Visit Jordan

MAKE MEMORIES HAPPEN

Classic Tours
Classic Tours
One Day tour
One Day tour
pilgrimage
pilgrimage
Jordan WEATHER
jordan-mawaheb

Jordan: The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Jordan is a small yet historically and culturally rich country located in the heart of the Middle East. Known officially as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, it borders Saudi Arabia to the south, Iraq to the northeast, Syria to the north, Israel and the Palestinian territories to the west, and the Dead Sea and the Red Sea to the west and southwest, respectively. Its strategic location has made it a crossroads of civilizations for thousands of years.

Capital and Major Cities

  • Amman: The capital and largest city, a bustling modern metropolis with deep historical roots.
  • Petra: An archaeological city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, famously carved into rose-red rock.
  • Aqaba: A coastal city on the Red Sea known for its marine life and beach resorts.
  • Irbid: A major northern city and academic hub.

Geography

  • Jordan is largely a desert country, with over 80% of its land covered by arid landscapes.
  • The Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, is a natural wonder with its hypersaline waters and therapeutic properties.
  • The Jordan Valley is fertile and important for agriculture.
  • The Wadi Rum desert, also known as the “Valley of the Moon,” offers dramatic sandstone mountains and has been a filming location for movies like Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian.

History

Jordan has a long and diverse history, dating back to ancient times. It has been home to many civilizations, including:

  • The Nabateans, who built Petra around the 3rd century BCE.
  • The Romans, who left behind cities like Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns.
  • The Byzantines and later the Islamic Caliphates also shaped the region’s culture.

Modern Jordan was established as a kingdom in 1946 after gaining independence from British rule.

Culture

Jordan’s culture reflects its blend of Bedouin, Arab, and Mediterranean influences:

  • Cuisine: Popular dishes include mansaf (a lamb dish with rice and yogurt sauce, considered the national dish), maqluba (an upside-down rice and vegetable dish), and various mezze.
  • Hospitality: Jordanian hospitality is central to its culture, with guests often treated with great generosity.
  • Religion: Islam is the predominant religion, with Christianity also practiced by a minority.

Tourism

  • Petra: Known as the “Rose City,” it’s one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Dead Sea: A must-visit for its unique floating experience and mineral-rich mud.
  • Wadi Rum: Ideal for adventure seekers with camping, stargazing, and rock climbing.
  • Jerash: A treasure trove of Roman ruins.

Economy

Jordan’s economy is diverse but constrained by limited natural resources. Key sectors include:

  • Tourism
  • Phosphates and potash mining
  • Agriculture and manufacturing
  • IT and services

Politics

Jordan is a constitutional monarchy ruled by King Abdullah II, who has been in power since 1999. The country is considered relatively stable in a region often marked by conflict, and it plays a vital role in regional politics, particularly in peace efforts between Israel and Palestine.

Language and People

  • The official language is Arabic, and English is widely understood, especially in business and tourism.
  • The population is around 11 million (2023 estimates), with the majority being ethnic Arabs. Jordan also hosts a large number of refugees, primarily from Syria, Iraq, and Palestine.

Jordan is celebrated for its stability, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes, making it a gem of the Middle East.

Recommended for you

Featured
Jordan Classic Tour 1
Jordan

Jordan Classic Tour 1

0 (No Review)
JOD0 5 Days 4 Nights