United Arab Emirates Government:
Federation formed in 1971 by seven emirates known as the Trucial States-Abu
Dhabi (the largest), Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah,
and Umm al-Qaiwain. Geography: The
United Arab Emirates, in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, extends
along part of the Gulf of Oman and the southern coast of the Persian Gulf.
Its neighbors are Saudi Arabia to the west and south, Qatar to the north,
and Oman to the east. Most of the land is barren and sandy. Area: 32,000
sq mi (82,880 sq km) Population (2003
est.): 2,484,818 (growth rate: 1.5%); birth rate: 18.5/1000; infant mortality
rate: 15.6/1000; density per sq mi: 78 Capital (2003
est.): Abu Dhabi, 539,800 Largest city:
Dubai, 1,511,700 (metro. area), 906,100 (city proper) Monetary unit:
U.A.E. dirham Languages: Arabic
(official), English as a second language Ethnicity/race:
Emiri 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates
(includes Westerners and East Asians) 8% (1982) Religions: Islam
(Sunni 80%, Shi'ite 16%), others 4% Agriculture:
dates, vegetables, watermelons; poultry, eggs, dairy products; fish. Industries:
petroleum, fishing, petrochemicals, construction materials, some boat
building, handicrafts, pearling. Natural resources: petroleum, natural
gas.
