Country Profile

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Thursday, 14 August 2008 16:35

The Hashmite Kingdom of Jordan

Jordan is a Constitutional Monarchy, Head of State: His Majesty King Abdullah II Bin al-Hussein
Jordan has an Area of 89,000 square kilometres and is located and bounded in the North by Syria, in the East by Iraq, South-East and to the South by Saudi Arabia and West by Israel. It has an outlet to an arm of the Red sea at Aqaba.
The Capital City of Jordan is Amman.

Population

Jordan has a population of approximately 5 million, it is a relatively young country with 41% below the age of 15 and only 3% above the age of 64. Population growth trends are expected to continue, Youth make up 74% of the population under the age of 30. This will inevitably later translate into both a larger consumer base and a larger labour pool within the next two decades.

Weather

Average monthly temperatures range from 46 to 78 degrees (8-26c) in Amman to between 60 and 91 degrees (16-33c) in Aqaba, in the South. Summertime often brings hot and dry winds that blow in from the Arabian Peninsula. Average rainfall in Amman is about 14 inches. Jordan is located in an active earthquake zone so natural disasters and severe weather climate changes can occur, such as sand and dust storms. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities and information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service.

Currency & Banking System

The Local Currency is the Jordanian Dinar its symbol JD. There are 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 JD notes. The Dinar is divided into 100 piasters of 1000 fills. Currency can be exchanged at Major Banks, Exchange Booths and at most Major Hotels. Exchange rates are set daily by the Jordanian Central Bank. Twenty-two Commercial Banks operate in Jordan including three Foreign Banks, Citi Bank, ANZ Grindlays, HSBC British Bank and there are over 450 Branches in Jordan. Both Residents and non-Residents can freely transfer funds in and out of Jordan, allowing for free capital movement. Banks are open Sun.-Thurs. 8.30am-3pm. Currency can also be exchanged at Exchange Booths and at most Hotels. Credit cards are accepted at Hotels, Restaurants and larger shops, including American Express, Visa, Diners Club and MasterCard. American Express has an office in Amman +962- (06) 5607075, and an Agent in Aqaba +962 (03) 2013757. Many small shops still prefer cash payment in Jordanian currency. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are increasing in Jordan, but at present only some accept foreign cards. Credit cards can be used for cash advances at Banks that are linked with a Credit Card Networks.

You can use Smart e Daleel Currency Converter

Language & Religion

The official language of Jordan is Arabic, but English is widely spoken especially in the cities. Many Jordanians have travelled or have been educated abroad so French, German, Italian and Spanish are also spoken, but to a lesser extent. Armenian and other Caucasian languages such as Circassian and Chechen are also understood and spoken by their respective communities residing here in Jordan. As for Religion,the latest figures Sunni Muslim 92%, Christian minority made of Greek Orthodx,Catholic or Coptic6%, Other (2%).

Local Customs & Public Appearance

There are strict standards of modest dress and behaviour in Jordan. You should take care not to offend. You should avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset during Ramadan. Jordan is primarily a Muslim country, although the freedom of all religions is protected. Muslim women's clothing often covers their arms, legs and hair. Western women are not subject to these customs, but very revealing clothing is never appropriate, and conservative dress is advisable for both men and women in the old part of Amman ('Downtown'), and outside the cities. Shorts are rarely worn by either sex, and would be out of place in the Downtown Amman area. Topless sunbathing is prohibited and one-piece swimsuits are preferred, although two-piece swimsuits are acceptable at Hotel pools. Public displays of affection are rare; however, it is not considered unusual for friends to hold hands, regardless of their gender. When in doubt in regards to Local laws and Customs,seek either local advise or ask your Tour Operator.

Airports & Transportation

There are many International Flights to and from Jordan, to most Major cities in the World. The only Domestic Flights run between Amman and Aqaba. Major cities are connected by buses and mini buses. One can travel around Amman by taxi, bus or service taxi (shared taxi). There are three airports in Jordan, two in Amman and one in Aqaba. Jordanʼs largest airport the Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) in Amman is equipped with a Free Zone area and modern Freight Transport and Handling facilities.

Taxis are inexpensive and often the most convenient form of Transportation in Jordan, even over substantial distances, such as the trip between Amman and Aqaba. The white-painted "service taxis" ride fixed routes and are shared. Private taxis are painted yellow; they can be taken from ranks outside larger Hotels, or hailed in the street. Taxis have meters, but these are not always used at night, so it is advisable to agree the cost beforehand. The same applies on long journeys. Taxi drivers are friendly, know the city well, and usually speak English.

It is considered appropriate for a woman to sit in the back of the taxi, even when the only passenger; a man, on the other hand, should sit in the front. Tipping is not required, but it is customary to add about 200 fills to the price of the meter.

There are no passenger Rail Road trains in Jordan, with the exception of the Hijaz Railway, which runs twice a week between Amman and Damascus on the same track that was built by the Ottomans at the beginning of the 20th century. The train departs Amman every Monday and Thursday at 08:00 am.

Local Travel

Unexploded munitions, including landmines, are still a Danger, particularly in Border areas and around Military Installations. Known minefields are usually fenced and marked, but these warnings may not be obvious. Border Crossing points between Jordan and the West Bank could be closed at very short notice. Police may perform random Security Checks of vehicles on Jordanian Highways and you are advised to carry Identification Documents to present at Checkpoints. There are also Restrictions in some places in Jordan, where you are not permitted to take photograph's. Your local Tour Guide or Operator would be able to advise.

Telecommunication Infrastructure

First class services are offered in Jordan (Mobile phones, International dialing, Paging, 10 Internet providers). Jordan has good Telecommunication Infrastructure including Internet services, leased lines, ADSL service, as well as cellular and wire based Telephony. All Major and local Hotels are equipped with these services and facilities for your use. There are also Starbucks cafes located around Jordan in most centres and shopping malls.

Post & Courier Service

Postal services are available at post offices, and at most four and five-star Hotels. Post office hours of service are Sat.-Thurs. 07:00-19:00 in Summer, 07:00-17:00 in Winter and Fri. 07:00-13:00. In Amman, the Central Post Office is Downtown. This is the only Post Office where packages can be sent. Another useful Post Office is at the Inter-Continental Hotel, Jabal Amman. The ACOR mailing address is: The American Center of Oriental Research, P.O. Box 2470, Amman 11181, Jordan. This address is used for all mail and courier delivered packets. For UPS, FEDEX, DHL, etc., use the P.O. Box address and include the PHONE and FAX numbers on the label. The local delivery offices deliver to ACOR, but must have the ACOR phone and FAX numbers on the label. Street addresses are not used in Amman.

Social: Entertainment and Culture

. Sports; ranging from Horse Riding, Scuba Diving, swimming etc. There also exists a variety of Social Clubs with an assortment of amenities.
. Hospitable Jordanians!
. Restaurants, Coffee shops and small Cafes for both day and evening outings.
. Abundance of Hotels / Restaurants / Bars catering to every taste.
. Jordan offers various Cultural Activities (Plays, Cinemas, Concerts and Folklore).
. Jordan Television has one English language channel as well as Satellite Television and excellent Cable Television.

Hot Coffee & Tea

Jordanian Arabic coffee is strong and served in tiny cups; it is often flavoured with cardamom. Shake the cup to indicate that you do not want a refill. Turkish coffee is also common; don't try to drink the last mouthful, as it will be full of coffee grounds! American coffee is also available in the cities. Decaffeinated coffee is offered in the larger hotels. Coffee is an important symbol of hospitality and it is very common to be offered coffee or tea in small shops, or to be invited to have coffee in someone's home. It is good etiquette to accept. Tea is served in small glasses and is usually very sweet. Tea with fresh mint makes a refreshing variation.

Alcohol & Smoking

Alcohol is served in most Restaurant and Bars in the cities, except during Ramadan (non-Muslims can still get a drink in larger Hotels). Locally brewed Amstel beer is available, as are excellent wines from surrounding countries. Alcohol can also be purchased in supermarkets and some shops. Araq is a local liquor similar to Greek ouzo, usually mixed with water and ice. Smoking is much more common in Jordan than in Europe or the USA, and smoke-free accommodation is relatively unusual, except in the larger Hotels. Smoking Aargileh, the Traditional water pipe or hubble-bubble, is an interesting experience, which can be tried in any Cafe's and many Restaurants. The tobacco flavour is mild, often heavily perfumed and comes in a variety of flavours such as grape, strawberry and melon.

Shopping & Sightseeing

For shoppers Jordan offers a mix of new and old. Most parts of Amman are lined with trendy shops where one can find the latest fashions. In the older souqʼs one can find a very large amount of traditional items to purchase including sand bottles and Arab "kefiyas, the big cotton headscarves black/ white or red/ white. Jewellery is also very popular. But, wherever you go in Jordan you will find plenty of opportunities to shop. Jordan Features something for Everyone. History, Archaeology, Culture, Spas and Outdoor Adventure & Thrill Seekers. Some the more notable places and events are: Petra, Jerash, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, Aqaba, Dead Sea Marathon, Jerash Festival just to name a few.

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