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Fact
Sheet :
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Area : 82,880
sq km
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Population :
4,444,011 (July 2007 est.)
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Capital :
Abu Dhabi
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Languages : Arabic
(official), Persian, English
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Currency : Emirati
dirham (AED)
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Government type :
federation
with specified powers delegated to the UAE federal government
and other powers reserved to member emirates
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Elements of History :
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 not far below
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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Climate : desert;
cooler in eastern mountains
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