Oman: Government

Oman does not have a constitution, but the Basic Law, which was promulgated by royal decree in 1996 and has since been amended by decree, is considered by the government to be a constitution. The monarch is both head of state and head of government. The bicameral legislature consists of the 58-seat Majlis al-Dawla, or upper house, whose members are appointed by the monarch, and the 84-seat Majlis al-Shura, or lower house, whose members are popularly elected to serve four-year terms. Though its influence was increased in 2011, the legislature is mainly an advisory body. Administratively, the country is divided into 11 governorates.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• History
• Government
• Economy
• Land and People
• Bibliography

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