The United Arab Emirates (Arabic: Al-Imarat al-'Arabiyah al-Muttahidah) is a federation of seven emirates comprising the capital Abu Dhabi, the business center Dubai, as well as Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujeirah and Umm Al Quiwain.

Bordered by Qatar and the Persian Gulf on the north, Saudi Arabia on the west and south, and Oman on the east and northeast, the United Arab Emirates covers an area of about 32,300 square miles (83,600 square kilometers). The country's relief, or geographical layout, consists of a low-lying, flat desert coastal plain. The climate is hot and dry year-round. Indeed, summer temperatures may reach 114 F (46 C). Annual rainfall averages only 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10 centimeters). Natural vegetation is very sparse. The native population, largely of Arab descent, follows Islam, the official religion. A large number of people still live a nomadic life. Arabic is the official language, but Hindi, Urdu, and Persian are also widely spoken. A large portion of the work force consists of foreign skilled laborers.

Petroleum is the chief economic resource of the region. Proven reserves of petroleum and natural gas are among the world's largest. Production is largely concentrated in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. Since the discovery of petroleum in the late 1950s, the country has undergone extensive modernization. Because of huge profits from petroleum exports, the United Arab Emirates has one of the world's highest per capita gross national products.

Less than 0.2 percent of the land can be cultivated. Wheat, barley, millet, fruits, and vegetables are grown with the aid of irrigation. Date palm and alfalfa are produced in oases. Fishing is of some economic significance.

Dubai, with an extensive transit trade, is the chief seaport. The area became known as the Trucial Coast in 1853 when the Treaty of Maritime Peace in Perpetuity was signed. From 1873 to 1947 the region was administered by British India and after 1947 by the London Foreign Office. Each of the states maintained full internal control, however. In 1960 the Trucial States Council was formed, with representation from each state. The British vacated in 1971, and the Trucial States became a federal union known as the United Arab Emirates. Ras al Khaimah joined in 1972, and Bahrain and Qatar became independent states. Each of the seven emirates is governed by its own hereditary ruler. The highest federal authority lies with the Supreme Council of Rulers, which consists of the rulers of the seven emirates.

It is responsible for general policy matters involving communications, education, defence, foreign affairs and development, and for ratifying federal laws.

The President, HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan, who is also Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and the Vice-President, HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also Ruler of Dubai, are elected by the Supreme Council from among its members.

The Federal Council of Ministers, responsible to the Supreme Council, has executive authority to initiate and implement laws. The Federal National Council is a consultative assembly of 40 representatives who are appointed for two years by the individual emirates. The council monitors and debates government policy but has no power of veto.

While Abu Dhabi is the centre of federal government activities, most ministerial departments also maintain offices in Dubai.