Jordan

Climate:
Jordan has a combination of Mediterranean and arid desert climates, with the Mediterranean type prevailing in the North and West, while the majority of the country is desert. Generally, the country has warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, with annual average temperatures ranging from 12 Degrees to 25 Degrees Celsius (54 to 77 F) and summertime highs reaching the 40 C (105-115 F) in the desert regions. Rainfall averages vary from 50 mm (1.97 inches) annually in the desert to 800 mm (31.5 inches) in the northern hills, some of which falls as snow in some years

Entry and Visa Requirements:
Any non-Arab visitor to Jordan, whether on business or tourism trip, needs an entry visa. The fee for the visa in addition to the granted stay duration depends on the visitor’s nationality

Although entrance visas are obtainable at the airport for visitors arriving by air, those arriving by land must get a visa prior to arrival. These are obtainable from any Jordanian diplomatic mission abroad. Visas cannot be obtained at Jordan’s land border crossings
Visas obtained in Jordanian diplomatic missions are valid for 3-4 months from the date of issue, and can be issued for multiple entries. Tourist visas allow a stay of up to one month initially. However, this period can easily be extended for up to another two months. After that date you must exit and re-enter the country, or undergo immigration procedures. If your visa has not been renewed properly by the time you leave Jordan you will have to pay a fine before exiting the country.. If you plan to stay for more than two weeks in Jordan, you are required to register at the nearest police station.

Health Requirements and Recommendations:
Inoculations are not required unless you are traveling from an epidemic area. If you come from a country where diseases such as cholera and yellow fever are prevalent, you will have to provide a certificate of inoculation at your point of entry into Jordan. Although not required, it is preferable to have vaccinations against polio, tetanus and typhoid.

Jordan is one of the cleanest and safest countries, but it is nonetheless advisable to take some precautions until your digestive system adjusts. Hotels rated four-star and above have their own water 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 in the open 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 centre or clinic in every town and village. There are hospitals in Amman, Aqaba, Ma’an, Karak, 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.

Departure Tax:
By Land
5 Jordan Dinar
By Air
5 Jordan Dinar
By Sea and Aqaba
5 Jordan Dinar

Topography:
The kingdom is divided into three natural regions from east to west, which converge in the south at Aqaba, Jordan’s only outlet to the sea. The first consists of the eastern depression of the Jordan Valley from the southern end of the Sea of Galilee in the north, along the Jordan River, the Dead Sea (at about 412 m/1,350 ft below sea level, the lowest point on earth) down to the Red Sea at Aqaba.
The second natural region is the upland area above the Jordan Valley, which begins at the Yarmouk River in the north. Stretching down to Aqaba, this region is intersected by wadis (valleys and gorges) that subdivide it into three distinct areas.

The first lies in the area between the Yarmouk and Zerqa Rivers, the second runs from the River Zerqa to the spectacular Wadi Mujib and the third consists of the upland regions around Karak. The desert to the east of these uplands is the third and largest region, forming more than 75 percent of the total area. Azraq, whose black stone fort was for a short time the headquarters of Lawrence of Arabia, is the only major oasis in this inhospitable region.

National Parks:
The Dibbeen National Park, between Jerash and Ajlun, has 48 km (30 miles) of pine woodland, a rest house with bungalows and a picnic site. A Friday favorite with Jordanians, it is a great spot for a picnic after a trip to Jerash, and for walks, especially in spring when the wildflowers bloom.
The Zai National Park, on the road from Salt to the Jordan Valley is also covered with pine trees and commands beautiful views of the valley. A small road winds through it and a rest house (istiraha) offers excellent views. Both parks have play areas for children.

Nature Reserves:
The Shaumari Wildlife Reserve near the eastern town of Azraq was established by the Royal Jordanian Society for Conservation of Nature to reintroduce animals that had become extinct in the region, such as the Arabian Oryx (an antelope species), ostriches and gazelle. The nearby Azraq Oasis hosts many bird species migrating from Europe.

The Dana Nature Reserve is a little to the south of Tafila, off the King’s Highway and offers camping. The Gulf of Aqaba, with its huge variety of tropical fish and corals, offers world class scuba diving. Wadi Rum is one of the most magnificent desert landscapes in the world.
Jordan is home to two of the most spectacular sights in the Middle East. Petra, the ancient city of the Nabateans, may be overrun with snap-happy day-trippers but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s one of the world’s most atmospheric ruins. For a slightly more contemplative experience, the startling desert scenery of Wadi Rum that enraptured Lawrence of Arabia and has caused more than one traveler to don a kaffiyeh and gaze. If you prefer hiking, try the areas around Petra and Wadi Rum. Wadi Rum is also good for climbing, with basic gear available on-site. You can also go camel riding around Wadi Rum.

One of the best diving spots in the world is the coast south of Aqaba (in the far south of Jordan) down to the Saudi Arabian border. The Gulf of Aqaba here throngs with tropical fish and coral. There are at least four diving centers in Aqaba offering PADI certified courses for beginners.

Flora and Fauna:
Jordan is rich with different kinds of wild plants such as wild olive trees, oaks, juniper, oleander, carob, furze, wild pine, haw and others. There are countless different kind of small bushes and small plants. Furthermore, for people who like hunting, there are ibex, deer and ghazal in the wood or the desert, wild rabbets. Wild animal like wolves, hyenas, wild pigs, foxes are seen in smaller numbers and in rare cases tigers. If you like wild birds, Jordan has partridge, swallow, nightingale, eagle, falcon, pigeon, owls and many others

Tourist Attractions
Ajloun:
Ajloun is located 27 Km to the north west of Jerash. In Ajloun you can see the only castle built as a wholly Islamic castle. Known as Qala at Ar Rabadh, it was built to check the Crusaders expansion. In the Mamlukes time, the castle was used also as stopover for pigeon couriers which could relay messages from Baghdad to Cairo.
In 1260 the castle was conquered by the Mongols.
The Castle suffered damages due to earthquakes during the last 200 years. In the spring and summer seasons, hundreds of Jordanians visit this area. It is famous for its forests such as Dibeen, Ashtafena and Zai national parks
Olives, vines, oak and pine trees make the hills green almost the whole year..

Jerash:
Jerash is located about 45 km to the north of Amman. Jerash is one of the best-preserved and most complete Roman cities found anywhere in the world.
As you walk through this ancient city, you find yourself being drawn back in the world as it existed in the 2nd Century A.D.
Provincial cities along the southeastern border from the Roman Empire: Jerash is the most spectacular of these cities, ten of which were loosely allied in an association of cities called the Decapolis.
It flourished as a provincial trading city in the 1C AD, and reached its peak in the 2nd Century AD.
Jerash reflects the coexistence of the Arab orient and the Greco-Roman world.
The city was linked to Damascus to the north, Philadelphia to the south and Pella to the west.
Archeological excavations discovered that the city existed for over 1,000 years.
Jerash Ruins, relics from Hellenic, Roman, Byzantine and Islamic eras, could be seen within 3 hours.
Among the ruins you can watch the Hadrian’s Arch, Hippodrome, South Gate, City Wall, Temple of Zeus, Oval Plaza, South Theatre, churches and the main street.
For two or three weeks every July, the renovated ruins of Jerash come alive with the festival. . The festival of Jerash offers an opportunity for western tourists to witness Arabic folklore; hear oriental music and experience Arabic culture.

Umm Qais:
Lying on the edge of a plateau with magnificent views over the Lake of Tiberius and the Yarmuk gorge
to the Golan Heights, Umm Qais was famous for its poets, satirists and philosophers.
Among the ancient remains are the black basalt built theatre, the basilica, shops, underground mausoleum and the colonnaded main street.

Umm Al Jimal:
It is the best preserved of the Huran cities. Umm Al Jimal was close to the ancient trade routes that linked central Jordan with Syria and Iraq. Built of the local black basalt stone, the city was enclosed by a wall. You can watch the remains of the Nabatean era. You can see the ruins of Roman and Byzantine period churches, chapels, water cisterns, water channels, houses and the city wall.

Desert Castles:
These buildings include the bathhouses, spacious courtyards and halls for audiences or for entertainment, frescoes and mosaic. The best preserved are Qasr Al Mushatta, Qasr Al Haraneh, Qusayr Amra, Qasr Al Azraq, Qasr Hsmmsm As Sarah and Qasr al Hallabat.

Tabaqat Fahl (Pella):
Above the modern town of Mashare in the Jordan valley are the ruins of the ancient city of Pella.
It is exactly at sea level..
The ruins overlook the Jordan Valley. The site is inhabited since the Stone Age. Evidences of a Neolithic
farming village was found here. Remains of Chalcolithic settlement were excavated. These are evidences of the Bronze and Iron ages too.
After the Roman siege, the early Christians fled to Pella. In the seventh century the Islamic army defeated the Byzantine army

Baptism Site:
The Baptism site was called in the Biblical times as Bethany beyond the Jordan. Located at or around the natural hill at Tell el Kharrar where John the Baptist lived, preached and baptized, the village of Bethany beyond the Jordan River was explicitly mentioned in the Bible in the chapter John 1:28
“Bethany beyond the Jordan where John was baptized”, while John 10:40 mentions an incident when Jesus Christ escaped from hostile Pharisees in Jerusalem and “went away again across the Jordan to the place where John was first baptizing”.
The region of Bethany beyond the Jordan witnessed many significant associations with ancient prophets and Biblical personalities including Moses, Joshua, and Elisha. The main mound at tell el-Kharrar has long been called as Elijah’s Hill, or tell Mar Elias in Arabic. It has been identified as the place from which Prophet Elijah ascended to Heaven in a whirlwind on a chariot and horses of fire after having parted the water of the River Jordan and walked across it with his successor the Prophet Elisha.In the Roman period The Bethany area was known as Betennaboris.
The 6th century AD Byzantine Madaba mosaic map of the Holy Land labels it as “Ainon” where now lies Saphsaphas.
(The name “Saphsaphas” comes from the Arabic word for willow tree).
Starting with a small hill where Elijah ascended to heaven in the fiery chariot, this valley crosses over the ancient road between Mount Nebo and Jericho and ends by the River Jordan, where churches dedicated to John the Baptist were later built.

Dead Sea:
The Dead Sea, one of Jordan’s most popular attractions, offers fascination through its Biblical, archeological, and historical backgrounds. Located between Jordan and Palestine, this unique salt lake has an interesting history that starts with Sodom and Gomorrah, and the prophets lived and passed around the Dead Sea. Ancient buildings, like the Lot cave, the docks at Al-Zara and the mountain fortress of Mukawer still stand as a living proof.
The Dead Sea occupies the northern portion of the Syrian East African Rift Valley. With its surface, at 412m below the sea level, is the lowest water surface on Earth. The salt lake is 76 km long and has a maximum width of about 14-km. Its area is approximately 1,049 sq. km.

There are many sites of Biblical importance like Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John the Baptist lived. Another example is Mukawer, where Herod Antipas imprisoned and later beheaded John the Baptist. If we go back to the Iron Age, we find that the Kingdoms of Moab and Edom settled the eastern side.
In the sixth century BC, the Nabateans settled around the Eastern shore.
Through the past centuries the Dead Sea has had various names. Its oldest is Bahr Lut, the Sea of Lut. To the Nabateans, it was Lake Asphaltites because of the lumps of asphalt that were periodically thrown up from its depths.

Madaba:
Madaba is the city of mosaics. Madaba was rebuilt in the19th Century. The city was part of the land of the Moabites. Now it is famous for the map of Palestine. This map shows the central parts of the Holy Land and the Nile Deltas in Egypt. In the city there are 14 churches from the Byzantine era. The visit of Madaba Archeological Park and the Museum is a must for any tourist.

Mount Nebo:
Located 700m above the sea level, 1100m above the Dead Sea, it is one of Jordan’s most sacred sites. According to the Bible, it is the place from where Moses viewed the Holy Land in Canaan, where he died and was buried in a nearby valley. During the Byzantine era a memorial church to Moses was built.
From Mount Nebo on a clear day you can see the Dead Sea, the dark green shades of the Jordan Valley and Jericho.

Karak Castle:
Karak was mentioned in the Mesha’a inscription in about 850 BC. The strategic position gave the city its importance. Moabites, Nabataeans, Byzantines, Crusaders, Ayubbides, Mamelukes and Ottomans were the inhabitants of the city. The massive castle was built in the 12th century by the Crusaders. Karak suffered damages in the last five hundred years due to earthquakes.

Hammamat Ma’in:
It is well known as one of the relaxing places in Jordan. It’s 41 km away from Amman.
The area is famous for its hot springs and waterfalls, which are reputed for a wide range of therapeutic treatments.

Mukawir:
The Herodian fortress palace, named Macherud in Greek, is known today as Mukawir and is located 66 km south west of Amman. It retains the memories of some very dramatic ancient human and political events, including the beheading of John the Baptist, a Jewish revolt against the Roman rule and prolonged Roman siege and destruction of the rebels.

Umm Al Rasas:
The town of Um Al Rasas, as it is known, was an important town in the Nabatean times and became a frontier post during the Roman era. The city wall, houses and churches are the remains of the ancient Kastron Mefaa.

Shobak:
The Shobak Castle was also known as Montreal during the Crusade. The castle was the first caste built by the Crusaders in 1115 AD.

Petra:
The jewel of South Jordan is Petra, the unique, 2,000-year-old rock-carved city and the pink colored capital of the Nabataean Arabs. Originating from the Arabian Peninsula, the nomadic Nabatu tribes settled in Edom in the south of present-day Jordan about the sixth century BC. The wealth and political power of this indigenous Arab people originated from their control of the international trade routes that linked China, India and Southern Arabia with the wealthy Mediterranean markets such as Anatolia, Greece, Rome, Egypt and Syria. Throughout the 1C BC and 1C AD, Petra reflected the influence of Occidental and Oriental civilizations of that period. Petra is best known for the dramatic tomb facades, which are carved in sandstone.

It was the city of the Nabatean kings. A walk in Petra begins with the Siq - a natural fault through the mountain- a spectacular gorge about 1,207m long. Siq ends by he Treasury, the magical monument, which were carved deeply into the rock. From the Treasury to the Theater you pass several tombs.
The Theater is believed to have been carved in the 1C BC from the solid rock. On the opposite of the Theater you can visit the Royal Tombs. Walk down to the best-preserved part of the colonnaded street. In the city center there are the ruins of Nabatean temples and the Byzantine church. About 2-3 hours walk from Qasr Al Bint to Al Deir is located the second best-preserved façade in Petra.Near the Theater lies the spot to begin the three -hour trip to the spectacular High Place. The High Place lies 200m above the city center.

Wadi Rum:
Majestic Wadi Rum -- a vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds and pastel-colored stretches of sandy desert, suddenly shattered by towering sandstone mountains and sheer, shimmering cliff-faces is only two hour drive from Petra to the south. Wadi Rum is hauntingly beautiful and always awe inspiring -- a marvel of God’s enduring creation, against which the measure of humankind seems so small and fleeting.
Wadi Rum is a vast house of clues from the past -- for almost every valley, mountainside or large fallen boulder has some vestige or hint of human activity that occurred here during the past several thousand years. Everywhere there are Thamudic, Safaitic, Nabataean, and Greek and Arabic graffiti and some formal inscriptions, a rich repertoire of rock art depicting hunting scenes, cultic symbols or just the fanciful creations of a passing shepherd or soldier, sophisticated hydraulic works such as dams and water channels, simple stone burials, remnants of little houses, rudimentary Stone Age rock shelters and even an elaborate Nabataean temple. More recently, Rum was the scene of the exploits of Lawrence of Arabia during World War I, and the setting for the film that carried his name.
Wadi Rum has recently been discovered by the world’s mountain climbers and hikers, attracted by its many as yet un-scaled peaks. Spectacular natural scenery can be enjoyed round the year due to the pleasant climate of this place, which also offers a variety of walks, climbs, hikes and treks catering to both advanced climbers or novice hikers..

Markets:
A typical Middle Eastern market is the downtown “souq,” where you can buy almost anything. Shopping areas in Amman are less crowded now, with new neighborhoods developing and establishing their own shopping centers.
The following areas should cover almost all your shopping needs:
Downtown, Emir Mohammed Street (from Third Circle to the City Centre), Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq Street (also known as Rainbow Street), Wasfi Tell Street, better known as Gardens Street (from Safeway to AI-Waha Roundabout) and the shopping areas of up market Suwayfiyya and Shmaysani. Bargaining is gradually losing ground in Jordan as more and more shops have fixed prices. You should, however, certainly attempt it in souvenir shops and in the souq downtown.

Ceramics:
For mugs, plates, bowls, cups and tiles, try Boys’ Town and AI-Shami Bazar in Amman. Pottery workshops, has some of the most artistic (and pricey) ceramics. Other artisans are to be found in Madaba.
Pottery:
The common pattern of pale-colored pottery with Arabic script designs is produced mainly in Amman. Silsal Pottery as well as at AI-Aydi, the Noor AI-Hussein Foundation products are on sale at the workshops, and at the airport duty-free shop.
Rugs:
Visit Bani Hamida House near First Roundabout, Jebel Amman. They sell a variety of rugs ranging from the famous Bedouin-made rugs to those with modern designs. The showroom is open from 8am to 6 pm daily and closed on Friday. AI-Aydi also has a large stock of Bedouin rugs in authentic patterns and colors and there are a number of shops in Madaba where many are actually produced.

Hebron hand-made glass: Look out for carafes, bowls, jars, vases and mugs made in Jordan by a family originally from Hebron who now live and work in Amman. From the traditional dark-blue glass, to clear glass, light brown, green and yellow, all are available here. It is sold at Al-Aydi, where you will find a variety of colors, but many souvenir shops also stock it. For the best prices, go to the workshop in Na’ur where you can see the glass-blowers at work.

Basketry:
Produced in Mukhayba, north of the Jordan Valley. At AI-Aydi, where you will find some of the finest new and old pieces and at the museum shops in Umm Qais.
Gold:
Cheaper here than in the West, a huge variety is available in the Souq downtown. Now has branches in Shmaysani, Gardens Street, on the main street in Jebel Al-Hussein and on the main road between Fifth and sixth roundabouts, as well as downtown. Zalatimo is another famous brand.
Their showroom is located in the Amra Hotel shopping arcade and they also sell at the airport shop.
Wood inlaid with mother of pearl is famous. In most souvenir shops, you will find boxes with Dome of the Rock designs, mirror and picture frames and sometimes chairs and chests of drawers.
Olivewood:
Olivewood works, from kitchen utensils to Christmas Nativity scenes, eggs and other miscellaneous kitsch are on sale all over the country as well as in the West Bank where they are produced.
Copperware:
They are available at most souvenir shops.
Export Procedures There are no export restrictions except for antiquities, i.e. items more than 100 years old. Shopkeepers can deliver your purchases to addresses in the US and Europe.

Location:
Middle East, northwest of Saudi Arabia
Geographic coordinates:
31 00 N, 36 00 E
Map references:
Middle East
Area:
Total: 92,300 sq km
Land: 91,971 sq km
Water: 329 sq km
Area - comparative:
Slightly smaller than Indiana
Land boundaries:
Total: 1,635 km
border countries: Iraq 181 km, Israel 238 km, Saudi Arabia 744 km, Syria 375 km, West Bank 97 km
Coastline:
26 km
Climate:
Mostly arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April)
Terrain:
Mostly desert plateau in east, highland area in west; Great Rift Valley separates East and West Banks of the Jordan River
Elevation extremes:
Lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m
Highest point: Jabal Ram 1,734 m
Natural resources:
Phosphates, potash, shale oil
Natural hazards:
Droughts; periodic earthquakes
Geography:
Strategic location at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba and as the Arab country that shares the longest border with Israel and the occupied West Bank
Population:
5,906,760 (July 2006 est.)
Nationality:
Jordanian(s)
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’a Muslim and Druze populations) (2001 est.)Languages:
Arabic (oficial) English widely understood among upper and middle classes
Country name:
Conventional long form: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Conventional short form: Jordan Local long form: Al Mamlakah al Urduniyah al Hashimiyah Local short form: Al Urdun Former: Transjordan
Government type:
Constitutional monarchy
Capital:Name: Amman
Administrative divisions:
12 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Ajlun, Al ‘Aqabah, Al Balqa’, Al Karak, Al Mafraq, ‘Amman, At Tafilah,Az Zarqa’, Irbid, Jarash, Ma’an, Madaba

Independence:
25 May 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under
British administration)
National holiday:
Independence Day, 25 May (1946)
Currency :
Jordanian dinar (JOD)
Exchange rates:
Jordanian dinars per US dollar - 0.709 (2006), 0.709 (2005), 0.709 (2004), 0.709 (2003), 0.709 (2002) 37

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