United Arab Emirates

An oil-rich desert country situated in the south-east of the Arabian Pensinsula. In 1971 the former Trucial States of the Persian Gulf coast Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi), 'Ajman (Ajman), Al Fujayrah (Fujairah), Ash Shariqah (Sharjah), Dubayy (Dubai), and Umm al Qaywayn (Umm al-Qaiwain) - merged to form the United Arab Emirates joined by Ra's al Khaymah (Ras al-Khaimah) in 1972.
The UAE is the third largest oil producer in the Gulf after Saudi Arabia and Iran.

border countries: Iran (by maritime border), Oman, (Qatar) Saudi Arabia

other Gulf States: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia

United Arab Emirates is a member state of the League of Arab States

Official Name:
Dawlat Al Amarat al Arabiyah al Muttahidah
int'l long form: United Arab Emirates
abbreviation: UAE
former: Trucial Oman, Trucial States.

ISO Country Code: ae
Local Time = UTC +4h

Country Calling Code: +971

Capital City: Abu Dhabi (pop. 928,000)

Other Cities:
Al Ain, Dubai (pop. 860 000), Ras Al Khaimah,
Sharjah.

Government:
Type: Federation of Emirates
Independence: 2 December, 1971
Provisional constitution: 2 December, 1971

Geography:
Location: Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Area: 83,600 sq. km (32,400 sq. miles)
Terrain: Largely desert with some agricultural areas.

Climate: Hot, humid, low annual rainfall, cooler in eastern mountains

People:
Nationality: UAE, Emirati
Population: The U.A.E. has approximately 3 million people from all over the Arab world, Asia, Europe, Africa and America. Approximately 80% of the population is non-UAE nationals.
Ethnic groups: Arab, Pakistani, Indian, Iranian, Filipino (27% of residents are UAE citizens)
Religions: Muslim (96%), Hindu, Christian.
Languages: Arabic (official), English, Hindi, Urdu, Farsi.
Literacy: (UAE citizens) about 80%.

Natural resources: Petroleum, natural gas.

Agriculture products: Dates, vegetables, watermelons; poultry, eggs, dairy products; fish.

Industries: Petroleum, fishing, petrochemicals, construction materials, some boat building, handicrafts, pearling.

Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)

United Arab Emirates in Figures
United Arab Emirates key statistical data.