Time Zone |
Asia/Muscat |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+4 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Time Zone |
Pacific/Wallis |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+12 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Sur is a historic city in the Eastern Province of Oman, located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, about 150 kilometers from the capital city of Muscat, and is known for its traditional shipbuilding industry and natural beauty. Once an important trading hub in the Arabian Gulf, the ancient city still retains the ruins of a 16th-century Portuguese castle and an old dockyard, and its inhabitants still practice the art of building dhows (dhows) by hand, a craft that has been inscribed on UNESCO's list of non-heritage sites. Sur is surrounded by Cape Halani, a famous turtle sanctuary that attracts many visitors each year to see the green turtles laying their eggs. The city's blend of tradition and modernity, with ancient mosques in narrow alleyways juxtaposed with modern tourist facilities, makes it an excellent place to experience the maritime culture and history of eastern Oman.
Wallis and Futuna is a French overseas collectivity located in the South Pacific Ocean, consisting of three main volcanic island groups: Wallis, Futuna and Alofi. Located between Fiji and Samoa, this tropical archipelago has a total area of only 264 square kilometers and a population of about 11,000 people.
The archipelago has a tropical maritime climate, which is warm and humid throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from 26-30°C. The islands are surrounded by coral reefs. Wallis Island is surrounded by coral reefs and has beautiful lagoons, while Futuna Island is known for its steep volcanic terrain, with its highest point at 524 meters above sea level. It is rich in biodiversity and has a unique marine ecosystem.
The local population is predominantly Polynesian and retains a traditional chiefly system. French is the official language, but Wallisian and Futuna are still widely spoken. Catholic culture has had a profound influence on social life, with numerous churches built on the island, and traditional dance and handicraft production are important cultural legacies.
The economy is based on subsistence farming, fishing and French government subsidies. The main exports are coconuts and carved wood crafts. Tourism is still being developed and visitors can experience pristine beaches, traditional villages and World War II historical sites. Mata'utu is the capital and main settlement with basic tourist facilities.