The United Arab Emirates, or UAE, is a federation of seven independent states located in the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, part of the Middle East region.

Each emirate (small state ruled by a hereditary chief called an emir) is centered on a coastal settlement and named for that settlement.

Before the discovery of petroleum in the 1950s, the UAE was a group of largely undeveloped states under the protection of the British government. The Trucial States, as the emirates were then known, granted the United Kingdom control of their defense and foreign affairs in 19th century treaties.

The oil industry brought rapid growth and modernization to the area, which helped the emirates eventually break away from the control of the UK. In 1971, six of these states - Abu Dhabi, ‘Ajman, Dubai, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, and Umm al Qaywayn - merged to form the United Arab Emirates as an independent country. They were joined in 1972 by Ra’s al Khaymah.

The bulk of the country’s oil is found in Abu Dhabi, making it the wealthiest and most powerful of the seven emirates. The city of Abu Dhabi is the federal capital, while the city of Dubai has become the largest in the country.

With a stable economy buoyed by the oil industry, the UAE boasts one of the highest standards of living in the world. 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.