United Arab Emirates Table of Contents
Note--The Country Profile contains updated information as available.
Population: Estimated at 2.7 million in mid-1993; 1993 growth rate 5.1 percent. Foreigners, of whom majority male workers, accounted for 88 percent of population.
Education: In 1988-89 academic year, more than 283,000 students (almost one-half female) attended public primary and secondary schools. Education compulsory at primary level and free at all levels. Most of 17,000 teachers and administrators foreigners. In 1987-88 more than 7,000 students, almost one-half women, attended United Arab Emirates University.
Health: Comprehensive public health care system, free for citizens but charges for some services provided foreigners. Majority of medical personnel foreigners, primarily from Egypt, India, and Pakistan. In 1990 life expectancy at birth 68.6 years for males and 72.9 years for females.
Ethnic Groups: Almost all citizens indigenous Arabs. Foreign population included other Arabs (especially Egyptians, Omanis, Palestinians, and Yemenis), Indians, Pakistanis, and Iranians.
Religion: Most citizens Sunni Muslims. About 60 percent of foreign population Sunnis; 20 percent Shia Muslims; 20 percent Hindus, Christians, and other.
Data as of January 1993