Lincoln Key – Period 1

United Arab Emirates – Location / History  Borders the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia in southwest Asia.  Comparative to the size of Maine.  1853 – Britain enforced full truce due to piracy on the coast  1971 – British withdrew, 7 of the 9 states became the United Arab Emirates

Basic Information/Current Conflicts  Capital - Abu Dhabi  Population - 5,628,805  Religion - Muslim (76%), Christian (9%), Other (15%)  Languages - Arabic(official), Persian, English, Hindu, Urdu  Ethnicity – Emirati (19%), Arab/Iranian (23%), South Asian (50%), Other (8%)  Major Drug Shipment point  A lot of money laundering schemes due to it being a financial center

National Symbols Coat of Arms Features the golden falcon holding a red script saying the country’s name. On the chest is a disc depicting the flag. Peregrine Falcon The peregrine falcon is the national bird of the UAE. It symbolizes both force and courage. It also recognizes the importance of falconry in Arab culture.

Economy  2013 GDP - $269.8 billion  Free-Market Economy  8 th largest producer of crude oil in the world  2.4% unemployment rate GDP Composition Agriculture – 0.8% Industry – 56% Services – 43.2%

Values and Beliefs  Religion is very important to the majority of people in the UAE.  There is no disconnect between their faith and their daily lives. People of the Muslim faith will:  Say prayer 5 times a day  Donate portions of their income to the poor  Make a pilgrimage to the city of Mecca  Focused on a group-oriented culture  Arranged marriages are typical  Strongly believe in the concept of fate as an explanation for success, rather than hard work.

Opinions  I would enjoy living in this country for a short period of time and doing business here.  Tax-Free zones are an ideal set up for international businesses  It would be hard to adapt to the language and the strong religious customs of those around me.

Opinions  I would also enjoy living in Ireland. It seems like a very easygoing, stress-free place with very nice people.  It is also very helpful that they speak English and are welcoming to foreigners.  However, unemployment is rising and their recently great economy is on a decline.

Ireland – Location / History  Located in Western Europe.  Separated by the Irish Sea from Great Britain  About half the size of Arkansas  Protestant English farmers sent to take over Catholic-owned land.  1916 – Easter Rebellion the Monday after Easter. Irish troops fight British troops  – Anglo-Irish war ends in Britain giving up control of most of Ireland (Gains Northern Ireland)

Basic Information/Current Conflicts  Capital - Dublin  Population – 4,832,765  Religion – Roman Catholic (84.7%), Church of Ireland (2.7%), Other Christian (2.7%), Not Specified (9.1%)  Languages - English(official), Irish(Used on Western Coast)  Ethnicity – Irish (84.5%), Other White (9.8%), Asian (1.9%), Black (1.4%), Not Specified (2.5%)  Transshipment point for drugs coming from North Africa, South America and Europe  73 refugees

National Symbols Shamrock -Thought to have magical powers in ancient Ireland. The number 3 was also a strong number. -Also used in the church to teach the Trinity Irish Harp -Many legends of the harp’s magical powers. -Used on official documents, coins, uniforms and the official state seal.

Economy  2013 GDP - $190.4 billion  Free-Market Economy  13.5% Unemployment  EU Nation Major exports include: -Medical Devices -Pharmaceuticals -Computer Software

Values and Beliefs  Closely-knit families  Very kind, welcoming people  Take their time to enjoy things  Grooms in weddings dressed in kilt of their clan  Have “wakes” for deceased. Normally a celebration of life.