Geography

Jordan is a country in the Middle East located northwest of Saudi Arabia. It is strategically located at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba and shares its border with Iraq, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the West Bank. Comparatively speaking, Jordan is slightly smaller than the United States’ State of Indiana.

Jordan’s terrain consists mostly of desert plateau in the east and highland area in the west. The Great Rift Valley separates the East and West Banks of the Jordan River. Jordan’s climate is mostly arid with a rainy season in the Western part of the country from November until April. Jordan’s natural resources include phosphates, potash, and shale oil.

People

Jordan’s population is approximately 5,000,000. About 70% of Jordan's population lives in urban areas with the largest population in the capital city of Amman (1 million). Of the 30% of the rural population, less than 6% is nomadic or semi nomadic.

The majority of Jordan’s population is Arab (98%) and the remaining 2% consists of Circassians and Armenians. Approximately 92% of the population is Sunni Muslim and 6% of the population is Christian, with the majority of the Christians being Greek Orthodox.

Approximately 1.15 million people in Jordan are employed. The majority of Jordanians work in the services sector (64%). Approximately 30% of the work force is employed in industry and 6% are employed in agriculture. Literacy in the country is estimated at 90%.

Arabic is the official language of Jordan; however, English is widely understood among the upper and middle classes of the country as well as by people in business and industry. 

Looking to the Future-

Because of its modest natural resources, Jordan has focused on developing its greatest potential- the Jordanian people. Jordan has concentrated on improving its educational and health standards which strengthens not only the Jordanian economy with skilled and healthy labor force, but improves the general quality of life for all citizens of the Kingdom. “This focus on human development stems not only from geographical and economic necessity, but also from the late King Hussein's firm conviction that people need to be given the chance to pursue a better tomorrow for themselves and future generations. This emphasis on qualitative change in peoples' lives has been the main driving force behind the Kingdom's social and economic development.”*

*Official website of King Abdullah II 

Government

Jordan’s government is a constitutional monarchy in which the king has executive power. The king’s executive powers include:

A bicameral parliament consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate has legislative power. The members of the Chamber are elected to a 4-year term by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation. The Chamber is subject to dissolution by the king. The king appoints the 40-member Senate for an 8-year term.

The king also appoints his prime minister. The prime minister in turn appoints the Council of Ministers and is responsible for leading the Council. The approval of the Council is subject to a vote of confidence by the Chamber of Deputies. The Council of Ministers implements policy and coordinates the efforts of various departments. The Council can be dissolved by a vote of no confidence by the Chamber of Deputies.

Administratively, Jordan is divided into 12 governorates: Ajlun, Al 'Aqabah, Al Balqa', Al Karak, Al Mafraq, 'Amman, At Tafilah, Az Zarqa', Irbid, Jarash, Ma'an, Madaba. A governor appointed by the king heads each governorate. The governors have sole authorities for all government departments and development projects in their respective areas.

2002 Jordan Public Holidays

Currency and Exchange Rates

Jordan’s currency is the Jordanian Dinar or JD. It is subdivided into 1000 fils, or 100 qirsh or piasters. Jordan’s paper notes are available in the following denominations: 50 JD, 20 JD, 10 JD, 5 JD, 1 JD, and 0.5 JD. Coins come in denominations of 1 JD, 0.5 JD, 0.25 JD, 100 fils, 50 fils, 25 fils, 10 fils, and 5 fils. The exchange rate between the United States dollar and the Jordanian Dinar is 1 JD = 1.42 US $.

Business Hours

Fridays and Saturdays government offices, banks and most offices are closed. Government departments are open from 08:00 to 15:00 daily, Sunday to Thursday.

Time

Jordan’s time is GMT + 2 standard time and GMT+3 during daylight savings or 7 hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time. Daylight savings is observed from the end of March through the end of October.

Source: Official Website of King Abdullah II
           Website of Jordan’s Ministry of Industry and Trade 
           Background Note on Jordan, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, U.S. State Department, January 2002 
          The CIA’s World Fact Book, 2001.