Geographical Information
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a relatively small country situated at the crossroads of the Middle East. Comprising some 92,300 square kilometers (57,354 squares miles), it is bordered on the north by Syria at the east by Iraq, and by Saudi Arabia on the East and South.
Also, to the south one finds the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea, while Israel and Palestine lie to the west. Jordan’s diverse terrain and landscape belay its actual size, demonstrating a variety usually found only in large countries.
Population
5.16 millions unhabitants.
Currency
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar, symbol JD. The Dinar is divided into 100 Piasters (pronounced “pee-aster”) or 1000 fils (“fills”). There are 5, 10, 20 & 50 JD notes commonly used, and you will usually see prices written as 4.750, that is 4 JD and 750 fils. Coins come in the following denominations: 2.5, 5, 10, 25 and 50 piasters; and in 10 fils. It is useful to carry some coins and low denominations since Jordanians rarely carry enough change for larger denominations.
Currency can be exchanged at major banks and at most hotels. Street moneychangers are best avoided. The Jordanian Central Bank sets exchange rates daily.
Time
From October through March, Jordan is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time; the rest of the year, it is three hours ahead of GMT. Jordan is seven hours ahead of US Eastern Time.
Business Hours
Most Jordanians work a five and half-day week with Thursday afternoon and all day Friday off, but business and shopping hours are flexible. Some establishments are open from 09:30 – 13:30 and again from 15:30 – 18:00; others may be open straight through the day, from 08:00 – 20:00.
Government offices are open from 08:00 – 15:00. All businesses and most shops, other than those in the souqs, are closed on Fridays. Banks are open from 08:00 – 15:30. Having Friday and Saturday off, airlines, travel agencies and many shops close for the afternoon, although department stores and supermarkets remain open. Some businesses and shops are closed for part of the day on Sunday. Shopping hours are flexible. Some shops are open from 9:30-13:30 and 15:30-18:00. Others may be open long hours, from 8:00-20:00. Shorter hours prevail during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Climate
Jordan is blessed with a Mediterranean climate for pleasurable year-round travel. Amman is sunny and cloudless from May to October, with average temperatures around 23°C. Springtime brings optimal weather, lush with greenery, and autumn equally mild and pleasant. July and August are hot and dry but not oppressive. Because of the capital city’s elevation, evenings are cool. Aqaba and the Jordan Valley are ideal winter resorts, with temperature averaging 16-22°C (61-72°F) between November and April. There is very little rain in the Aqaba area and in the desert.
Amman Average Temperatures
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 7 | 8 | 11 | 16 | 20 | 23 | 25 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 14 | 9 |
Aqaba Average Temperatures
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 14 | 16 | 19 | 24 | 28 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 30 | 26 | 21 | 16 |
Clothing
Even in summer, evenings can be cool, so a sweater or shawl is advisable. Winters can be extremely cold, especially in Amman and the east; you will need a raincoat. Walking shoes are advisable since Petra and most of the archeological sites are unpaved and sandy.
Language
A visit to Jordan would provide an ideal opportunity to brush up on your Arabic! Arabic has been one of the world’s dominant languages for the last 14 centuries.
Over 200 million people in over twenty countries speak this rich and enduring language. In addition to that of Jordan, Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco.
A Semitic language, Arabic is written from right to left. Arabic numbers are easy to read – indeed, Western numerals are derived from the Arabic system. Unlike the words, Arabic numbers read from left to right.
Religion
The state religion is Islam, as indicated in the Constitution. The majority of the population (92%) is Sunni Muslim. Those include other non-Arab minorities such as the Circassians and the Chechen who, towards the end of the last century, fled their homeland in Caucasia. The rest of Jordan’s population are Arab Christians and Armenians of different denominations whose freedom of worship, opinion and association are guaranteed by the constitution.
Distances between Cities
Electricity
220 V
Gratitude
Petra Horse Back Ride Tip is usually USD 4.00 per person. Restaurants tips are around 10% of the total bill. Guide tips are open to the client’s satisfactions and appreciation, yet are expected ($4 per person per day approx. guide) . Bus, Car driver tips are expected ($3 per person per day approx. guide).
Water
It is advised to drink bottled mineral water which is generally served in hotels.
Driving
On the right side
Medical Care
Medical care in Jordan is of an international standard and one of the best in the Middle East.
