United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates is a Middle Eastern federation of seven states: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. These are situated along the south-eastern tip of the Arabian peninsula and are bordered by the Persian Gulf to the north, Saudi Arabia to the south and west, and Oman and the Gulf of Oman to the east. This is a strategic location along southern approaches to Strait of Hormuz, through which passes 25 percent of the world’s oil traffic every day. Immense wealth has been invested in numerous development projects, capital improvements, social services all throughout the UAE. It is one of the most developed federations in the world. UAE has successfully positioned itself as a diversified international business center, moreover, the incredible expansion of this multicultural region as a financial and tourism powerhouse continues to fly high.

:: Background of UAE ::

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 Zaby, ‘Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, and Umm al Qaywayn – merged to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They were joined in 1972 by Ra’s al Khaymah. The UAE’s 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.

:: Geography of UAE ::

Location: Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Geographic coordinates: 24 00 N, 54 00 E

Area:
total: 83,600 sq km
land: 83,600 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area – comparative: slightly smaller than Maine
Land boundaries: total: 867 km; border countries: Oman 410 km, Saudi Arabia 457 km

Maritime 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

Climate: desert; cooler in eastern mountains.
Terrain: flat, barren coastal plain merging into rolling sand dunes of vast desert wasteland; mountains in east.
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m; highest point: Jabal Yibir 1,527 m.
Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas.

Land use:
arable land: 0.77%
permanent crops: 2.27%
other: 96.96% (2005)

Natural hazards: frequent sand and dust storms.

Environment – current issues: lack of natural freshwater resources compensated by desalination plants; desertification; beach pollution. Environment – international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection. Signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea.

:: People of UAE ::

Population: 4,621,399
Note: estimate is based on the results of the 2005 census that included a significantly higher estimate of net in-migration of non-citizens than previous estimates. (July 2008 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 20.5% (male 484,102/female 462,405)
15-64 years: 78.6% (male 2,663,702/female 970,672)
65 years and over: 0.9% (male 26,244/female 14,274)
note: 73.9% of the population in the 15-64 age group is non-national (2008 est.)

Median age:
total: 30.1 years
male: 32 years
female: 24.6 years (2008 est.)

Population growth rate: 3.833% (2008 est.)
Birth rate: 16.06 births/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Death rate: 2.13 deaths/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Net migration rate : 24.41 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2008 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 2.74 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.84 male(s)/female
total population: 2.19 male(s)/female (2008 est.)

Infant mortality rate:
total: 13.11 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 15.32 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 10.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2008 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 75.89 years
male: 73.35 years
female: 78.56 years (2008 est.)

Total fertility rate: 2.43 children born/woman (2008 est.)
HIV/AIDS – adult prévalence rate: 0.18% (2001 est.)
HIV/AIDS – people living with HIV/AIDS: NA
HIV/AIDS – deaths: NA

Nationality: noun: Emirati(s) adjective: Emirati.
Ethnic groups: Emirati 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8% (1982)
note: less than 20% are UAE citizens (1982).

Religions: Muslim 96% (Shia 16%), other (includes Christian, Hindu) 4%
Languages: Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu.

Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write.
total population: 77.9%
male: 76.1%
female: 81.7% (2003 est.)