Overview of Jordan

Profile

Jordan is a landlocked country in western Asia, occupying part of the Syrian Rift Valley, with a coastline at the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea. Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, it emerged as the British Mandate of Transjordan and gained independence in 1946. Under a constitutional monarchy with the king as head of state, Jordan has maintained relatively stable politics and security while being known for actively accepting refugees. It boasts diverse tourism resources including the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, and Petra ruins, serving as a hub for archaeological, religious, and adventure tourism. Rich in phosphate and potash minerals, the country is now focusing on developing IT, healthcare, and renewable energy sectors.

Official name: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Common name: Jordan
Numeric code: 400
Alpha-3 code: JOR
Alpha-2 code: JO
Population: Approximately 11.3 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 127 people/km²
Primary languages: Arabic
Major religions: Islam (Sunni), Christianity
National anthem: As-Salam al-Malaki al-Urduni (Royal Anthem of Jordan)
Calling code: +962
Internet TLD: .jo

History

A crossroads of trade routes since ancient times, Jordan became an independent Arab kingdom in 1946.

From the Iron Age kingdoms of Ammon and Moab, the Nabataean Kingdom, and the Roman province of Arabia Petraea, the region became Islamicized in the 7th century. It fell under Ottoman rule from the 16th century. After the Arab Revolt during WWI, it became the British Mandate of Transjordan, with Abdullah I establishing an emirate in 1921. Following independence in 1946, it adopted its current name in 1949. The country lost the West Bank in the 1967 Six-Day War but signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1994. Since then, Jordan has contributed to regional stability as a moderate Arab nation while facing challenges from refugee influx and economic reforms.

Geography & climate

Divided into western Jordan Valley and Dead Sea basin, central limestone highlands, and eastern basalt desert.

Mix of Mediterranean, steppe, and desert climates

Area: Asia / 89342 km²
Capital: Amman
Largest city: Amman
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Dead Sea
Bordering countries: Israel, State of Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia

Natural resources

Phosphate rock, Potash, Natural gas, Oil shale, Uranium ore, Limestone, Marble, Solar energy, Wind power, Dead Sea minerals

Politics

Government: Constitutional monarchy with bicameral parliament

Economy

Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)

GDP (nominal): Approximately 52.3 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): Approximately 129 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Arabic

Time zone: Arabia Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Jordanian Arabs, Palestinian Arabs, Circassians, Armenians, Chechens, Kurds

Life expectancy

74.3 years

Literacy rate

97.9%

National sports

Football, Basketball, Taekwondo, Badminton, Athletics, Chess