Jordan traces its origin to the semi-autonomous region of Transjordan
which was carved out of the Palestine mandate by the UK. The area
gained independence form the British in 1946 and came to be called
Jordan in 1950.
Though a small country, Jordan has played an important role in the
tumultuous politics of Middle East. A key ally of the US, it is one
of the two Arab countries to be on good terms with Israel.
The desert kingdom has been ruled for its most part by King Hussein
(1953-99). A pragmatic leader with great foresight, he ruled Jordan
for 46 years. He tackled dexterously the pulls and pressures of international
politics while introducing parliamentary elections in 1989. He made
peace with Israel in 1994. After his death in 1999, he was succeeded
by his son of King Abdallah II who has embarked on an aggressive policy
of aggressive policy of economic reform.
Travel overview
Though to a general observer, Middle East come across a troubled region.
But Jordan has succeeded in remaining immune from the trouble. The
country is home to a diverse landscape that varies from high hills
to flat deserts. Well known for its ancient cities and archeological
sites, the country has lots to offer to the tourists. Roman amphitheater
in the capital city of Amman is spectacular.
Petra, an ancient Arab city rediscovered in the 19th century is famous
for its the huge amphitheater. In the country’s southwest part
is Aqabah, famous for its excellent beaches. Lying along the Gulf
of Aqaba the place offers what is considered to be some of the best
diving in the globe Azraq Wetland Wildlife Reserve is a must see for
wildlife enthusiast.
You cannot remain but impressed with the ruins of a Triumphal Arch
and Hippodrome in the Greco-Roman city of Jerash. The ruins at Umm
Qais, the hilltop castle of Qalaat-al-Rabadh at Pella are other tourist
attractions in Jordan. The Dead Sea and the breathtaking desert scenery
at Wadi Rum, are not to be missed. Crusader Castle and Jebel-al-Qala'a
(fortress) offer a wealth of historical sights to explore.
For outdoor activities Jordan is second to none in the world.
Capital: Amman
Location: Middle East, northwest of Saudi Arabia
Climate: mostly arid desert,
Total Area: 92,300 sq km
Total Population: 6,053,193
Population Growth Rate: 2.412%
Sex Ratio: 1.102 male(s)/female
Literacy: 89.9%
Ethnic Groups: Arab, Circassian, Armenian
Irrigated land: 750 sq km
Languages: Arabic, English
Time Zone: UTC+2
Currency: Jordanian dinar (JOD)
Neighbouring countries: Iraq, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syria, West Bank
Type of govt.: constitutional monarchy
Head of Govt.: Prime Minister Marouf al-Bakhit
Major Political Parties: al-Ahd Party; Arab Islamic Democratic Movement
, Arab Land Party , Arab Socialist Ba'th Party , Ba'th Arab Progressive
Party , Freedom Party, Future Party, Islamic Action Front or IAF ,
Islamic Center Party, Jordanian Arab Ansar Party, Jordanian Arab New
Dawn Party, Jordanian Arab Party, Jordanian Citizens' Rights Movement,
Jordanian Communist Party, Jordanian Communist Workers Party, Jordanian
Democratic Left Party, Jordanian Democratic Popular Unity Party, Jordanian
Generations Party , Jordanian Green Party , Jordanian Labor Party
, Jordanian Peace Party, Jordanian People's Committees Movement, Jordanian
People's Democratic Party , Jordanian Rafah Party, Jordanian Renaissance
Party, Mission Party, Nation Party , National Action Party, National
Constitutional Party , National Popular Democratic Movement , Progressive
Party
Participation in International Organizations: ABEDA, CAEU, AFESD,
AMF, FAO, G-77, ICAO, ICC, IAEA, IBRD, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFRCS, ILO,
IDB, IFAD, IFC, IMF, IMO, IPU, ISO, ITU, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITUC,
LAS, MONUC, OIC, ONUB, MIGA, MINUSTAH, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNIDO, UNMEE,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNOMIG, WFTU, WHO, UNRWA,
UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Major Agricultural Products: citrus, olives; sheep, poultry, tomatoes,
cucumbers, stone fruits, strawberries and dairy
Natural Resources & Minerals: phosphates, shale oil, potash
Industry & Transport: fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, clothing,
phosphate mining, petroleum refining, cement, light manufacturing,
potash, inorganic chemicals, tourism
Airports: 17
Railways: 505 km
Roadways: 7,500 km
Major Trade Partners: US, Iraq, India, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Saudi
Arabia, China, Germany
Exports: $4.798 billion
Imports: $10.42 billion
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