Middle East

Jordan

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, commonly called Jordan (Arabic , transliterated 'Urdunn), is a country in the Middle East. It is bordered by Syria to the north, Iraq to the north-east, Saudi Arabia to the east and south, and Israel and West Bank to the west. It shares with Israel the coastlines of the Gulf of Aqaba and the Dead Sea. Jordan's main religion is Islam and its main language is Arabic. Jordan , town (1990 pop. 2,909), Scott co., S Minn., near Minnesota R., 28 mi/45 km SW of Minneapolis; 44°40'N 93°37'W. Trading point in agr. area (grain; livestock, poultry; dairying); mfg. (fabricated metal prods., transportation equip., food prods., electronic equip., machinery); sawmill; sand and gravel pits nearby. Thompson Ferry State Wayside, on Minnesota Valley State Trail, to N. Plotted 1854, inc. as village 1872, as city 1891.

Full country name:The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
National name:
Al-Mamlaka al-Urduniya al-Hashimiyah
Area:
35,637 sq mi (92,300 sq km) excludes West Bank
Population: 5,759,732 (growth rate: 2.6%); birth rate: 21.8/1000; infant mortality rate: 17.4/1000; life expectancy: 78.2; density per sq mi: 162
Capital City:
Amman, 2,677,500 (metro. area), 1,293,200
People:
Arab 98%, Circassian 1%, Armenian 1%
Language:Arabic (official), English
Religion:
Islam (Sunni) 92%, Christian 6% (mostly Greek Orthodox), other 2%
Literacy rate: 91% (2003 est.)
Government:
King Abdullah II (1999)
Head of Government:
Adnan Badran (2004)

History of Jordan

The land that became present-day Jordan forms part of the history-rich Fertile Crescent region. Its known history began around 2000 B.C., when Semitic Amorites settled around the Jordan River in the area called Canaan. Subsequent invaders and settlers included Hittites, Egyptians, Israelites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arab Muslims, Christian Crusaders, Mameluks, Ottoman Turks, and, finally, the British. At the end of World War I, the territory now comprising Israel, Jordan, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem was awarded to the United Kingdom by the League of Nations as the mandate for Palestine. In 1922, in an attempt to assuage Arab anger resulting from the Balfour Declaration, with the approval of the League of Nations, the British created the semi-autonomous, Arab Emirate of Transjordan in all Palestinian territory east of the Jordan river. The British installed the Hashemite Prince Abdullah, while continuing the administration of Palestine and Transjordan under a single British High Commissioner. The mandate over Transjordan ended on 22 May 1946; on 25 May, the country became the independent Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan. It ended its special defense treaty relationship with the United Kingdom in 1957...Jordan's History.

Overview of Jordan's Economy

GDP: $25.5 billion
GDP per capita: $4,500
Annual Growth: 5.1%
Inflation: 3.2%
Major Industries: phosphate mining, pharmaceuticals, petroleum refining, cement, potash, inorganic chemicals, light manufacturing, tourism.
Major Trading Partners: U.S., Iraq, Switzerland, India, Saudi Arabia, China, Germany (2003).
Natural resources: phosphates, potash, shale

Also Read: A Brief insight in the Economy of Jordan

Political System of Jordan

- Foreign Relations of Jordan
- Politics of Japan
- Govenment of Jordan

Climate, Vegetation and Fauna

- Environment: Jordan has few trees and little farmland. The environmental problems posed by limited fresh water, overgrazing, deforestation and desertification are a challenge to the Jordanian government. Desertification has produced some of Jordan's most spectacular terrain; the Wadi Rum has some of the world's most famous desert scenery. Other well-known Jordanian landscapes include the coast off the Gulf of Aqaba and the Dead Sea. Jordan has a number of nature reserves including the Azraq Wetland Wildlife Reserve, the Dana Nature Reserve, the Mujib Reserve and the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve.
-Architecture: Perhaps the most well-known example of architecture in Jordan is the Nabataean city of Petra, a World Heritage site protected by the Petra National Trust. A strategic point on trade routes, Petra was partly built and partly carved into rock two thousand years ago. Another World Heritage site in Jordan is the desert castle of Quseir Amra, one of the castles built by the Caliphs of the Umayyad dynasty. Kerak, on the approach to Jerusalem, is an example of a Crusader castle (captured by Saladin when he defeated the Christian Crusaders).
- Food: The "mezze" is a culinary tradition of the region. This may consist of up to thirty or more small dishes which are served together. Examples are salad dishes and dips such as houmous made with chick peas and aubergine purees. Maglouba (stew) is prepared with vegetables, meat or sometimes fish. Kebabs made with lamb and chicken are a popular meal and stuffed vegetables are a feature of Jordanian cuisine. A traditional Jordanian recipe served on special occasions is "mansaf", a stewed lamb. Staple foods include bread (flat varieties) and rice. Recipes may use yoghurt, herbs, spices, nuts and pine kernels. Pastries are often made with honey and nuts. Milk puddings, fresh fruit and ice cream are popular desserts. Coffee is preferred strong with cardamon seeds and tea is served sweet with mint. Wines and spirits are produced locally and arak, an aniseed-flavoured spirit, is served with water and ice.
- Geography : The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is in the Middle East and is bordered by Israel, the West Bank, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf of Aqaba. Amman is the capital city. Aqaba (Red Sea) is Jordan's only port. Other cities include Irbid, Kerak and Zarqa. Jordan's terrain consists of desert plateau in the east of the country and an area of highlands in the west; the Great Rift Valley divides the East and West Banks of the Jordan River. Summers in Jordan are hot and winters can be cold.
- Sport: Popular sports in Jordan include football, volley-ball and athletics. The Dead Sea Ultra Marathon is an annual event. The Dead Sea, the lowest place on the surface of the earth, is famous for its high salt content that keeps swimmers afloat. In its spa resorts hot springs are said to alleviate various health problems. The Gulf of Aqaba is a well-known resort for water-sports such as water-skiing, wind surfing and diving. Its waters contain some of the world's best coral reefs.

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Middle East Travel Guide