Oman, officially the Sultanate of Oman, is an Arab country on the south-eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. Its official religion is Islam. Oman holds a strategically important position at the mouth of the Persian Gulf. The country shares land borders with the United Arab Emirates to the northwest, Saudi Arabia to the west, and Yemen to the southwest, and shares marine borders with Iran and Pakistan.

By regional standards, Oman has a relatively diversified economy but remains dependent on oil exports. Tourism is the fastest-growing industry in Oman. The Rial is the currency of Oman. It is divided into 1000 baisa. The Omani Rial is the world's 3rd highest valued currency.

But did you know, before 1940, the Indian rupee and the Maria Theresa thaler (known locally as the rial) were the main currencies circulating in Muscat and Oman? Interesting isn’t it?

The note depicted beside is a 100 baisa banknote of 1995. The obverse has the portrait of Sultan Qaboos; and the Irrigation canal. The reverse depicts an eagle, oryx; other animals and birds. This note has the portrait of Sultan Qaboos as a watermark.

Image Courtesy: eBay.com