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Formerly known as the Trucial States, the United Arab Emirates are a
federation of seven individual states, all ruled by emirs.
Founded between the 7th and 8th centuries, the Trucial States granted the
United Kingdom control of their defense and foreign affairs in treaties signed
in the 19th.
In 1971, six of these states - Abu Zaby, 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah,
Dubayy, and Umm al Qaywayn - merged to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They
were then joined in 1972 by Ra's al Khaymah.
With a significant GDP, based primarily on oil, the U.A.E. plays an important
role in the affairs of the Middle East.
Abu Dhabi, the country's capital, as well as Dubai, are modern cities famed
for their high-rise buildings and stylish hotels.
Facts and Figures
Official Name: United Arab Emirates
Population: 2,600,000 arrow Capital City Abu Dhabi (528,000)
Languages: Arabic (official), English, others
Official Currency: Emirati Dirham - (Click for Currency Converter)
Religion: Muslim (96%), others
Latitude/Longitude: 25? 27N, 55? 33E
Land Area: 83,600 sq km (32,278 sq miles)
Landforms: Most of the United Arab Emirates is a desert wasteland, with large,
rolling sand dunes, as the outer reaches of the Rub' Al Khali Desert stretch
into the country. The coastal areas fronting the Persian Gulf are flat. The
Hajar Mountains dominate the landscape in the northeast, and the country's
highest point is located there; the Jabal Yibir (mountain) at 5,666 ft. (1,727
m). There are no rivers or lakes noted.
Land Divisions 7 emirates, including: Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi), 'Ajman, Al
Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah (Sharjah), Dubayy (Dubai), Ra's al Khaymah and Umm al
Qaywayn.
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