Muscat (, ) is the
capital of
Oman. It is also the seat of government and largest city in the
Governorate of Muscat. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the total population of Muscat Governorate reached 1.56 million as of September 2015. The metropolitan area spans approximately and includes six
provinces called
wilayats. Known since the early 1st century
CE as an important trading port between the
west and the
east, Muscat was ruled by various indigenous tribes as well as foreign powers such as the
Persians,
Portuguese Empire and the
Ottoman Empire at various points in its history. A regional military power in the 18th century, Muscat's influence extended as far as
East Africa and
Zanzibar. As an important port-town in the
Gulf of Oman, Muscat attracted foreign tradesmen and settlers such as the Persians and the
Balochis. Since the ascension of
Qaboos bin Said as
Sultan of Oman in 1970, Muscat has experienced rapid infrastructural development that has led to the growth of a vibrant economy and a multi-ethnic society.