Jordan

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, through several wars and coup attempts. In 1989 he resumed parliamentary elections and gradually permitted political liberalization; in 1994 a formal peace treaty was signed with Israel. King ABDALLAH II - the eldest son of King HUSSEIN and Princess MUNA - assumed the throne following his father's death in February 1999. Since then, he has consolidated his power and established his domestic priorities, including an aggressive economic reform program. Jordan acceded to the World Trade Organization in January 2000, and signed free trade agreements with the United States in 2000, and with the European Free Trade Association in 2001.
(Source: CIA - The World Factbook)

Jordan is a member state of the League of Arab States

border countries: Iraq, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Palestine (West Bank)
related countries: USA, Russia, United Kingdom

Official Name:
Al Mamlakah al Urduniyah al Hashimiyah
short form: Al Urdun
int'l short form: Jordan
int'l long form: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
formerly: Transjordan

ISO Country Code: jo
Local Time = UTC +2h
Daylight Saving Time (DST) 31 March - 21 October 2005 (UTC +3)

Country Calling Code: +962

Capital City: Amman (pop. 1 million)

Other Cities:
Irbid (pop. 281 000), Az-Zarqa (pop. 421 000)

Government:
Type: Constitutional Monarchy
Independence: 25 May 1946
Constitution: 8 January 1952

Geography:
Location Middle East, northwest of Saudi Arabia, east of Israel
Area: 92 300 sq km, (35 638 sq. mi.)

Climate: Mostly arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April)

People:
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Jordanian(s)
Population (est.): 5.0 million.
Ethnic groups: Mostly Arab but small communities of Circassians, Armenians, and Kurds.
Religions: Sunni Muslim 96%, Christian 4%.
Languages: Arabic (official), English.
Literacy: 90%

Natural resources: Phosphates, potash, shale oil.
Agriculture products: Wheat, barley, citrus, tomatoes, melons, olives; sheep, goats, poultry.

Industries: Phosphate mining, pharmaceuticals, petroleum refining, cement, potash, light manufacturing, tourism.

Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)

Jordan in Figures
Jordan key statistical data.