Oman

After protests in October 2011, the sultan expanded the legislative powers of the Council of Oman, the government's upper legislative house. Most Omanis practice Ibadi Islam, a sect distinct from the Shiite and Sunni divisions, and Shariah law is the basis of all legislation. In 1996, Sultan Qaboos established a charter that banned discrimination on the basis of sex, ethnicity, religion and social class. The state controls all media, and government approval is required for public assemblies.

Oman's Christian population consists almost entirely of foreign workers, including tens of thousands from the Americas, Europe and Asia. The sultan himself donated land for several expatriate churches to demonstrate his commitment to "tolerance." Churches and church activities for the expatriate communities are permitted, but Muslims are forbidden to convert. Religious groups are required to register before they can legally meet. Although sharing the gospel with Muslims is not illegal, it is strongly discouraged, and the government will sometimes pressure those who evangelize.