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background Social Conventions Geography Climate People Holidays Food Shopping Electricity Time Currency Health Clothing Photography Background For most
of its history since independence from British administration in 1946, Jordan was
ruled by King HUSSEIN (1953-99). A pragmatic ruler, he successfully navigated
competing pressures from the major powers (US, USSR,
and UK), various Arab
states, Israel,
and a large internal Palestinian population, despite several wars and coup
attempts. In 1989 he reinstituted parliamentary elections and gradual political
liberalization; in 1994 he signed a formal peace treaty with Israel. King
ABDALLAH II, the eldest son of King HUSSEIN, assumed the throne following his
father's death in February 1999. Since then, he has consolidated his power and
undertaken an aggressive economic reform program. Jordan acceded to the World Trade
Organization in 2000, and began to participate in the European Free Trade
Association in 2001. Social Conventions - Jordanians are proud of their
Arab culture and hospitality here is a matter of great importance. Visitors
are made to feel very welcomed and Jordanians are happy to act as hosts
and guides, and are keen to inform tourists about their traditions and culture.
- The majority of Jordanians
are Muslims (more than 90% of the population). But Jordanian Christians
are as vibrant minority active in all aspects of Jordanian Political and
Social Life. Islam in Jordan
is based on old tradition of harmony, openness and modernity following the
example of the Royal Family. Jordanians are proud of their ethnic and
religious diversity.
- The month of Ramadan is a
time when visitors should not eat, drink or smoke in public during the day
- Handshaking is the customary
form of greeting
- Arabic coffee will normally
be served continuously during social occasions, to signal that no more is
wanted, slightly tilt the cup when handing it back, otherwise it will be
refilled.
Geography - Location: Middle East,
northwest of Saudi
Arabia
- Terrain: Mostly desert
plateau in the east, highland area in the west; Great Rift Valley
separates East and West Banks of the Jordan River
- Elevation extremes:Lowest Point is the Dead Sea (420 Meters below sea leve), while the Highest Point is Jabal Um Al-Dami (8854 Meters
above sea level)
Climate
Mediterranean-Style
Climate with four distinct seasons. Hot, semi-dry summers averaging 30°C and relatively cold winters averaging
around 13 °C. The
western part of the country receives greater precipitation during the winter
season from November to March. People Population:
6316000 (2009 Est.) Population
Growth Rate: 2.338% (2008 Est.) Sex
Ratio: 1.1 Male(s)/Female(s) (2008 Est.) Age
Structure: - 0–14 years: 32.2% (Male 1,017,233/Female 976,284) - 15–64 years: 62.4% (Male 2,110,293/Female 1,840,531) - 65 years and over: 4.1% (Male 122,975/Female 131,361) (2008
Est.) Ethnic
Groups: 98% Arabs - 2% Circassians, Chechens, Armenians, Turkmans, and
Gypsies Religion:
92% Muslims - 6% Christians - 2% Others
Language:
Arabic is the official language, while the English is widely understood among
the educated and the upper and middle classes Holidays Friday
& Saturday are the official weekly days of rest in Jordan, though
many Christian shopkeepers close on Sunday instead. National Holidays
are the celebrations of important events in the Jordanian or Arab history. Religious
Holidays are observed, however, Easter Holidays are only observed by Christian
establishments. Public
Holidays 2010 - New Year's Day – 1st of January - Birth of the Prophet – 26th of February - Labor Day - 1st of May - Independence Day - 25th of May - Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) – 10th of
September - Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) – 16th of November - Islamic New Year – 7th of December - Christmas Day – 25th of December Food There is
a wide variety in the Jordanian style of cooking; as Jordan
has many influences from Syria,
Lebanon, and Palestine; to serve one
of the world's most sophisticated and elaborate cuisines. The
authentic Jordanian cuisine can range from Mezze "appetizers", grilling
Kebabs, Zarb, to stuffed vegetables "grape leaves, eggplants, etc.",
meat, and poultry. On top, the most distinctive Jordanian dish, "MANSAF"
a Bedouin dish; often symbolizes an occasion; consists of Arabic rice, a rich
broth made from dry sour milk "Jameed", and lamb meat. In
addition to a wide variety of international cuisine & restaurants. Shopping For
shoppers, Jordan
offers a whole range of bargains including Bedouin rugs and tapestries, brass
and copper goods, ceramics and embroidery.
Among the most popular things to buy in Jordan are the decorated sand
bottles, and the Arab "kefiyas" Other
good buys include gold, silver and amber jewelry, rugs, wooden boxes, furniture
inlaid with mother-of-pearl, olive wood items and copperware. Electricity - 220 Volt
at 50 cycles.
- An
international adapter is required (English-pugs are commonly used)
Time - GMT + 3
hours during summer time (April - September)
- GMT + 2 hours during winter time (October - March)
Currency - The local currency is the
Jordanian Dinnar, divided into piasters or fils.
- Bank cards (Visa, Master or
American Express) are accepted in large hotels and some busnisses
- Cash withdrawals are
available using your bank card in most banks located among Jordan
- There are bank machines in
most the cities in Jordan
- Exchange Rate: JDS 1.00 = US$
0.710
Health
- No vaccinations are required
- Avoid DRINKING tap water
Clothing - Women are expected to dress
modestly, and beachwear must only be worn at the beach or poolside.
- Avoid
shorts and tank tops, particularly for women, at religious places &
mosques.
- During summer, a light knit
is required for cool evenings, especially in Amman and the Desert.
Photography It is
polite to ask permission for photographing people and livestock; in some places
photography is forbidden, such as Government
Buildings and Military
offices. Nevertheless, taking photos is allowed in all Archeological sites
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