If you are looking for countries that start with O, the answer is surprisingly simple: Oman is the only United Nations member state whose English short name begins with the letter O.
Oman, officially known as the Sultanate of Oman, is located on the southeastern side of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. Its capital is Muscat.
According to the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names, Oman is the country’s standardized English short name, while the Sultanate of Oman is its formal English name. The same UN database classifies Oman as part of Asia and Western Asia.
Quick Answer: There is only one country that starts with O: Oman. Its capital is Muscat, and it is located in Western Asia on the Arabian Peninsula.
How Many Countries Start With O?
There is one country that starts with O: Oman.
| Number | Country | Official Name | Capital | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oman | Sultanate of Oman | Muscat | Western Asia |
The United Nations geographical names database lists Oman as a UN member in Asia, specifically Western Asia, and records its official English name as the Sultanate of Oman.
So, whether you are answering a geography quiz, completing a school assignment, solving a word game, or simply curious about world geography, the answer to “What country starts with O?” is:
Oman.
Quick Facts About Oman
Oman is much more than the only country beginning with O. Its location near important maritime routes has influenced its history, economy, culture, and relationships with other parts of Asia and Africa for thousands of years.
| Fact | Oman |
|---|---|
| Official name | Sultanate of Oman |
| Capital | Muscat |
| Continent | Asia |
| Region | Western Asia |
| Area | 309,500 square kilometers |
| Population | 5,442,883, September 2026 |
| Official language | Arabic |
| Currency | Omani Rial |
| ISO Alpha-2 code | OM |
| ISO Alpha-3 code | OMN |
| Time zone | UTC +4 |
| Government | Hereditary monarchy |
| Head of state | Sultan Haitham bin Tarik |
| UN membership | October 7, 1971 |
These figures are supported by the Foreign Ministry of the Sultanate of Oman, which lists the country’s official name, capital, population, area, language, government, currency, and time zone.
The United Nations geographical names database independently records Oman’s ISO codes as OM and OMN.
Where Is Oman?
Oman is located in the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia.
It shares land borders with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. Its extensive coastline faces the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Sea, connecting the country with important maritime routes in the Indian Ocean region.
According to the Oman Foreign Ministry, the country covers approximately 309,500 square kilometers and occupies a strategically important position in the southeastern Arabian Peninsula.
Oman also includes the Musandam Peninsula, which lies beside the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime passage connecting the Gulf with the Sea of Oman.
What Does the Landscape of Oman Look Like?
Although Oman is often associated with deserts, its geography is surprisingly diverse.
The country contains:
- Mountain ranges
- Rocky desert landscapes
- Sand dunes
- Coastal plains
- Wadis, or valleys and seasonal waterways
- Long stretches of coastline
- Oases
- Seasonally green areas in southern Oman
The Hajar Mountains dominate parts of northern Oman, while western Oman reaches toward the Rub al Khali, or Empty Quarter, one of the world’s great desert regions. Oman’s official geography overview provides additional information about these landscapes and the country’s position on the Arabian Peninsula.
Why Is Oman the Only Country That Starts With O?
There is no geographic rule determining which letters country names begin with. Modern country names developed through different languages, historical traditions, political changes, and systems of transliteration.
The United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names records the Arabic short name of Oman as عمان, romanized as ‘Umān, while the standardized English short name is Oman.
When internationally recognized countries are arranged alphabetically according to their English short names, Oman is therefore the only UN member state listed under the letter O.
A Brief History of Oman
The answer to “countries that start with O” may be short, but the history of Oman is remarkably long.
Archaeological evidence, ancient trade routes, maritime connections, fortified settlements, traditional irrigation systems, and historic ports all reveal Oman’s role in the development of societies around the Arabian Peninsula and Indian Ocean.
Ancient Oman
Human settlement in Oman stretches back thousands of years.
According to the official history of Oman published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, archaeological research has found evidence of civilization in the region dating to around 3000 BCE. By approximately 2500 BCE, the region had become known for metalworking and long-distance trade.
UNESCO provides further evidence of Oman’s ancient past through the Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn.
UNESCO describes the archaeological complex as one of the most complete and well-preserved collections of settlements and necropolises from the third millennium BCE.
Oman and the Frankincense Trade
Southern Oman became closely associated with the historic trade in frankincense, an aromatic resin that was highly valued in the ancient world.
Frankincense moved through extensive trade networks connecting Arabia with parts of Africa, the Mediterranean world, and Asia.
UNESCO recognizes this history through Oman’s Land of Frankincense World Heritage property. UNESCO explains that the archaeological sites represent the historic production and distribution of frankincense, which was an important luxury commodity in antiquity.
Oman as a Maritime Trading Power
Oman’s position on the Arabian Sea gave its communities direct access to maritime routes connecting the Arabian Peninsula with Africa, India, and Asia.
The Oman Foreign Ministry states that after Oman embraced Islam in the seventh century, its maritime trade routes extended south toward Africa and east toward India and China.
Another important example is the Ancient City of Qalhat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Oman’s eastern coast.
The historic settlement developed into an important trading center that connected Arabia with maritime commercial networks across the Indian Ocean.
Portuguese Control of Muscat
Oman’s strategic coastal position attracted competing regional and maritime powers.
According to the official history of Oman, Portugal seized Muscat in the 16th century and retained control of the city until 1650.
After Portuguese forces were expelled, Omani influence expanded along parts of the East African coast. Zanzibar later became particularly important within Oman’s political and commercial networks.
The Al Bu Said Dynasty
During the 18th century, Ahmad ibn Said emerged as an important Omani leader after Persian forces were driven from the country.
He established the Al Bu Said dynasty, which continues to rule Oman today. Oman’s official history identifies Ahmad ibn Said as the founder of the dynasty that still governs the Sultanate.
Modern Oman
A major turning point in modern Omani history occurred in 1970, when Sultan Qaboos bin Said became ruler.
During the following decades, Oman experienced major development in roads, education, healthcare, government services, communications, and other infrastructure.
Sultan Qaboos died in January 2020. Sultan Haitham bin Tarik succeeded him on January 11, 2020.
The Oman Foreign Ministry identifies Sultan Haitham bin Tarik as the current head of state and confirms that he is a member of the Al Bu Said dynasty.
When Did Oman Join the United Nations?
Oman became a member of the United Nations on October 7, 1971.
The United Nations Digital Library records General Assembly Resolution 2754 (XXVI), which admitted Oman to membership in the United Nations on that date.
Oman’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Oman’s long history is represented by several internationally recognized archaeological and cultural landscapes.
As of 2026, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre lists five World Heritage properties in Oman.
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | Year Inscribed |
|---|---|
| Bahla Fort | 1987 |
| Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn | 1988 |
| Land of Frankincense | 2000 |
| Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman | 2006 |
| Ancient City of Qalhat | 2018 |
The sites cover different periods of Omani history, from Bronze Age settlements and ancient trade to forts, irrigation technology, and Indian Ocean trading cities.
The Aflaj Irrigation Systems
One particularly important part of Oman’s cultural geography is its traditional aflaj irrigation system.
The UNESCO World Heritage Centre reports that more than 3,000 functioning aflaj remain in Oman. These systems collect and distribute water from groundwater, springs, or surface sources for agricultural and domestic use.
The systems demonstrate how communities adapted to the challenges of living and farming in an arid environment.
Are There Any Other Countries Beginning With O?
No. Oman is the only current UN member state whose English short name begins with the letter O.
Several well-known geographic names also begin with O, but they are not independent sovereign countries.
| Name | What Is It? | Location | Country? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oman | Sovereign state | Western Asia | Yes |
| Oceania | Geographic region | Pacific region | No |
| Ontario | Province | Canada | No |
| Oregon | State | United States | No |
| Okinawa | Prefecture | Japan | No |
| Orkney Islands | Archipelago | Scotland, United Kingdom | No |
Is Oceania a Country That Starts With O?
No. Oceania is not a country.
Oceania is a geographic region encompassing Australia, New Zealand, Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia, and many islands of the Pacific.
It should therefore not be included in a list of sovereign countries beginning with O.
Oman remains the only country that starts with O.
What Continent Is the Country Starting With O In?
Oman is located in Asia, specifically Western Asia.
The United Nations geographical names database classifies Oman under the continent of Asia and the region of Western Asia.
| Continent | Countries Starting With O | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Asia | 1 | Oman |
| Africa | 0 | None |
| Europe | 0 | None |
| North America | 0 | None |
| South America | 0 | None |
| Oceania | 0 | None |
Frequently Asked Questions
What countries start with the letter O?
Oman is the only country that starts with the letter O among current United Nations member states.
How many countries start with O?
There is one country that starts with O: Oman.
What is the only country beginning with O?
The only country beginning with O is Oman, officially known as the Sultanate of Oman.
What is the capital of the country that starts with O?
Muscat is the capital of Oman. The Oman Foreign Ministry identifies Muscat as the country’s capital.
Is Oman in Asia or Africa?
Oman is in Asia, specifically Western Asia. Although Oman has extensive historical connections with East Africa, geographically the country lies on the Arabian Peninsula in Asia.
Is Oceania one of the countries that start with O?
No. Oceania is a geographic region, not an independent country. Oman is the only UN member state whose English short name begins with O.
What is Oman’s official name?
The country’s formal English name is the Sultanate of Oman. The United Nations uses Oman as its English short name.
When did Oman join the United Nations?
Oman was admitted to the United Nations on October 7, 1971, under UN General Assembly Resolution 2754 (XXVI).
Final Answer: Which Country Starts With O?
There is only one country that starts with O: Oman.
Officially called the Sultanate of Oman, the country is located in Western Asia on the southeastern Arabian Peninsula. Its capital is Muscat, its official language is Arabic, and its territory covers approximately 309,500 square kilometers.
Although the alphabetical answer is simple, Oman has a rich geographic and historical story. Archaeological settlements dating to the third millennium BCE, ancient frankincense routes, Indian Ocean trade, traditional irrigation systems, historic forts, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites all demonstrate the country’s long connection with Arabia and the wider world.
In one sentence: Oman is the only current United Nations member country whose English name starts with the letter O.