The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates that joined together in 1971 and 1972. In the order of their traditional ranking and founding of the union, they are: 1. Abu Dhabi (the capital and largest), 2. Dubai (the commercial hub), 3. Sharjah, 4. Ajman, 5. Umm Al Quwain, and 6. Fujairah. These six emirates officially formed the UAE on December 2, 1971. The seventh emirate, 7. Ras Al Khaimah, joined the federation shortly after on February 10, 1972. Each emirate is governed by its own absolute monarch (an Emir), and together they form the Federal Supreme Council, which is the highest legislative and executive body in the country. While Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the most globally recognized for their wealth and tourism, the "Northern Emirates" like Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah are increasingly popular for their cultural heritage and diverse natural landscapes ranging from mountains to mangroves.