The United Arab Emirates is a Middle Eastern federation of seven states (Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, Umm al-Quwain). United Arab Emirates (UAE) borders Oman and Saudi Arabia. It was first formed in the 7th century by a union of local Arabian sheikdoms. In the 16th century, part of UAE became occupied by the Ottoman Empire. Thereafter the region became known as the pirate coast. However, in the 19th century a union of Sheiks agreed with the United Kingdom a maritime truce, which resulted in the region becoming known as the Trucial Sheikdoms. During the 20th century the individual Sheikdoms began to collaborate more and more and in late 1971, six emirates officially united to create the United Arab Emirates. A few months later in early 1972, the seventh - Ras al-Khaimah joined.

Inhabitants: 4,600,000
Area: 83,600 km2
Capital: Abu Dhabi (860,000 inhabitants, largest city is Dubai with 1,600,000)
Languages: Arabic
Religion: Muslim (76%), Christian (9%), Hindu (5%), Buddhist (5%), others (5%)
GDP (PPP) per capita: $35,500
Government: Government Federal constitutional monarchy
Climate: The UAE has a sub-tropical arid climate and is warm and sunny in winter, but hot and humid during the summer months.