The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (HKJ)
is a constitutional monarchy where the monarch serves as the head of state, chief executive, and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The king exercises his executive authority through the Council of Ministers. The cabinet, in turn, is accountable to the elected House of Deputies, which, along with the Senate, constitutes the legislative branch of the government.
Jordan is a nation rich in history, home to some of mankind's earliest settlements and villages. The remnants of many of the world's great civilizations can still be seen today. As the crossroads of the Middle East, the lands of Jordan have historically served as a strategic nexus connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. This pivotal geography has endowed Jordan with a significant role as a conduit for trade and communication, bridging east and west, north and south.
From the dawn of civilization, Jordan has been a witness to numerous historical epochs. During the Paleolithic Era, the region saw early human activity, evidenced by ancient tools and artifacts. Moving forward to the Nabatean civilization, the city of Petra stands as a testament to the ingenuity and architectural prowess of its inhabitants. The Roman period left its mark with the construction of cities such as Jerash, showcasing the grandeur of Roman architecture
Throughout the medieval era, Jordan played a crucial role during the Crusades, serving as a battleground for control over the Holy Land. The Ottoman Empire's influence is also evident in the region's architectural and cultural heritage. In the 20th century, Jordan emerged as a modern state under the leadership of King Abdullah I and later King Hussein, who steered the nation through times of regional conflict and modernization.
Today, Jordan continues to honor its historical legacy while embracing modernity. An interactive journey through Jordan's history provides a captivating narrative from the Paleolithic Era to contemporary times, highlighting the country's enduring significance as a cultural and historical crossroads.
88,780
Jordan spans an area of 88,780 square kilometers (34,278 square miles) and had an urban population of 6,710,702 people as of 2018, accounting for 67.8% of its total population. It is geographically positioned with Syria to the north, Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea to the south and east, the Jordan River, Palestine, and Israel to the west, and Iraq to the east.
9,909,393
The current population of Jordan
Based on the latest United Nations estimates, Jordan has a population of 9,909,393. This accounts for approximately 0.13% of the global population. Jordan holds the 91st position in the list of countries and dependencies by population size.
Hot Dry
Jordan climate
Jordan experiences a hot, dry climate marked by prolonged, scorching summers and brief, cool winters. This climate is influenced by Jordan's strategic location, lying between the subtropical aridity of the Arabian desert regions and the subtropical humidity of the eastern Mediterranean.
JOD or JD
The currency of Jordan
The official currency of Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD or JD), commonly referred to as "leerah" in everyday conversation, especially at local markets. One dinar is subdivided into 100 Qirsh (also known as Piasters) or 1000 fils. Although fils coins are no longer in circulation, you may still see price tags in shops that include them. The exchange rate of the Jordanian Dinar to the US dollar is fixed at USD 1 = JD 0.708.
It's fascinating how preconceived notions can shape our views of a place. While films like Lawrence of Arabia and Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade ignite wanderlust with their evocative portrayals, they often paint Jordan solely as a land of ancient archaeological wonders and sprawling deserts.
Although these depictions are not entirely inaccurate, they barely scratch the surface of what Jordan truly offers. Upon visiting, one quickly realizes that these images are just a small part of the country's rich tapestry. Jordan's lesser-known natural treasures, meticulously protected by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), are equally captivating.
Exploring these nature reserves—from serene mountain retreats and dense pine forests to verdant wetlands—unveils a side of the Middle East that is worlds apart from the typical tourist hotspots. These hidden gems offer a refreshing and unexpected perspective on Jordan's diverse landscapes and natural beauty.