2013. Number of health centres also increased from 131 in 2006 to 172 health centres in 2013. Meanwhile, polyclinics increased from 19 in 2006 to 23 in 2013. Medical staff also witnessed a great change from 4,578 doctors in 2006 to 5,862 doctors in 2010, increasing to 7,662 doctors in 2013. The total number of nursing staff also increased from 9,615 in 2006 to 12,102 in 2009 then to 16,957 in 2013.

The report also mentioned a significant change in the transportation and communication sector over the past 44 years, the total number of paved roads doubled from 17,533km in 2006 to 32,605km in 2013.  The total number of fixed telephone lines also increased from 262,870 in 2006 to 300,139 in 2009, increasing to 351,411 in 2013. Over the same period the total number of mobile phone subscribers increased from 1.8 million in 2006, to four million in 2009, increasing to 5.6 million in 2013. Additionally, the total number of Internet subscribers increases from 63,800 in 2006 to 78,000 in 2009, increasing again to 158,700 in 2013.

(c) 2014 Muscat Press and Publishing House SAOC Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

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