Status: Not Free
Legal Environment: 26
Political Influences: 18
Economic Pressures: 24
Total Score: 68
Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 71
Religious Groups: n/a
Ethnic Groups: Arab, Baluchi, South Asian, African
Capital: Muscat
The rigorously applied Press and Publication Law provides for censorship of all domestic and foreign publications. Some criticism of government officials and policies, but not of the Sultan, is tolerated. Journalists generally censor themselves to avoid harassment. Radio and television are state-controlled and provide only official views. Satellite dishes, widely available, give citizens access to foreign broadcasts including Al-Jazeera, the popular Qatar-based television channel that carries uncensored views of regional opposition activists. Internet access is not censored, but the government does block some web sites. Some 50,000 Omanis are reportedly online.
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