Jordan Travel Guide

Basic Facts of Jordan

Location: northwest of the Arabian Peninsula, West Asia
Area: about 91,390 sq km (35,286 sq mi)
Population: about 6,888,700
Language: Arabic and English
Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
Time Zone: UTC+2
Capital: Amman
Administrative Division: 12 governorates
Religions and Beliefs: Islam Sunnite

Top Things to Do in Jordan

Jordan is a country with rich cultural and natural resources where tourists can appreciate grand deserts, historical architecture and the attractive Dead Sea. Tourists can experience various exotic atmospheres in different cities. The sense of history in Amman, beach vacation in Aqaba and handicrafts in Madaba all leave tourists a deep impression. “Rose city” Petra and “The Valley Moon” Wadi Rum may evoke a sense of mystery from tourists. Besides, tourists can experience the fun of diving and hot spring baths to release themselves.

Top Destinations & Attractions

Amman: Citadel, Roman Theater
Aqaba: Aqaba Fortress
Petra: Wadi Rum, Al Khazneh (The Tresury)
Madaba: St. George's Church, Mount Nebo, the Dead Sea

Best Time to Visit Jordan

The weather is warm all year round. Rainy season from October to May with mild and moist climate is the best season for travel. June to September is not suitable for Jordan travel due to the dry weather.

Differences in temperature during day and night are great, so tourists need to bring coats in winter and thin jackets even in summer.

Transportation

Tourists can enter the country by taking a flight to Queen Alia Airport. There is also a train between Amman and Damascus on Monday and Thursday. Amman and its neighboring countries such as Syria, Israel, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia are connected by tourist buses and taxis. In addition, there are ferries between Amman and Cairo, and fast ships between Aqaba and Nuweiba.

Tourists are free to take buses, taxis or embark on a self-driving trip in the country.

Jordan Travel Tips

It is not favorable to talk about politics about Middle East and topics like religion and family had better be avoided. It is a taboo to point others with feet, which is regarded as an insult. Presents such as alcohol and women pictures are inappropriate and it is rude to pass things and food with the left hand. Presents such as perfume, flowers and candies are acceptable.

Jordanians don’t have a good sense of time, and it is viewed as a courtesy to be late. They used to shaking hands and greeting each other when meeting guests in public and it is considered polite to look directly into people’s eyes while talking.

History

Jordan was originally a part of Palestine and its history could be traced back to 5,000 years ago. The earliest city was built there in the 13th century B.C. The country was ruled by Assyria, Babylon, Persia and Macedonia in succession and belonged to Arab Empire in the 7th century and Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. After the WWI, it was occupied by English and became its mandated territory. In 1921, the United Kingdom divided Palestine into two parts. The west region was Palestine and the east part was called Transjordan, and appointed the second son of the former King Hussein, i.e. Abdullah to be the chief. In 1946, the U.K was forced to admit its independence and in May, Abdullah became the king. In April 1950, the west bank and east bank of Jordan River were united, forming the nation Jordan.
 

Geographical Features

Jordan is basically a land-locked country with a mild climate, with Aqaba as its only harbor. The terrain is high in the west and low in the east. Mountains are in the majority of the east and deserts are ubiquitous in the east and southeast. Deserts take more than 80 percent in the whole country. Jordan River runs through the west and goes into the Dead Sea, which is a saltwater lake 392 meters (1,286 feet) below the sea level and is the lowest point of land in the world.