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About Jordan
About Jordan

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is strategically located in the Middle East, bordered by Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, and the Red Sea. It covers an area of about 89,000 square kilometers, most of which is desert. Jordan’s geography is diverse, including the Jordan Rift Valley, highlands, and desert plateaus. It is home to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, and Jebel Umm Al-Dami, the highest peak. Major cities include Amman, Irbid, Zarqa, Karak, and Aqaba.


Jordan has a warm, dry summer and a mild, wet winter, with rainfall varying from desert to northern highlands. Politically, it is a constitutional monarchy led by King Abdullah II. The government consists of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Despite being a modern state, Jordan has a rich historical heritage and has long been a crossroads for ancient trade routes. Today, it is known for its stability, moderation, and role in promoting peace in the region.
 

Administrative Units

Jordan is divided into 12 governorates: Amman (the capital), Irbid, Zarqa, Mafraq, Ajloun, Jerash, Madaba, Balqa, Karak, Tafileh, Maan and Aqaba. Each governorate encompasses a number of districts and sub-districts.

Geography & Climate

Jordan covers about 89,213 square kilometres. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and east, Syria to the north, Iraq to the northeast, the occupied Palestinian territories to the west. It has a small coastline on the Red Sea at Aqaba.  

The landscape is varied, ranging from the Jordan Rift Valley and the Dead Sea (the lowest point on Earth) to desert and semi-arid plateau regions. Rainfall is scarce, mostly in winter; summers are hot and dry.  

Population & Administration

  • Population: over 10-11 million people (including non-citizens and refugees).  

  • Jordan is divided into 12 governorates: Amman (the capital), Irbid, Zarqa, Mafraq, Ajloun, Jerash, Madaba, Balqa, Karak, Tafileh, Maan and Aqaba. Each governorate comprises several districts and sub-districts.

Language, Religion & Culture

  • Official language: Arabic; English is widely spoken especially in business, tourism, and universities.
  • Religion: Predominantly Islam, with minorities of Christians and others. Freedom of religion is upheld.  
  • Customs: A blend of traditional and modern — hospitality is central, dress is modest especially in more conservative areas; cuisine, music and heritage are important parts of daily life.  

Transport & Access

  • By Air: Queen Alia International Airport (Amman) is the main international gateway; there are also airports in Aqaba and smaller domestic/charter airstrips.
  • Internal transport: Buses, taxis, ride-share apps; road network links all governorates.
  • Visa / entry: Depends on nationality; many countries have visa upon arrival or e-visa. (Always check with official sources before travel.)

Economy
Recent Growth & Economic Indicators

Jordan’s economy has shown moderate but steady growth. In the first third of 2025, it recorded ~2.7% GDP growth. Inflation is low and stable (around 2%), and foreign reserves are strong, covering many months of import needs.  

Key Sectors

  • Services dominate the economy, especially tourism, financial services, ICT, and trade.  
  • Industry & manufacturing are growing, particularly in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, textiles, fertilizer and mining of potash & phosphates.  
  • Agriculture contributes modestly to GDP; it faces challenges from water scarcity and climate.  

Challenges & Policy Directions

  • High public debt and trade deficits remain concerns; Jordan relies on imports for energy and many goods.  
  • Unemployment remains elevated, especially among youth.  
  • Jordan’s government has launched the Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV) for 2022 and beyond, aiming to improve competitiveness, attract investment, raise productivity, and improve quality of life.  

Tourism
Importance & Revenue

Tourism is a crucial pillar of Jordan’s economy. Revenues from tourism have been growing, helping boost exports of services. Even during global challenges (like the pandemic), tourism is a target for policy strengthening and diversification.  

Types of Tourism

  • Heritage & Culture: Sites like Petra (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Jerash, Umm Qais attract visitors interested in archaeology and history.
  • Adventure / Nature Tourism: Desert landscapes (e.g. Wadi Rum), the Dead Sea, hiking, nature reserves.
  • MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions): Jordan is increasingly positioning itself as a regional hub for conferences and business tourism.  
  • Medical Tourism: Jordan is well regarded in the region for quality healthcare, attracting patients from neighboring countries.  

Tourist Arrivals & Trends

  • Jordan has set targets under its Economic Modernisation Vision for increased visitor numbers. Recent reports show arrivals exceeded targets despite regional instability.   
  • There is growth in niche tourism (film, adventure, eco-tourism).  

What Visitors Might Experience

  • Iconic sites: Petra, the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, Mount Nebo, Ajloun Forest, the ancient Roman city of Jerash.
  • Unique experiences: Floating in the Dead Sea, desert camps, Bedouin heritage, cuisine, local markets.
  • Practical: Best times to visit are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when weather is milder. Be prepared for heat in summer, cooler nights in desert.