The Trucial States of the Persian Gulf coast granted the UK control of their defense and foreign affairs in 19th century treaties. In 1971, six of these states - Abu dhabi, Ajman, Fujayrah,Shariqah, Abu Dhabi, and Umm al Qaywayn - merged to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They were joined in 1972 by Ras al Khaymah. The (UAE) per capita GDP is on par with those of leading West European nations. Its generosity with oil revenues and its moderate foreign policy stance have allowed the UAE to play a vital role in the affairs of the region.

Location: Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Language: Arabic, Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu
Climate: Desert, Cooler in Eastern mountains
Country comparison to the world: 121
Area Total: 83,600 sq km
Land: 83,600 sq km
Water: 0 sq km
Area Comparative
slightly smaller than Maine
Land Boundries Total: 867 km
Border countries: Oman 410 km, Saudi Arabia 457 km
Costline: 1,318 km
Martime Claims Territorial sea: 12 nm
Contiguous zone: 24 nm
Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 nm
Continental Shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
Land use
Arable land: 0.77%
Permanent crops: 2.27%
Other: 96.96% (2005)
Natural Resource: Petroleum, Natural gas