Muscat is the capital of Oman, a country on the Arabian Peninsula. Until 1970 Oman was known as Muscat and Oman. Located on the coast of the Gulf of Oman, Muscat has a natural harbor and is surrounded by volcanic mountains.
The buildings in Muscat reflect a variety of architectural styles, with Arab, Portuguese, Persian, Indian, African, and modern Western influences. The sultan's palace is situated at the edge of the sea. Two Portuguese forts built in the 16th century overlook the town. Muscat's old wall and some of its old gates still stand. Oman's only university, Sultan Qaboos University, was established in the city in 1986.
A stock exchange was opened in Muscat in 1989. The city is the administrative center of Oman, but the country's trade center is the adjacent town of Matrah. At one time Muscat was Oman's most important port, but a new port built at Matrah in 1974 has overtaken it. Muscat is connected by road to the west and the south.
In ancient times Muscat was under Persian rule. From 1508 to 1650, however, Muscat was under the control of the Portuguese, who established a trading post and naval base there. Population (1993 estimate), 40,900.
