This is the Thirty Fourth issue of the Statistical Year Book for the year 2006, issued by the Ministry of National Economy comes with the implementation stage of the Seventh Five-Year Development Plan (2006-2010). This makes the provision of statistical data, information and indicators that reflect the reality of the social and economic situation in the country a matter of high importance. Furthermore, it constitutes a basic foundation for implementing appropriate decision in order to make successful development plans. It will also enable measuring the plans achievements in terms of objectives and goals in the social and economic spheres.   This led the Ministry to exert more effort in order publish this issue in the appropriate time and in the best format with the required accuracy.

The Ministry is zealous to further improve this referential document which reflects a true image of the economic and social status in the country. With your valuable feedback and opinions, we hope to make this resource both comprehensive and useful. Your ideas and opinions will receive our utmost attention and consideration.

The cooperation of all the government ministries and units, as well as the public and private establishments has had the major in providing the required data for the book. It also enabled publishing the book in the required format, at the specified date. Therefore thanks are due to all of them. I would like to pay special tribute  to all the Ministry staff  who contributed to the preparation of this  yearbook.

We pray to Almighty Allah to guide our steps and grant success to our efforts to serve our beloved Oman, under the wise leadership of His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Sultan of Oman.

                                                    Ahmed Macki

                                          Minister of National Economy

                                 Deputy Chairman of the Financial Affairs

                                          & Energy Resources Council