The flag dates to Dec. 17, 1970, and it was altered on Nov. 18, 1995. The white is for peace and prosperity, red is for battles, and green is for the fertility of the land. Unofficially, white recalls the imamate, red the sultanate, and green Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar ("The Green Mountain"). The coat of arms has two swords, a dagger, and a belt.

Oman Official name: Saltanat 'Uman (Sultanate of Oman). Form of government: monarchy. Head of state and government: Sultan. Population (1998): 2,364,000. Population projection: (2000) 2,533,000; (2010) 3,520,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1990-95): 38.9 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$13,135,000,000 (U.S.$5,950 per capita). Land use (1994): meadows and pastures 4.7%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 0.3%; other (mostly desert and developed area) 95.0%.