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Jordan - Country Info. |
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Centrally
located in the Middle East region, Jordan has been the
crossing point for many civilizations in history, which
explains the richness and variety of its sites and
monuments. The country is endowed by political stability and
has powerful infrastructure in addition to all the necessary
facilities that guarantee the comfort of your stay.
State & Government
A constitutional monarch, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
has been ruled by his Majesty late King Hussein since 1952
till 1999. Executive power is vested in the council of
ministers which is appointed by the King, and which is
accountable to a two-house parliament. The King appoints the
40 members of the upper house, while the 80 deputies of the
lower house are elected by universal suffrage.
Constitutional provisions define the rights and duties of
Jordanian citizens, while guaranteeing the right of free
worship opinion, press, association and private property.
For decades Jordan has enjoyed a remarkable political
stability. Today, King Abdullah following his father's steps
on the road of peace and democracy, continuing what his
father and Grandfathers did.
Geography & History
Positioned at the convergence of the three continents of
Europe, Asia, and Africa, the Kingdom's 96,188 square
kilometers provide a diverse variety of landscapes. From the
hills and mountains of the geographic centre of Jordan the
Badia plains extend in an eastward direction into Saudi
Arabia. The fertile rift valley forms the western boundary
along the Jordan River flows, and it terminates in the Dead
Sea, the lowest point on earth at 400 meters below sea
level. The port of Aqaba provides Jordan with an outlet of
Thread Sea.
Many Civilizations have sought to control the strategic
geographic location of Jordan and parts of Jordan have at
one time or another been under the dominion of the Sumerian,
Mesopotamian, ....etc, Empires eventually falling under the
rule of the Greek, Roman, and Persian classical
Civilizations.
Since the 7th Century, Jordan had been ruled by various Arab
and Islamic dynasties, the last being the Ottoman Empire
(1516-1918.) The League of Nations placed what was in 1920
called Transjordan under British mandate. The British
mandate expired in 1946, and since that time Transjordan,
now called the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has been a
constitutional monarchy.
Climate
Jordan's climate is arid, and moderate in temperature.
Winter temperatures average around 8-10 degrees centigrade,
with summer temperatures of 28-35 degrees centigrade.
Average annual rainfall varies from less than 50mm to over
200mm in certain parts of the country. Amman, at over 950
meters elevation, is known for its cool, and dry nights even
in full summer.
Population & Language
Jordan's population is 4.6 million. The gender differences
are minimal, as the population is 52% male, 48% female, and
the population is young with 41% being under the age of 15,
and only 3% being over the age of 64.
Islam is the predominant religion, with over 92% of the
people being Sunni. 6% are Christian, and the remainder
being Sunni Circassians and Cheches, Druzes, Bahai, and Shia
Muslims. The Muslim New Year and other Islamic holy days are
public holidays.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JD), and the
rate of exchange is 1 JD = 1.40 USD. Other currency could be
used or exchanged at Hotels and Banks.
Visas
Group visas could be collected at Amman Airport free of
charge for a group of 15 pax and over traveling together and
departing together.
Time
Time in Jordan is +3 GMT
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