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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 |
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 |
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: 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 |
Coastline |
1,318 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) |
Irrigated land |
760 sq km (2003) |
Natural hazards |
frequent sand and dust storms |
Environment - current issues |
lack of natural freshwater resources compensated by desalination plants; desertification; beach pollution from oil spills |
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 |
Geography - note |
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) |