> What's the only country whose name begins with the letter O?And the answer: Oman. Photo credit: Ivan Pavlov/Shutterstock.comLocated on the Arabian peninsula wherethe Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea meet, the country of Oman is the only one outof nearly 200 countries in the world that starts with the letter O.Sometimes known as the "last bastion of unspoiled Arabia," Oman is a traditionalcultural center amidst its quickly modernizing United Arab Emirates neighbors.In the nation's two most populous cities, Salalah and capital city Muscat, aharmonious beige color decorates traditional-style homes, mosques and citycenters, while colorful cultural life sets the tone for this Arabian nation. For most Omani people, one may identify three distinguishing factors: theirtribe, their faith, and, for some, their maritime merchant background. There aretwo large tribes in the nation, the Hinawi and Ghafiri, while the predominantreligion of Ibadi Islam is practiced widely. This sect of Islam claims topredate Sunni and Shia, and is nearly exclusively practiced in Oman. While Oman is classified as an absolute monarchy, the late Sultan was generallyliked by Omani people. As the son of a tyrant that did far more harm than good,Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said was far more tolerant of religious freedom (evengoing so far as to sponsor several Catholic and Protestant churches), and wouldoften act as a mediator or middle ground for other Middle Eastern nations. Atone point, the Sultan even met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.Unfortunately, Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said passed away in January. At thetime of his death, the Sultan was longest-serving leader in the Middle East andArab world. To learn more about this ancient country, check out this BBC article[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-14654150].