General Information about Jordan
Location
Jordan is a relatively small country situated at the crossroads of the Middle East. It is bordered to the north by Syria, to the east by Iraq, to the west by Palestine, and to the south and east by Saudi Arabia. In southern Jordan are the unique destinations of the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea.
Area
92,300 Sq. Km
There is a diversity of terrain in Jordan usually found only in large countries. Its main regions are the lush Jordan River Valley in the West, the vast desert or badia in the East, the deeply colorful Mountain Heights Plateau in the South, and lovely Red Sea beaches at the port of Aqaba. Each region has its own distinctive geology and climatic conditions.
Capital
Amman
Population
Almost 5 Million
Language
The official language of Jordan is Arabic. English is widely spoken. Officially licensed guides are available for all major European languages.
Religion
The state religion is Islam, as indicated in the Constitution. The majority of the population (92%) is Sunni Muslim, including other non-Arab minorities such as Circassians and Chechens who, towards the end of the 19th century, fled their homeland in the Caucasus. The rest of Jordan?s inhabitants are Christian Arabs and Armenians whose freedom of worship, opinion, and association are guaranteed by the Constitution.
Climate
Jordan is blessed with a Mediterranean climate that makes year-round travel pleasurable. The climate is arid, and moderate in temperature. Winter temperatures average around 8-10°, with summer temperatures reaching 28-35°. Amman, located 950 meters above sea level, is known for its cool, dry nights even in the middle of summer.
Time
GMT 2 hours (April 1-October 1 GMT 3)
Business Hours & Holidays
Business Hours: Most Jordanians work a five-and-a-half day week with Thursday afternoons and Fridays off, but business and shopping hours are flexible. Some establishments and shops are open from 09:30 to 13:30 and again from 15:30 to 18:00; others may be open straight through the day, from 08:00 to 20:00. Banks are open from 08:00 to 15:30. Friday and Saturday are the official days of rest, though many Christian shopkeepers close on Sunday instead and shops in the souks remain open on Fridays.
Islamic Holidays: Among the Islamic holidays celebrated in Jordan are the small feast at the end of Ramadan, Eid Al-Fitr, and the big feast, Eid Al-Adha. During the eid holidays many shops and offices close for three days. Due to the Islamic calendar, which uses lunar months, the dates of these feasts vary each year:
| Jahr | Ramadanbeginn | Eid Al-Fitr | Eid Al-Adha |
| 2007 | 13.Sept. | 13.Okt. | 20.Dez. |
| 2008 | 02.Sept. | 02.Okt. | 09.Dez |
| 2009 | 22.Aug | 21.Sept. | 28.Nov. |
Electricity
220 V - 50 Hz. Electrical outlets have two holes for rounded prongs.
Visas
A visa is required for everyone entering Jordan. Visas may be obtained from Jordanian embassies and consulates all over the world. Travellers from Western countries can obtain their visa upon arrival at any port of entry. Payment for visas must be in local currency. Foreign exchange services are available in the arrival hall. Visas are valid for two weeks, but can be extended on request for a total of up to three months with no additional charge. For non-Western nationalities, please check with Nawafir.
Entering Jordan
| Road: | From Syria, Iraq, and Saudi-Arabia; |
| Air: |
Amman’s Queen Aliya International Airport receives regular flights from Europe, Africa, and Asia. Chartered flights to Aqaba airport; |
| Sea: | Aqaba Port, by regular ferries arriving from Nuweiba, Egypt; |
Money
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JD). The Dinar is divided into 100 Piasters or 1000 fils. Notes in denominations of 5, 10, and 20 JD are commonly used. Prices are written with decimals; for example, 4.750 JD equals 4 JD and 750 fils. Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 piasters, and 5 and 10 fils. It is useful to always carry some coins and notes in low denominations, since Jordanians rarely carry enough change for larger denominations. Currency can be exchanged at major banks and at most hotels. Moneychangers on the street are best avoided. The Jordanian Central Bank sets exchange rates daily. ATMs give cash advances on major credit cards. Only major banks accept travellers - cheques. There are no restrictions on the import and export of Jordanian or foreign currencies.
Festivals
| July: | The Jerash Festival features performances by Arab and international singers, folkloric dance troupes, and musicians at the spectacular Jerash Roman Amphitheatre. |
| August: | The Fuheis Festival highlights various aspects of local and regional history and culture. |
Food and Drink
Eating well and heartily is part of the Jordanian tradition. Some dishes to try include: the national dish, mansaf (stewed lamb with a simmering yogurt sauce served on a bed of rice); musakhan (chicken with onions, olive oil, pine seeds and seasonings cooked in an oven on a thick loaf of Arabic bread); and maqluba (a meat or fish and vegetable stew served with rice). With your meal try araq, an aniseed-flavored liquor mixed with water and ice that is the local alcoholic beverage traditionally enjoyed with Arabic dishes.
Nightlife
In addition to the many opportunities for exploration and cultural enrichment, Jordan also boasts great nightlife and entertainment facilities. Delectable cuisine at a wide diversity of restaurants is a wonderful way to commence an evening, followed by a visit to one of Amman’s popular pubs or dance clubs.
Car Rental
Nawafir makes it easy to rent a car, jeep, or four-wheel-drive vehicle, with or without a driver. An international drivers? license is usually required, and in high season advance notice is almost always required as demand for cars exceeds their availability.
Vaccinations and Health
For vaccinations, please check with health authorities in your home country before traveling. While travellers may experience mild stomach discomfort or diarrhea, no serious health threats exist in Jordan. Anti-diarrhea medication may be helpful.
Souvenirs
Jordanian handicrafts represent a tradition of skilled workmanship and folk art. The most common Jordanian craft items include Madaba rugs, carved olive wood, mother-of-pearl, cross-stitch embroidery, Palestinian pottery, Hebron glass, and Arabian colored-sand bottles.
Useful Information for Travellers
Social Conventions: Jordan is socially conservative by Western standards, making modest dress a necessity for both men and women. Amman has a more relaxed Western dress code at night and by the pool. Jordanians have a very strong ethic of hospitality. Bedouin invitations to coffee or tea should be accepted as an honor, as declining an invitation can be perceived as rude. Women travelling alone should never accept an invitation from a single man. Invitations to private homes or to meals do not imply any return obligation other than gratitude, and represent one of the best aspects of a culture that is committed to kindness to visitors.
Photography: As a general rule if you want to photograph people or places it is always better to ask first. Do not take pictures of any government installations, buildings, or anything else that might be considered off-limits to visitors.
Safety: Jordan is a safe and friendly place to travel. Jordanians are unfailingly helpful and it is generally safe to walk around at any time of the day or night. It is, of course, sensible to take obvious precautions: look after your belongings and keep valuables in the hotel safe. Lost property should be reported to the police without delay. If you lose your passport, you should contact your embassy.