The "Sultanate of Oman" has been a unitary absolute monarchy led by Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said since his reign began on July 23, 1970 following a coup d'état against his father. The Sultan renamed his kingdom the "Sultanate of Oman" on August 9, 1970. It was previously known as Muscat and Oman.
The Sultan is both Head of State and Head of Government (Prime Minister). The Al Said family has been the ruling dynasty of Oman since the mid-18th century.
