Facts & Figures
Location
Jordan is located in the heart of the Middle East, Northwest of Saudi Arabia, South of Syria, Southwest of Iraq, and East of Israel and the Palestinian National Authority. Jordan has access to the Red Sea via the port city of Aqaba, located at the northern end of the Gulf of Aqaba.

Geographic co-ordinates: 29 - 34 00 N, 35 - 39 E

Area
Total: 89,342 sq. km
Land: 88,802 sq. km
Water: 540 sq. km

Population
5,600,00 million. (est.2006)

Population growth rate
2.412% (2007 est.)

Demographics
0-15 years: 37.2%
15-64 years: 59.4%
65 years and over: 3.3%
Males: 29.7%
Females: 26.7%
Percentage of urban population: 82.6%
Percentage of rural population: 17.4%
(2006 est. www.dos.gov.jo)

Nationality
Noun: Jordanian(s)
Adjective: Jordanian

Ethnic groups
Arab 98%, Circassian 1%, Armenian 1%

Religions
Sunni Muslim 92%, Christian 6% (majority Greek Orthodox, but some Greek and Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and Protestant denominations), other 2% (several small Shi'aa Muslim and Druze populations) (2001 est.)

Languages
Arabic (official), English widely understood among upper and middle classes.

Literacy
Definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 89.9%
male: 95.1%
female: 84.7% (2003 est.)

Measures
Metric.

Electricity
220 volts, 50 AC.

International dialing code
00962

Transportation
Ground transport: Jordan has an excellent expanding road network, driving is on the right. Road signs on the highways are in Arabic and English. Brown signs are designed for tourists.
Taxis: Taxis are inexpensive and often the most convenient form of transportation in Jordan.
Buses: Several companies offer charter buses and regular tours in a fleet of modern, air-conditioned coaches. For schedules a visitor can ask the hotel concierge or visit their web pages.
Car rental: Renting the car can be a good way to see the country.
Railroads: The Hijaz Railway was constructed by the ottomans between 1900 and 1908, primarily to facilitate the pilgrimage to the Muslim Holy places in Arabia. Nowadays a person can travel between Amman and Az-Zarqa’ on the train that has two daily trips, as well as trips from Amman to Damascus.

Airports in Jordan  
Queen Alia International Airport: The airport is located within 30KM from Amman; the Queen Alia International Airport is considered to be the main airport in Jordan and is serviced by many global airline carriers.
Marka Airport (Amman): The Marka Airport is a regional airport located in eastern Amman, it services domestic and nearby international routes.
King Hussein International Airport: The king Hussein International Airport (KHIA) is located in the city of Aqaba. Serviced by national and international carriers the airport is growing to become a regional hub for both the holiday and business travelers alike.

Sea transport  
The Port of Aqaba The port of Aqaba is located in southern Jordan on the north shore of the Gulf of Aqaba. It is Jordan’s gate way to the Red Sea.

Economy

Jordan's economy system
Market oriented economy.

GDP
9,998 million Jordanian Dinars. (2006 est. cbj.gov.jo)

GDP growth rate
6.7% (2006 est. cbj.gov.jo)

GDP per capita
1,785 Jordanian Dinars.

Inflation rate
5.4% cbj.gov.jo

Unemployment rate
13% official rate (2007 est. cbj.gov.jo)

GDP - composition by sector
Agriculture: 3.9% (2006 est. cbj.gov.jo)
Trade, Restaurants & Hotels: 11.0%
Transport, Storage & Communications: 18.1%
Mining & Quarrying: 2.0%
Manufacturing: 21.3%
Finance, Real Estate, and Business Services: 18.6%
Other services: 2.0%
Electricity & water: 2.5%
Government service: 14.8%

Natural resources
Phosphates, potash, and shale oil.

Geography & Landscape 

I asked Tala - environmentalist/ Terhaal's co-founder - to write a little piece describing Jordan's geography and landscape for the traveler; here's what she wrote:

"During a single day hike you can choose whether you want to descend through the red canyon of Wadi Ghuweir, swim against the current in Wadi Mujib, trek in the magnificent desert of Wadi Rum or abseil Wadi Mousa.

To give you a better understanding of the country’s diverse landscape, you have to know that Jordan is geographically divided into three major areas: the Jordan Valley, the East Bank Plateau and the Desert area.

The Jordan Valley is the fertile area that is part of the Rift Valley of Africa. It spans through the entire length of Jordan’s western borders from the north to the south. From the border with Syria down to the depression at the Dead Sea and continues to the very south to reach the Red Sea at the Gulf of Aqaba.

The Dead Sea is located right in the centre of the Jordan Valley. It is the saltiest water body and the lowest point on earth.

The East Bank Plateau overlooks the Jordan Valley and contains the main cities in Jordan such as Amman, Ajloun, Madaba, Karak, Irbid and Tafileh.

Between the Eastern Plateau and the Jordan Valley try to picture a series of deep scars. These scars would represent all the deep gorges and canyons with the water courses carving their way from the elevated highlands to the deep bottom of the rift feeding the River Jordan and the Dead Sea.

These canyons and wadies offer the trekker untamed wilderness with endless possibility for exploration. The drop in altitude in such a small distance gives them a great biodiversity and can be more challenging for those looking for adventure.

The Desert forms about 80% of the country, mostly in the east and southern parts. A number of desert castles were built going back to the Moayyad period to be used as desert inns, hunting clubs and palaces.

Wadi rum, located in the very south, is one of the most significant regions in Jordan. The area is spotted with fascinating yellow, white, red and brown sandstone mountains that are cut by wide canyons and unique colorfully decorated geological formations. The landscape offers a richness of hues and shapes; it is distinct for its natural delicate arches and bridges and mushroom-shaped rock configurations carved and shaped naturally by years of wind and erosion."

In brief, I would say that if you are someone who revels in travelling, cultural interaction, and delights in activities centred around nature (those who love the simplicity of being) then Jordan should be on your agenda soon… the adventures that you could have in its small yet incredibly varied landscapes would definitely guarantee your satisfaction…"

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