United Arab Emirates           Introduction        

Background:        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 UAE. They were joined in 1972 by Ra's al Khaymah. The UAE's per capita GDP is not far below those of the leading West European nations. Its generosity with oil revenues and its moderate foreign policy stance have allowed it to play a vital role in the affairs of the region.

United Arab Emirates           Geography  

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

Map references:         Middle East

Area: total:  82,880 sq km

land:  82,880 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

Coastline:         1,318 km