Population: 2,563,212
includes an estimated 1,606,079 non-nationals; the 17 December 1995 census presents a total population figure of 2,377,453,
and there are estimates of 3.44 million for 2002 (July 2005 est.)
Capital: Abu Dhabi
Languages: Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu
Religions: Muslim 96% (Shi'a 16%), Christian, Hindu, and other 4%
Government: federation with specified powers delegated
to the UAE federal government and other powers reserved to member emirates
Climate: desert; cooler in eastern mountains
Terrain: flat, barren coastal plain merging into rolling sand
dunes of vast desert wasteland; mountains in east
Geography: strategic location along southern approaches to Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil
Ethnic groups: Emirati 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East
Asians) 8% (1982)
less than 20% are UAE citizens (1982)
Economy: The UAE has an open
economy with a high per capita income and a sizable annual trade surplus. Its wealth is based on oil and gas output (about 30%
of GDP), and the fortunes of the economy fluctuate with the prices of those commodities. Since the discovery of oil in the UAE
more than 30 years ago, the UAE has undergone a profound transformation from an impoverished region of small desert
principalities to a modern state with a high standard of living. At present levels of production, oil and gas reserves should
last for more than 100 years. The government has increased spending on job creation and infrastructure expansion and is
opening up its utilities to greater private sector involvement. Higher oil revenue, strong liquidity, and cheap credit in 2005
led to a surge in asset prices (shares and real estate) and consumer inflation. Any sharp correction to the UAE's equity
markets could damage investor and consumer sentiment and affect bank asset quality. In April 2004, the UAE signed a Trade and
Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) with Washington and in November 2004 agreed to undertake negotiations toward a Free
Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US.
GDP per capita: purchasing power parity - $29,100 (2005 est.)
GDP real growth: 6.7% (2005 est.)
Unemployment rate: 2.4% (2001)
Internet country code: .ae
Dial code: +971
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.