On Dec. 2, 1971, six small Arab states formed the United Arab Emirates, and a seventh state joined on Feb. 11, 1972. The flag took its colors from the Arab Revolt flag of 1917. The colors are included in a 13th-century poem which speaks of green Arab lands defended in black battles by blood-red swords of Arabs whose deeds are pure white.

United Arab Emirates Official name: Al-Imarat al-'Arabiyah al-Muttahidah (United Arab Emirates). Form of government: federation of seven emirates with one appointive advisory body (Federal National Council [40]). Chief of state: President. Head of government: Prime Minister. Population (1998): 2,744,000. Population projection: (2000) 2,844,000; (2010) 3,399,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1994): 21.6 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$44,370,000,000 (U.S.$17,400 per capita). Land use (1994): forested, virtually none; meadows and pastures 2.4%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 0.5%; built-on, wasteland, and other 97.1%.