Jordan

A Kingdom of Stability, Heritage, and Hospitality

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Jordan, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is a Middle Eastern country situated at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, bordered by Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Israel, and Palestine (West Bank). Renowned for its historical treasures, political stability, and strategic diplomacy, Jordan plays a vital role in regional peace and humanitarian affairs.

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Formation and Historical Background

• Jordan was part of the ancient Nabataean kingdom, later under Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, and Ottoman rule.

• Post-WWI, became part of the British Mandate of Transjordan.

• Achieved full independence on 25 May 1946 as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan under King Abdullah I.

• Played a major role in regional conflicts, including Arab-Israeli wars, and maintains peace with Israel since 1994.

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Administrative Information

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Government and Leadership

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Administrative Divisions (Governorates)

Jordan is divided into 12 Governorates (Muhafazat), each headed by a Governor under the Ministry of Interior. These are further divided into districts (Liwa) and sub-districts (Qada).

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Local Government Structure

• Each governorate is administered by a Governor appointed by the Ministry of Interior.

• Municipal councils are locally elected, responsible for public services, planning, and local regulations.

• Amman has a unique status as a Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) with its own Mayor.

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Leadership & Governance

• King Abdullah II holds significant executive and legislative power, including the right to appoint governments.

• Jordan has witnessed political reforms, including election laws and anti-corruption measures.

• Strong emphasis on moderation, interfaith dialogue, and regional mediation.

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Law Enforcement & Safety

• Main bodies:

  • Public Security Directorate (PSD)

  • General Intelligence Directorate (GID)

  • Gendarmerie (Darak Forces)

• Jordan is considered one of the safest countries in the region.

• Emergency Numbers:

  • 911 – Police, Ambulance, Fire (unified system)

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Economy & Industry

• Key sectors:

  • Phosphate mining, potash, tourism, finance, ICT, remittances

  • Limited oil/gas, reliant on external aid and investment

• Challenges:

  • Unemployment, water scarcity, refugee burden

• GDP (2023): Approx. USD 50 billion

• Free trade agreements with EU, USA, Arab League

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Education & Institutions

• Literacy rate: ~98%

• Leading Universities:

  • University of Jordan

  • Jordan University of Science and Technology

  • German Jordanian University

• Strong emphasis on English-language education, STEM, and medical sciences

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Healthcare

• Well-developed healthcare system, popular for medical tourism

• Notable Institutions:

  • King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC)

  • Royal Medical Services (military)

  • Al-Bashir Hospital

• Public and private hospitals widely available

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Transport & Connectivity

• Main Airport: Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) – Amman

• Extensive road network connecting all governorates

• Major projects:

  • Amman–Zarqa Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

  • Proposed national rail project

• Aqaba Port – strategic Red Sea gateway

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Tourism & Attractions

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

  • Petra – ancient Nabataean city

  • Wadi Rum – desert landscape, filming location

  • Quseir Amra – Umayyad desert castle

• Religious Sites:

  • Mount Nebo, Baptism Site of Jesus (Bethany)

• Other:

  • Dead Sea, Jerash ruins, Ajloun Castle, Aqaba beaches

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Culture & Lifestyle

• Arab Islamic traditions infused with modern influences

• Strong tribal culture and royal symbolism

• Celebrated for:

  • Hospitality, music, dabke dance, calligraphy

• Cuisine: Mansaf (national dish), Maqluba, Zarb, falafel, hummus

• Festivals: Jerash Festival, Amman Design Week, religious and royal events

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Summary

Jordan remains a beacon of stability, dialogue, and culture in a volatile region. With deep historical roots, a forward-looking monarchy, and vibrant society, Jordan balances tradition and transformation, making it a key player in the modern Middle East.