Jordan | Asia

Jordan is a Middle Eastern nation bordered by Syria to the north, Iraq to the east, Saudi Arabia to the south and southeast, and Israel and the West Bank to the west. The country is defined by its arid desert plateau in the east and the fertile Jordan Rift Valley in the west, with Amman serving as the capital city.

History & Culture

Jordan achieved independence from the British mandate on May 25, 1946. Major political eras include the Nabataean Kingdom, Roman rule, the Islamic conquests, Ottoman administration, and the modern Hashemite Monarchy. The primary religious affiliation is Sunni Islam (approximately 95%), with a Christian minority. The most significant national holiday is Independence Day (May 25). Core social etiquette norms emphasize hospitality, conservative dress in public spaces, and the use of the right hand for eating and greeting.

Language & Communication

The official language is Arabic. English proficiency is medium to high, particularly within urban centers like Amman and the tourism sector. The dominant local dialect is Levantine Arabic (Jordanian).

Population & Economy

The total population is approximately 11.5 million, with an urban distribution of roughly 92%. Top export commodities include phosphates, potash, and fertilizers. The GDP per capita is approximately 4,618 USD. The labor market is primarily driven by the services sector, including public administration, tourism, and financial services.

Visa & Entry Policy

Major passport holders from the EU, US, and UK are eligible for a Visa on Arrival at most border points, including Queen Alia International Airport. An E-Visa system is available through the Ministry of Interior's portal. The "Jordan Pass" serves as a pre-paid entry package that waives visa fees if staying for at least three nights. Entry policy is considered moderate in strictness but requires a passport valid for six months.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Cash is the dominant payment method outside of Amman and major hotels. While tap-to-pay and card transactions are common in the capital, cash is required for markets, taxis, and rural vendors. ATMs are widely available in cities but scarce in remote desert or village areas.

National Transport Grid

Travel between cities is primarily conducted via the road network. There is no active passenger rail system. Travelers rely on the JETT (Jordan Express Tourist Transport) bus network for reliable intercity connections. Domestic flights operate solely between Amman and Aqaba. White shared taxis (serviis) and private minibuses serve as the secondary transport tier.

Digital Infrastructure

The primary mobile network providers are Zain, Orange, and Umniah. 4G coverage is reliable across most populated areas and major highways. 5G deployment is active but concentrated in Amman and Zarqa; signal strength diminishes significantly in deep desert regions like Wadi Rum.

Climate & Seasonality

Jordan has a Mediterranean climate in the west and an arid desert climate in the east. The country experiences a distinct wet season from November to March and a dry season from April to October. Summers are hot and cloudless, while winters in the highlands can see temperatures drop near freezing with occasional snow.

Health & Safety

There are no mandatory vaccines for entry unless arriving from a Yellow Fever-infected area. Environmental risks include Malaria (low risk), heat exhaustion, and altitude sickness in the highlands. The emergency number for Police, Ambulance, and Fire services is 911.

Top Major Regions & Cities

Central Highlands: Amman

Southern Desert: Wadi Rum (Village)

Red Sea Coast: Aqaba

Ancient Nabataean Sites: Petra (Wadi Musa)

Northwestern Ruins: Jerash

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 0.50 JOD (0.70 USD)

1 Domestic Beer: 5.00 JOD (7.05 USD)

1 Sim Card (Data Plan): 15.00 JOD (21.15 USD)

Facts & Legends

Jordan contains the lowest point on the Earth's land surface at the Dead Sea shore, which sits at approximately 430 meters below sea level. Local folklore frequently cites the "Seven Pillars of Wisdom," a rock formation in Wadi Rum named after the autobiography of T.E. Lawrence, though the geological features predated the British officer's presence by millennia.