Jordan (Official name):

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a Kingdom in the Middle-East, by the Jordan River.

Jordan occupies an area of approximately 96,188 square kilometers including the Dead Sea, making it similar in size to Austria or Portugal. The country is bordered in the north by Syria, in the east by Iraq, and by Saudi Arabia in the east and south. To the west are Israel and the occupied West Bank, while Jordan’s only outlet to the sea, the Gulf of Aqaba, is in the south. Only the northern highlands and the Jordan Valley have received enough rainfall to support large populations.

Therefore, this area has always been more settled by farmers, villagers and townspeople. Most of the urban civilizations of Jordan have been based in these fertile lands. The highest point in Jordan is the mountain Jebel Umm ad-Daami (1834 meters) and the lowest point is the Dead Sea (408 meters below sea level).

Climate

Western Jordan has essentially a Mediterranean climate with a hot, dry summer, a cool, wet winter and two short transitional seasons. In springtime, from February to May, this area of Jordan is full of flowers and plants; over 2000 different species. However, about 75% of the country can be described as having a desert climate with less than 200 mm of rain annually. In the highlands around Petra temperatures drop considerably in winter and there is a good chance of snowfall. The only exception is Aqaba where temperatures are still around 15 degrees Celsius in winter.

People

The majority of Jordan’s 4.4 million people are Arabs descended from the various tribes that have migrated to the area over the years from all directions. One of the best known groups from Jordan’s population is the Bedouin. It is difficult to count Bedouins, but it is generally known that the majority of Jordan’s population is of Bedouin origin. Some Jordanians are of Palestinian origin, having been forced from their homeland during the 1948 and 1967 wars with Israel. Jordan was the only Arab state to grant all Palestinians the right to Jordanian citizenship and many have exercised that option, playing an important part in the political and economic life of Jordan.

Religion

More than 92% of Jordanians are Sunni Muslims, and about 6% are Christians who live mainly in Amman, Madaba, Kerak and Salt. The majority of Christians belong to the Greek Orthodox Church, but there are also Greek Catholics, a small Roman Catholic community, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox and a few Protestant denominations found mostly in Amman. Several small Shi’a and Druze populations can also be found in Jordan. Holidays in Jordan are either religious (Islamic or Christian) or celebrations of important events in Jordanian or Arab history. Non-Islamic holidays are fixed, while Islamic holidays vary according to the lunar Muslim calendar. The most important holidays are Eid al-Fitr: a three day celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting and Eid al-Adha: the end of the month of Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).

Culture

The tradition of tolerance and appreciation for diversity has long been a hallmark of Hashemite Jordan and it has helped to provide a stable social foundation on which to build the country. It can be said that many of the characteristics of the Jordanian society are found in their strongest form in Bedouin culture. For instance, Bedouins are most famous for their hospitality, and it is part of their creed—rooted in the harshness of desert life—that no traveler is turned away. The tribal structure of Arab society is also most visible among the Bedouins, where the clan is at the center of social life.

Language

Arabic is the official language but many Jordanians speak English, especially in big cities and in touristic sites.

Passport en visa

Entrance visas are obtainable at the airport for visitors arriving by airplane. All you need is an international passport (6 months valid) and 10 JD. Those arriving by land must get visa prior to arrival as visas cannot be obtained at Jordan's land border crossings. If you plan to stay for more than two weeks in Jordan, you will need to register at the nearest police station.

Safety

Jordan is a stable and safe country and it makes big efforts to guarantee the safety of tourists. Crime in Jordan is very low by international standards. This is mainly due to the preventative measures designed to reduce crime and provide education and alternative activities for teenagers.

Money

The Jordanian currency is the Dinar or JD. It appears in paper notes of 20, 10, 5 and 1 JD. Coins come in denominations of 1 JD, 500 fils, 250 fils, 100 fils, 50 fils, 25 fils, 10 and 5 fils (1 JD = 1.000 fils).Credit cards are accepted at most large hotels, restaurants, car rental companies and tourist shops. The most widely accepted cards are American Express, Visa, Diners Club and MasterCard. In most cities you can also use your cards to draw cash (up to 500 JD) at any bank linked with your credit card network. You can change foreign cash or traveller’s cheques at any bank in Jordan. Only traveller’s cheques will be charged a commission. There are also authorized moneychangers in Amman, Aqaba and Irbid, and you will usually get a slightly better rate of exchange at moneychangers than at banks. Hotels of three stars or above will also change money but at a less favourable rate.

Tipping

Many of the better hotels and restaurants will add 10% to your bill. However, smaller establishments usually expect you to leave a tip in line with the service you received. Taxi drivers are generally not tipped, but it is customary to pay the nearest round figure to the price on the meter. It may be difficult to get change for a large bill, so carry plenty of small denominations and coins for taxis. Porter usually get 1 JD and guides received 5 JD tip per day.

Communication

• Post – Internet
• You can buy stamps and send letters or cards from post offices or from most hotels.
• Jordan has many internet cafes and most hotels also have internet services for 1-3 JD per hour.

Food and alcohol

Arabic cuisine delights the gourmet, and feasting is a preoccupation of Jordan. Dishes will even satisfy the health conscious because many of them are made with grain, cheese, yogurt, fresh and dried fruits and vegetables. With the use of these grains and vegetables, meat goes a long way and even the simplest ingredients can produce a surprising attractive creation. Jordan's cuisine, although unique, is part of a distinctive culinary heritage of the Middle-East, which have been savored for well over a thousand years. In most hotels alcoholic beverages can be bought but in most local restaurants no alcohol is served.

Health

Jordan is one of the cleanest and safest countries in the region, but it is nonetheless advisable to take some precautions until your digestive system adjusts. Hotels rated four-star and up have their own filtering systems, and their tap water is safe to drink. In other places, bottled water is recommended. All fruit and vegetables should be washed thoroughly, and salads and cold meats which have been sitting out for a long time should be avoided, especially during summer months. All Jordanian dairy products are pasteurized and safe. Medical services are well developed throughout Jordan, with a medical center or clinic in every town and village. There are hospitals in Amman, Aqaba, Ma’an, Kerak, Madaba, Zarqa, Irbid and Ramtha. In the larger towns and cities many of the doctors have been trained overseas and speak English. Antibiotics and other drugs normally sold on prescription in the West are often available over-the-counter in Jordan. You should carry prescriptions of any medicaments you may need, making sure you have the generic name as your specific brand may not be available. If you wear glasses, bring a spare pair and a copy of the prescription as well.

Clothing advice

In fall and winter evenings are cooler so a sweater or jacket is a good idea. In summer days are very hot so you need protection against the sun: long sleeved shirt, hat, sunglasses etc. Especially for women it is advisable not to wear clothes that are too revealing; Jordanian men have respect for women but they often get the impression that western women are “easy” and this can lead to unwanted advances. You will notice that the interaction with local people is most pleasant if you respect their culture.

Souvenirs

Handmade souvenirs of wood, ceramics and silver are very popular. They can be bought on markets or in souvenir shops. Don’t forget to bargain when you are on a souvenir hunt! If you are buying a water pipe that you want to use at home, insist on trying it out in the shop to see if it works properly.

Photography

Taking photos is usually no problem but if you want to take a picture of a Jordanian then ask first if they are ok with it. Especially Muslim women can’t be photographed without asking. Military installations or palaces and houses of the Royal Family cannot be photographed.

Time

Jordan is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Daylight Savings Time occurs between April and October.

Voltage Jordan’s electricity supply is 220 volts/50 cycles AC. Sockets are generally of the two-pronged European variety, while a variety of other sockets and plugs—especially the 13 amp square three-pinned plug—are in use. To be safe, bring a multi-purpose adapter. American equipment requires both an adaptor and a transformer. Most varieties of adaptors and transformers are readily available in electrical shops throughout Jordan.

Do not forget

• Passport, valid 6 months.
• Travel insurance.
• Cash and credit cards.
• Specific medication.
• Camera and extra batteries.
• Sunglasses / sunscreen / cap or hat / proper clothing.
• Bathing suit or bikini, this is no problem in the hotels.