Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

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Area

92,300 sq km (35,637 sq miles).

Population

6.1 million (estimate 2007).

Population Density

66 per sq km.

Capital

Amman. Population: 2.5 million (2006 estimate).

Government

Constitutional Monarchy since 1952.

Jordan shares borders with Israel (and the Palestinian National Authority Region), the Syrian Arab Republic, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. At 400m (1,300ft) below sea level and living up to its name, the Dead Sea in the northwest of Jordan, is the lowest point on earth and one of the country’s most distinctive features. By contrast, the Red Sea, to which Jordan has a narrow access at Aqaba in the southwest, is teeming with life. The River Jordan flows into the Dead Sea from Lake Tiberias (Israel) and there are plans to build a canal that would link the Dead Sea to the Red Sea. The capital of Amman perches above the Dead Sea Depression at a height of 800m (2,625ft) on a plateau that extends 324km (201 miles) from the Syrian Arab Republic to Ras en Naqab in the south. It is surrounded to the north by undulating hills - some forested, others cultivated - and by desert escarpments to the south that are grazed by the sheep and goat herds of nomadic tribes. Jordan’s northeastern flank is comprised of flat desert sprinkled with a few oases while the spectacular southeastern desert is characterised by wind-eroded forms and brightly coloured sandstone cliffs.

Language

Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken. French, German, Italian and Spanish are also spoken in many tourist areas.

Religion

Over 92% Sunni Muslim, with 2% Shi’a and Druze Muslim. A significant Greek Orthodox Christian minority (6%) resides mainly in the villages around the hill city of Madaba.

Time

GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 between March and October - dates vary).

Social Conventions

Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. Jordanians are proud of their Arab culture and hospitality is a matter of great importance. Visitors are made to feel very welcome and Jordanians are happy to act as hosts and guides, keen to inform tourists about their traditions and culture. Islam always plays an important role in society and it is essential that Muslim beliefs are respected. Arabic coffee will normally be served continuously during social occasions. To signal that no more is wanted, slightly tilt the cup when handing it back, otherwise it will be refilled. If invited for dinner, a small gift is customarily given. Women are expected to dress modestly and beachwear must only be worn at the beach or poolside.

Photography: It is polite to ask permission to take photographs of people and livestock; in some places photography is forbidden.

Electricity

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are mostly used but newer buildings may have three-pin plugs.

Head of Government

Prime Minister Nader al-Dahabi since 2007.

Head of State

King Abdullah Ibn al-Hussein al-Hashimi since 1999.

Recent History

Crown Prince Abdullah ascended the throne on King Hussein’s death on 7 February 1999. He has gone to great lengths to plan long-term improvements to the economy of Jordan and is one of a new generation of Arab leaders in favour of social and economic reform. He has backed the promotion of women’s rights (in 2007, for example, 20% of seats in municipal councils were reserved for women) and actively encouraged information technology, democracy, liberal economic policies and integration with the rest of the world. Bilateral relations with Syria are continuing to improve under his reign and he has won international acclaim for promoting a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian intifada. Parliamentary elections last took place in November 2007 with independent, pro-government candidates winning the majority of seats. The new prime minister, Nader al-Dahabi, has a strong backing in parliament but has yet to convince the electorate of his abilities.