Indigenous trade at the heart of South America
Jordan is a country located in the Middle East, bordered by Syria to the north, Iraq to the northeast, Saudi Arabia to the east and south, Israel and Palestine to the west, and the Red Sea to the southwest. Its strategic position and historical significance make it an important cultural and geopolitical hub in the region.
Key Facts
Capital: Amman
Population: Approximately 10.5 million (2023)
Official Language: Arabic
Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Monarch: King Abdullah II (as of 2023)
Prime Minister: Bisher Al-Khasawneh (as of 2023)
Geography
Jordan is mostly arid and desert-like but has diverse landscapes that include:
The Dead Sea: The lowest point on Earth’s surface.
Wadi Rum: Known for its stunning desert landscape and rock formations.
Petra: A world-famous archaeological site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Aqaba: A port city on the Red Sea that is a popular tourist destination.
History
Jordan’s history is rich and multifaceted, shaped by various civilizations over millennia:
Ancient Civilizations: Jordan has been home to several ancient civilizations, including the Nabataeans, who built Petra.
Roman and Byzantine Rule: It was a part of the Roman and later Byzantine Empire, with many Roman ruins like Jerash still visible today.
Islamic Rule: Jordan was incorporated into the Islamic Caliphates and later the Ottoman Empire.
Modern Jordan: In 1921, the Emirate of Transjordan was established under British rule, and it gained independence as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 1946.
Economy
Jordan’s economy is considered a lower-middle-income country, with challenges such as limited natural resources but important economic sectors including:
Tourism: Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea are major draws for tourists.
Phosphate and Potash: Jordan is one of the world's largest producers of these minerals.
Remittances: A significant portion of the economy relies on remittances from Jordanians working abroad.
Refugees: Jordan hosts a large number of refugees, particularly from Syria, Iraq, and Palestine, which places additional strain on its economy and infrastructure.
Culture
Jordanian culture is deeply rooted in Arab and Islamic traditions:
Hospitality: Jordan is renowned for its hospitality, with Bedouin traditions influencing its warm and welcoming culture.
Cuisine: Popular dishes include Mansaf (a lamb dish cooked with yogurt) and Falafel.
Music and Dance: Traditional music and Dabke, a popular dance, are integral parts of Jordanian culture.
Challenges
Water Scarcity: Jordan is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world.
Refugee Crisis: The country hosts millions of refugees, placing immense pressure on its economy and infrastructure.
Economic Challenges: Unemployment, inflation, and public debt remain pressing issues.
Global Role
Jordan plays a stabilizing role in the Middle East:
Diplomatic Relations: It maintains peaceful relations with both Israel and Palestine and is an important ally of Western countries.
Refugee Assistance: Jordan provides asylum to millions of refugees, making it a key player in humanitarian efforts.
Copyright (C) S. Midttun, 2024
