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United Arab Emirates:
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Other pages in this profile of the United Arab Emirates:
People, Government, Economy, Communications & Transportation, Military & Transnational Issues.
People, Government, Economy, Communications & Transportation, Military & Transnational Issues.
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Background |
Definition 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. |
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Location |
Definition Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia |
Geographic coordinates |
Definition 24 00 N, 54 00 E |
Map references |
Definition Middle East |
Area |
Definition - World rank and map total: 83,600 sq km land: 83,600 sq km water: 0 sq km |
Area - comparative |
Definition slightly smaller than Maine |
Land boundaries |
Definition total: 867 km border countries: Oman 410 km, Saudi Arabia 457 km |
Coastline |
Definition 1,318 km |
Maritime claims |
Definition 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 |
Definition desert; cooler in eastern mountains |
Terrain |
Definition flat, barren coastal plain merging into rolling sand dunes of vast desert wasteland; mountains in east |
Elevation extremes |
Definition lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m highest point: Jabal Yibir 1,527 m |
Natural resources |
Definition petroleum, natural gas |
Land use |
Definition - World rank and map arable land: 0.77% permanent crops: 2.27% other: 96.96% (2005) |
Irrigated land |
Definition 760 sq km (2003) |
Total renewable water resources |
Definition 0.2 cu km (1997) |
Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural) |
Definition total: 2.3 cu km/yr (23%/9%/68%) per capita: 511 cu m/yr (2000) |
Natural hazards |
Definition frequent sand and dust storms |
Environment - current issues |
Definition lack of natural freshwater resources compensated by desalination plants; desertification; beach pollution from oil spills |
Environment - international agreements |
Definition 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 |
Geography - note |
Definition strategic location along southern approaches to Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil |
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Copyright 2008 World Sites Atlas (sitesatlas.com) |