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Ajman
Arabic: cajmān
Emirate of United Arab Emirates.
Capital: Ajman
Inhabitants: 275,000 (2005 estimate)
Area: 250 km²
Ruler: Shaykh Humaid bin Rashid an-Nuaimi
Ajman and Dubai have identical flags.
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Emirate belonging to the federation of United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Ajman has one of the smallest populations among the emirates, but it is also the the smallest in surface area, consisting of only 0.3% of all of the UAE. Ajman covers three separate sections, of which the main part is along the coast of the Persian Gulf, situated between Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain. A small enclave, the Manama, lies in the mountains and Ajman also shares control with Oman over a mountainous border area, the Masfut.
Shaykh Humaid bin Rashid an-Nuaimi has been the ruler of Ajman since 1981.
ECONOMY
Ajman has in recent years benefitted greatly from the investment and building boom of the UAE. Ajman is the only territory of the Emirates offering 100% freehold ownership on real estate, equally for foreigners as nationals. An international airport is about to be built, construction start is planned for late 2008.
Petroleum concessions have been granted on Ajman territory, but as of yet, oil production has not yet begun.
Ajman, with its modest size, has limited number of industries. The existing ones include a cement factory, a dry dock and a ship repair yard. Ajman has very little tourism.
HISTORY
1820: Shaykh Rashid ibn Humayd an-Nuaimi accepts to become a British protectorate.
1971 December 2: Ajman joins the United Arab Emirates, along with all present emirates except Ras al-Khaima that would join the following year.
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By: Tore Kjeilen
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