Jordan | History, Capital, Language, Flag, Facts & Geography of Jordan
History of Jordan:
The Amorites initially settled in Jordan approximately 2000 BC. Over the years, the country would be colonized or conquered by several other ancient civilizations and empires. Hittites, Egyptians, Israelites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans were a few of these.
The Nabatean Kingdom was one of the most famous Jordanian civilizations. They constructed the renowned capital city at Petra, which developed into a significant commerce hub for the area. Additionally, they created the North Arabic Script, which later evolved into the Modern Arabic script. At its height, the Nabatean Empire ruled over most of modern-day Jordan and the neighboring lands. Later, the Persian Empire and ultimately the Roman Empire seized control of it.
Jordan joined the Ottoman Empire in 1516. Up until the end of World War I, when it was given to the United Kingdom, it was still a part of the Ottoman Empire. The Emirate of Transjordan was established by the British and governed by Prince Abdullah. Jordan attained its independence in 1946.
Information about Jordan:
| Capital | Amman |
| Population | 11,345,952 (Source: 2023 worldometer) |
| Major Cities | Amman (capital), Aqaba, Madaba, Irbid, Zarqa, As-Salt, Russeifa, Al-Mafraq, Ar-Ramtha |
| Borders | North by Syria, to the east by Iraq, to the southeast and south by Saudi Arabia, and to the west by Israel and the West Bank |
| Gross Domestic Product (GDP) | $47,451,499,859 (2022 worldometer) |
| Currency | Jordanian dinar (JOD) |
Flag of Jordan:
Jordan Economy Key Industries:
Jordan Major Industries: textiles, phosphate mining, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, petroleum refining, cement, potash, inorganic chemicals, light manufacturing, tourism
Jordan Agricultural Products: wheat, barley, citrus, tomatoes, melons, olives; sheep, goats, poultry
Jordan Natural Resources: phosphates, potash, shale oil
Jordan Major Exports: clothing, phosphates, fertilizers, potash, vegetables, manufactures, pharmaceuticals
Jordan Major Imports: crude oil, textile fabrics, machinery, transport equipment, manufactured goods
The Geography of Jordan:
Total Size of Jordan: 89,342 km2 (source: wikipedia)
Geographical Low Point of Jordan: Dead Sea -408 m
Geographical High Point of Jordan: Jabal Ram 1,734 m
Climate of Jordan: mostly arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April)
General Terrain of Jordan: mostly desert plateau in east, highland area in west; Great Rift Valley separates East and West Banks of the Jordan River
World Region or Continent of Jordan: Middle East
Geographical Coordinates: 31 00 N, 36 00 E
The People of Jordan & Culture
Jordan Government Type: constitutional monarchy
Jordan Nationality: Jordanian(s)
Jordan National Holiday: Independence Day, 25 May (1946)
Jordan Independence: 25 May 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration)
Jordan National Symbol: eagle
Jordan National Anthem or Song: As-salam al-malaki al-urdoni (Long Live the King of Jordan)
Jordan Languages Spoken: Arabic (official), English widely understood among upper and middle classes
Jordan 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.)
Interesting Facts about Jordan:
In contrast to other Arab countries, Jordan lacks its own oil.
In Jordan, it’s usual to turn down a meal three times before eating it.
Amman, the capital and largest city of Jordan, is also the country’s center for politics, business, and culture.
Arabic is the official language, despite the fact that the middle and upper classes frequently speak English.
Jordan’s formal name is “Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan”.
The national currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD).
The national flower of Jordan is the Black Iris. Only in Wadi Rum does it bloom in the spring.
Jordan’s climate is a mix of Mediterranean and arid desert, with Mediterranean conditions predominating in the north and west and desert covering the majority of the country.
Jordan’s most well-known landmark is the ancient city of Petra, which is both one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The last scenes of the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade were set in Petra. The Wadi Rum desert served as the backdrop for several movies, including The Martian, Red Planet, and Lawrence of Arabia.
The lowest point of dry ground in the world is Jordan’s Dead Sea shoreline, which is 1,378 feet (420 meters) below sea level.
Another interesting fact about Jordan is that using your left hand to eat or drink is considered unclean and disrespectful.
In honor of Ptolemy Philadelphus (283-246 BC), who oversaw the city’s renovation, Amman, the country’s capital, was originally known as Philadelphia.
Jordan would be a landlocked country without the Dead Sea. It provides the country with 26 kilometers of shoreline.
Mansaf is Jordan’s national dish. This unusual lunch option includes rice or bulgur as well as lamb cooked in a sauce made with fermented dry yogurt.
The majority of Jordanians practice Sunni Islam. Christians make up another minority.
The most well-known national park in Jordan, Wadi Rum, invites tourists to spend the night outside under the stars.
Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and Palestine (West Bank) are all neighbors on Jordan’s land borders.
