Jordan

The Heart of the Middle East

Jordan, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is a land of peace, heritage, and faith — where ancient civilizations, Biblical history, and modern progress converge. Known for its hospitality, stability, and natural wonders, Jordan bridges the deserts of Arabia and the fertile crescent, standing as a symbol of resilience and regional diplomacy.

🏛️ Formation & Historical Background

Jordan’s history stretches back thousands of years, home to early civilizations and key events of Biblical and Islamic heritage.

Key Historical Timeline:

  • 2000 BCE: Ancient kingdoms of Ammon, Moab, and Edom

  • 312 BCE: Nabatean civilization flourishes — Petra becomes a major trade hub

  • 63 BCE: Roman annexation – part of the Decapolis cities

  • 7th Century CE: Islam spreads under Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab

  • 1516–1918: Ottoman Empire rule

  • 1921: Emirate of Transjordan established under British mandate

  • 1946 (May 25): Independence as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

  • 1948–1967: Arab-Israeli wars; influx of Palestinian refugees

  • 1994: Peace treaty signed with Israel – regional stability milestone

  • Present: Modern constitutional monarchy promoting reform and unity

🧭 Basic National Information

Category Details
Official Name Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Capital City Amman
King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein
Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II
Area ~89,342 sq. km
Population ~11 million (2025 estimate)
Currency Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
Time Zone Arabia Standard Time (UTC+3)
Dial Code +962
Top-Level Domain .jo
National Motto “God, the Country, the King”

⚖️ Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2025)
King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein
Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II
Prime Minister Bisher Al-Khasawneh
Government Type Constitutional Monarchy
Legislature National Assembly (Senate & House of Representatives)
Judiciary Court of Cassation, Constitutional Court
Administrative Capital Amman

Jordan’s monarchy emphasizes national unity, reform, and diplomacy — earning global respect for stability in a volatile region.

🗺️ Administrative Structure

Jordan is divided into 12 governorates (muhafazat), each managed by a governor.

Governorate Capital
Amman Amman
Zarqa Zarqa
Irbid Irbid
Balqa Salt
Mafraq Mafraq
Jerash Jerash
Ajloun Ajloun
Madaba Madaba
Karak Karak
Tafila Tafila
Ma’an Ma’an
Aqaba Aqaba

🌐 Geography & Environment

  • Location: Western Asia, bordered by Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Israel, and Palestine

  • Rivers: Jordan River (biblical importance), Zarqa River

  • Major Landforms: Dead Sea, Wadi Rum desert, highlands of Amman and Ajloun

  • Climate: Arid desert; Mediterranean along western highlands

  • Natural Resources: Phosphates, potash, shale oil, tourism sites

  • Environmental Challenges: Water scarcity and desertification

Jordan’s Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth (−430 m), is one of its most famous natural wonders.

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.

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.

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)

🕌 Religion, Language & Culture

Category Details
Major Religion Islam (Sunni majority)
Other Faiths Christianity, Druze, small minorities
Official Language Arabic
Other Languages English (widely spoken)
Cultural Identity Arab-Islamic with Bedouin traditions and modern influences

Cultural Highlights:

  • Renowned for Bedouin hospitality and traditional attire (keffiyeh, abayah)

  • Cuisine: Mansaf (national dish), falafel, hummus, maqluba

  • Music & Art: Blend of Arab folklore and modern creativity

  • Major Festivals: Independence Day, Eid al-Fitr, Jerash Festival of Culture & Arts

📈 Economy & Key Sectors

Jordan’s economy is diversified, driven by human capital, tourism, and service industries.

Sector Description
Tourism Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea attract millions of visitors annually
Industry Mining (phosphate, potash), textiles, pharmaceuticals
Services Banking, ICT, education, and healthcare
Agriculture Olives, citrus, vegetables
Trade Partners USA, EU, Saudi Arabia, China, Iraq
Challenges Limited natural resources, reliance on imports

Jordan’s Vision 2033 focuses on sustainability, innovation, and regional investment partnerships.

🎓 Education & Healthcare

Sector Details
Education System Strong literacy rate (~98%) and quality higher education
Top Universities University of Jordan, Yarmouk University, Jordan University of Science & Technology
Medium of Instruction Arabic, English
Healthcare System Advanced hospitals and medical tourism sector
Life Expectancy ~75 years
Focus Areas STEM education, digital transformation, medical training

Jordan is a regional leader in education and healthcare, attracting students and patients from across the Arab world.

✈️ Transport & Infrastructure

Category Details
Main Airports Queen Alia International (Amman), King Hussein Intl (Aqaba)
Ports Aqaba Port (gateway to Red Sea trade)
Highways Desert Highway, King’s Highway – scenic historical routes
Rail Projects Jordan National Railway for cargo and passenger transport
Urban Development Amman metro and smart city planning under Vision 2033

🏞️ Tourism & Attractions

Jordan offers a blend of natural beauty, ancient heritage, and spiritual significance.

Top Destinations:

  • Petra: UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World

  • Wadi Rum: “Valley of the Moon” – desert landscapes and Bedouin camps

  • Dead Sea: Floating experience and therapeutic mud baths

  • Jerash: Roman ruins of Gerasa

  • Mount Nebo: Site where Prophet Moses (A.S.) viewed the Promised Land

  • Aqaba: Red Sea resort city

  • Amman Citadel: Ancient ruins and panoramic city views

  • Madaba: 6th-century Mosaic Map of Jerusalem

🌍 Global Role & Relations

Aspect Details
UN Membership Since 1955
Regional Cooperation Arab League, OIC, UNHCR partnerships
Foreign Policy Focus Stability, peace mediation, humanitarian support
Major Partners USA, EU, Gulf States, Egypt, Iraq
Humanitarian Role Hosting over 1 million Syrian refugees with international support

Jordan is globally respected for its neutral diplomacy and humanitarian leadership in regional crises.

📝 Summary

Jordan stands as a land of peace and purpose — a living testament to the coexistence of faiths, civilizations, and progress. From the rose-red city of Petra to the calm shores of the Dead Sea, Jordan embodies the harmony between history and hope, tradition and transformation.

📢 News & Articles

  • “Petra: The Eternal Wonder of the Desert”

  • “Jordan’s Vision 2033 – Building a Sustainable Future”

  • “The Hashemite Legacy: A Century of Stability and Reform”

🎯 Our Mission

This national profile reflects Jordan’s enduring role as a cultural bridge and peace model — part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub promoting knowledge, faith, and global understanding.

📬 Contact Us

For verified updates, factual corrections, or contributions about Jordan, please reach out to our editorial team.