Overview of Jordan

Quick Overview

Jordan is a country formed by mountainous terrain in its southwest and primarily a vast desert plateau covering 90% of its territory. To the west, there is a depression along the Jordan River and the Dead Sea, extending to the port of Aqaba on the Red Sea. This western part is the most populated and developed.

Key Facts

• Type of place: country.

• Location: in the heart of the Middle East, between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

• Latitude/longitude: 31°00' N, 36°00' E.

• Local time: Heure : 12802

• Capital: Amman.

• Nature of the state: constitutional monarchy.

• Official language: Arabic.

• Currency: Jordanian dinar.

• Population: 10,458,413 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 89,341 km².

• Density: 117 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Jabal Umm ad Dami (1,854 m).

• Lowest point: Dead Sea (-408 m).

• Coastline: 26 km.

• Driving: on the right.

Tourism

For many, Jordan is the must-visit country in the region—or at least the most comprehensive, with unique natural landscapes (Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, etc.), grand historical sites (most notably Petra), and a small stretch of Red Sea coastline. With Aqaba, it has become a premier diving destination.

As with other countries in the area, Jordan’s tourism is closely tied to regional stability. Visitor numbers fluctuate between 3.5 and 4.5 million annually (4.15 million in 2018), with significant variations in Western tourist arrivals (31,200 French visitors in 2016). The country is increasingly targeting Asian travelers to offset this.

Travel Essentials

• Destination: beginner-friendly.

• By air: France-Amman.

• Entry requirements: passport valid for at least 6 months after entry + visa on arrival.

• Currency to bring: euros.

• Exchange rate:

• Daily "backpacker" budget:

• Best for accommodation:

• Best for getting around:

• Risks:

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices:

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★★; Adventure ★★/★★★; Culture ★★★★; Relaxation/Holidays ★★

Useful Addresses

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life": 95/188 (2018 ranking)

• GDP per capita: $9,200 (2017)

• Average monthly income: ()

• Inflation: +3.3% (2017)

• "Official" unemployment: 18.3% (2017)

• Population below poverty line: ()

• Life expectancy: 75 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: 0 (2017)

• Population growth: +2.02% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 95.4% (2015)

• Urban population: 91% (2018)

• Press freedom: 132/180 (2018 ranking)

• Political regime: authoritarian regime (115/167 in 2018)

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook