Land Area : 83,600 Sq. K.M.
Population : 2,522,315
Type of Govt. : Federation of Emirates
Govt. Leader : Shaikh Zaid Bin Sultan Al Nahayan, President
Official Language : Arabic
Major Religion : Islam
Currency : UAE Dirham ($1 = 3.66 Dhs.)
International Dialing Code : 00971
In the early 19th century, the area that is now the UAE was known as the "Pirate Coast" because of the occupation of its inhabitants.
Beginning in 1820, Great Britain entered in to treaties with various leaders in the area out of a desire to protect its ships in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean. In addition, Britian was allowed to handle foreign relations for the are known as "Trucial Oman" or "The Trucial States" because of the Perpetual Maritime Truce which the Arab ruleers signed with the British in 1853.
The United Arab Emirates became fully independent on 2nd December 1971, although Ras Al Khaimah did not join until 1972.
The climate is hot and dry. The mean January temperatutre is 18 Degree C (65 Degree F) and the mean temperature in July is 33 Degree C (92 Degree F). The average annual rainfall is 152 mm (6 in). The major natural resource is petroleum.