Jordan

Jordan

(Al-Mamlakah al-Urduniyyah al-Hāshimiyyah (Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan))

Flag of Jordan
Map of Jordan
Asian Continent
Two tone map of Jordan
Jordan

Capital: Amman

Population (Estimated July 2012): 6,508,887

Area: 88,778 km2 or 34,277 mi2

Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JD)

Official Language: Arabic

Political Information: Constitutional Monarchy

Official Religion: Islam
(approximately 92% of the population are Sunni Muslim, 6% are Christian of various denominations and 2% have other religious beliefs)

Highest Mountain: Jabal Umm ad Dami at 1,854m or 6,083ft

GDP Official Exchange Rate (OER is more precise at gauging a country’s economic power)

(Estimated 2011): $28.4 billion (US$) or (GBP)

GDP (OER) Per Capita (per member of the population estimated 2011): (US$) or (GBP)

 

GDP Purchasing Power Parity (PPP is good for gauging living conditions and the use of resources but is not as accurate as OER. This data has been calculated based on the sum value of all goods and services produced in the country valued at prices prevailing in the United States) 

 (Estimated 2011): $36.82 billion (US$) or (GBP)

GDP (PPP) Per Capita (per member of the population estimated 2011): $5,900 (US$) or (GBP)

Time Zone (GMT/UTC): +2:00

 

Wildlife:

 

 

Counties/Provinces/States: 12 governorates (muhafazat, singular – muhafazah); Ajlun, Al ‘Aqabah, Al Balqa’, Al Karak, Al Mafraq, ‘Amman, At Tafilah, Az Zarqa’, Irbid, Jarash, Ma’an, Madaba

 

 

Leaders: King Abdullah II with Prime Minister Awn Shawkat al-Khasawneh.

 

Additional: Gained Independence from British administration on the 25th of May 1946.

Sources: CIA World Fact Book, Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Jordan

Jordan, officially known as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is a country located in the Middle East. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north, and Israel and Palestine to the west. The capital city of Jordan is Amman, which is also the largest city in the country. Jordan has a rich history dating back to ancient times, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Paleolithic period. The country is known for its stunning landscapes, including the famous archaeological site of Petra, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Jordan is also home to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, and the Wadi Rum desert, which has been featured in numerous films due to its otherworldly beauty.

Jordan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government. The current monarch, King Abdullah II, has been in power since 1999 and is known for his efforts to modernize the country and promote economic development. The official language of Jordan is Arabic, and Islam is the predominant religion, with the majority of the population being Sunni Muslims. The country has a diverse population, with a mix of Bedouin tribes, Palestinians, and other ethnic groups. Jordan is known for its hospitality and welcoming nature, and visitors to the country often remark on the warmth and friendliness of the people. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, Jordan is a fascinating destination for travellers seeking to explore the wonders of the Middle East.

History and Culture of Jordan

The history of Jordan dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human settlement in the region dating back to the Paleolithic period. The area that is now Jordan has been inhabited by various ancient civilizations, including the Nabateans, who built the famous city of Petra, and the Romans, who left behind impressive ruins such as the ancient city of Jerash. In more recent history, Jordan was part of the Ottoman Empire before becoming a British mandate following World War

In 1946, Jordan gained independence and became a sovereign state. The country has since played a key role in regional politics and has been a haven for refugees from neighbouring countries.

Jordanian culture is a rich tapestry of traditions that have been shaped by its diverse history and influences from neighbouring regions. The country’s cuisine, music, and art reflect this diversity, with influences from Arab, Bedouin, and Palestinian cultures. Traditional Jordanian music often features instruments such as the oud and the qanun, and traditional dances such as the dabke are popular at weddings and other celebrations. Jordanian cuisine is known for its use of fresh herbs and spices, with dishes such as mansaf (a traditional Bedouin dish of lamb cooked in fermented dried yogurt) and falafel being popular staples. The country also has a thriving arts scene, with contemporary artists drawing inspiration from both traditional and modern influences. With its rich history and vibrant culture, Jordan offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the traditions of the Middle East.

Geography and Landmarks of Jordan

Jordan is a country of diverse landscapes, ranging from the fertile Jordan Valley in the west to the arid desert regions in the east. The country is home to several natural wonders, including the Dead Sea, which is famous for its high salt content and buoyant waters. The Dead Sea is also one of the lowest points on Earth, sitting at around 430 meters below sea level. Another iconic landmark in Jordan is Petra, an ancient city carved into rose-red cliffs that dates back to around 300 BCE. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and is a must-see for visitors to Jordan.

In addition to its natural wonders, Jordan is also home to several impressive historical landmarks. The ancient city of Jerash, also known as Gerasa, is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world and features impressive ruins such as the Oval Plaza and the Temple of Artemis. The desert landscape of Wadi Rum is another iconic landmark in Jordan, with its towering sandstone mountains and vast open spaces making it a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. With its diverse landscapes and rich history, Jordan offers visitors a wealth of landmarks to explore and discover.

Economy and Industry in Jordan

Jordan has a mixed economy that is based on agriculture, industry, and services. The country’s main agricultural products include fruits, vegetables, olives, and grains, with irrigation playing a key role in supporting agriculture in the arid climate. In recent years, Jordan has also made efforts to develop its industrial sector, with a focus on manufacturing and export-oriented industries such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. The country has also made significant investments in renewable energy sources such as solar power, with several large-scale solar projects currently underway.

The services sector is also an important part of Jordan’s economy, with tourism playing a key role in driving economic growth. The country has made efforts to promote itself as a tourist destination, with initiatives such as the Jordan Pass offering visitors access to multiple attractions at a discounted price. In addition to tourism, other key sectors in the services industry include finance, telecommunications, and information technology. Despite these efforts, Jordan faces economic challenges such as high unemployment rates and a large public debt burden. However, with ongoing efforts to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment, Jordan has the potential to become a regional hub for trade and commerce.

Jordanian Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Jordanian cuisine is a reflection of the country’s rich history and diverse cultural influences. The cuisine features a wide variety of dishes that are made using fresh herbs and spices, with an emphasis on simple yet flavourful ingredients. One of the most famous dishes in Jordanian cuisine is mansaf, which is considered the national dish of Jordan. Mansaf consists of lamb cooked in fermented dried yogurt and served with rice or bulgur wheat. Another popular dish is falafel, which consists of deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans and served with pita bread and tahini sauce.

In addition to these traditional dishes, Jordanian cuisine also features a wide variety of mezze (appetizers) such as hummus, baba ghanoush (smoky eggplant dip), and tabbouleh (a salad made from parsley, mint, bulgur wheat, tomatoes, and onions). These mezze are often served alongside freshly baked bread and are a staple at family gatherings and celebrations. Jordanian cuisine also features a wide variety of desserts such as knafeh (a sweet pastry made from shredded filo dough filled with cheese or nuts) and baklava (a sweet pastry made from layers of filo dough filled with nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup). With its emphasis on fresh ingredients and bold flavours, Jordanian cuisine offers visitors a unique culinary experience that reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Tourism and Attractions in Jordan

Jordan is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. One of the most famous attractions in Jordan is Petra, an ancient city carved into rose-red cliffs that dates back to around 300 BCE. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world and is a must-see for visitors to Jordan. Another popular destination is the Dead Sea, which is famous for its high salt content and buoyant waters. Visitors can float effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape.

For nature lovers and adventure seekers, Wadi Rum is a must-visit destination. This vast desert landscape features towering sandstone mountains and offers opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and camping under the stars. The ancient city of Jerash is another popular attraction in Jordan, known for its well-preserved Roman ruins such as the Oval Plaza and the Temple of Artemis. In addition to these iconic landmarks, Jordan also offers opportunities for cultural experiences such as visiting traditional Bedouin camps or exploring vibrant markets in cities such as Amman. With its diverse attractions and warm hospitality, Jordan offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the Middle East.

Current Events and Future Outlook for Jordan

In recent years, Jordan has faced economic challenges such as high unemployment rates and a large public debt burden. However, the country has made efforts to diversify its economy through initiatives such as promoting tourism and investing in renewable energy sources such as solar power. In addition to economic challenges, Jordan has also faced political instability due to conflicts in neighbouring countries such as Syria and Iraq. Despite these challenges, Jordan has remained relatively stable compared to other countries in the region.

Looking towards the future, Jordan has the potential to become a regional hub for trade and commerce due to its strategic location and efforts to attract foreign investment. The country’s rich history and diverse landscapes make it an attractive destination for tourists seeking to explore the wonders of the Middle East. With ongoing efforts to modernize its economy and promote sustainable development, Jordan has the potential to overcome its current challenges and emerge as a thriving nation in the years to come.

FAQs

 

What is Jordan?

Jordan is a country located in the Middle East, bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north and Israel and Palestine to the west.

What is the capital of Jordan?

The capital of Jordan is Amman, which is also the largest city in the country.

What is the official language of Jordan?

The official language of Jordan is Arabic.

What is the currency of Jordan?

The currency of Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD).

What are the popular tourist attractions in Jordan?

Some popular tourist attractions in Jordan include the ancient city of Petra, the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum desert, and the historic city of Jerash.

What is the climate like in Jordan?

Jordan has a mostly arid climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The climate can vary depending on the region, with the desert areas experiencing extreme temperatures.

What is the population of Jordan?

As of 2021, the population of Jordan is estimated to be around 10 million people.

What is the government system in Jordan?

Jordan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government. The King of Jordan is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government.

History of Jordan

History of Jordan

Jordan has a rich and diverse history that dates back to ancient times. The region that is now Jordan was home to several ancient civilizations, including the Ammonites, Edomites, and Moabites. These ancient peoples left behind a wealth of archaeological treasures,...

Population Density of Jordan

Population Density of Jordan

Jordan is a small country located in the Middle East, with a population density of around 113 people per square kilometer. The population density in Jordan is unevenly distributed, with the majority of the population concentrated in urban areas such as the capital...

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