Jordan is a country located in the Middle East, bordering Saudi Arabia to the south and east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north and Israel and the Palestinian territories to the west. The country is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful landscapes.

Jordan has a population of around 10 million people, with the majority living in urban areas such as the capital city, Amman. The official language is Arabic, although English is widely spoken and understood, especially in tourist areas.

Jordan has a long and fascinating history, and visitors can explore ancient ruins and archaeological sites that date back to biblical times. Some of the most famous historical sites include Petra, an ancient city carved out of sandstone cliffs, and Jerash, a well-preserved Roman city that was once one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire.

In addition to its historical sites, Jordan is home to beautiful natural landscapes, including the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, and Wadi Rum, a stunning desert valley that has been used as a location in several films, including Lawrence of Arabia.

Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country, and visitors are advised to dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions. The country is also known for its hospitality and friendly people, and visitors are likely to encounter warm and welcoming locals throughout their travels.

The cuisine in Jordan is diverse and flavorful, with a mix of traditional Middle Eastern dishes, such as hummus and falafel, as well as local specialties, such as mansaf, a lamb and rice dish that is often served during celebrations and special occasions.

Jordan has a relatively mild climate, with hot summers and cool winters. The best time to visit is generally between March and May, or between September and November, when temperatures are milder and the crowds are smaller.

Overall, Jordan is a fascinating and welcoming country that offers visitors a unique mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Telephone Code
962

Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 191; Fire: 193; Police: 192

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

Climate
Mostly arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April)

Currency (Code)
Jordanian dinars (JOD)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, D, F, G, J

Major Languages
Arabic, English (widely understood among upper and middle classes)

Major Religions
Muslim 97.1% (predominantly Sunni), Christian 2.1% (majority Greek Orthodox), Buddhist 0.4%, Hindu 0.1%

Potable Water
Yes, but some opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Amman; Petra; Al-Maghtas; Jerash; Dead Sea; Mujib Nature Reserve

Major Sports
Soccer, rugby, basketball, handball, volleyball

Cultural Practices
Handshakes are very common in Jordan, even in less formal interactions. Don't be surprised if even casual contact includes a handshake.

Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is not expected, but it is always appreciated. Leaving 10% at a restaurant is sufficient. For bellhops and hotel maids, around $2 (USD) per day is considered appropriate.

Souvenirs
Decorated sand bottles, hand woven rugs, water pipe musical instruments, kefiya headscarves, pottery, camel themed items

Traditional Cuisine
Mansaf — a dish made of lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt and served with rice or bulgur

Geography
Area
total: 89,342 sq km
land: 88,802 sq km
water: 540 sq km

Climate
mostly arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April)

Natural resources
phosphates, potash, shale oil

People and Society
Population
11,086,716 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Jordanian 69.3%, Syrian 13.3%, Palestinian 6.7%, Egyptian 6.7%, Iraqi 1.4%, other 2.6% (includes Armenian, Circassian) (2015 est.)

Languages
Arabic (official), English (widely understood among upper and middle classes)

Religions
Muslim 97.1% (official; predominantly Sunni), Christian 2.1% (majority Greek Orthodox, but some Greek and Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and Protestant denominations), Buddhist 0.4%, Hindu 0.1%, Jewish <0.1%, folk <0.1%, other <0.1%, unaffiliated <0.1% (2020 est.)

Population growth rate
0.79% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Capital
name: Amman

Economy
Economic overview
low growth; high unemployment, especially for youth and women; growing debt; severe COVID-19 disruptions to service and tourism; high current account balances and Five-Year Reform Matrix progress; new business programs; declining remittances

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$102.822 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$9,200 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
tomatoes, poultry, olives, milk, potatoes, cucumbers, vegetables, watermelons, green chillies/peppers, peaches/nectarines

Industries
tourism, information technology, clothing, fertilizer, potash, phosphate mining, pharmaceuticals, petroleum refining, cement, inorganic chemicals, light manufacturing

Exports
$13.864 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
United States 21%, Saudi Arabia 13%, India 8%, Iraq 7%, United Arab Emirates 5%, China 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
fertilizers, calcium phosphates, packaged medicines, clothing and apparel, phosphoric acid (2019)

Imports
$23.392 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
China 17%, Saudi Arabia 15%, United States 6%, United Arab Emirates 6%, Egypt 5%, India 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities
cars, refined petroleum, natural gas, crude petroleum, clothing and apparel (2019)