20 Frequently Asked Questions about Jordan

When you think of Jordan, most likely Petra comes to your mind. As one of the seven New Wonders of the World, the ancient rock city is the main symbol of Jordan. However, there’s so much more to the country! Below you’ll find the answers to the 20 most frequently asked questions about Jordan.

Where is Jordan?

The country of Jordan is located in the Middle East. It is located only 72 km (44 miles) beeline from Jerusalem. Furthermore, Jordan is bordered by Iraq to the East and Saudi Arabia to the South. Furthermore, Jordan has a maritime border with Egypt (the Gulf of Aqaba).

What’s the capital of Jordan?

Amman is the capital of Jordan. It is also the largest and most important city in the country in terms of economy and culture. With about 4 million inhabitants, it is home to roughly two thirds of the entire population.

How many people live in Jordan?

Jordan has 10.4 million inhabitants (as of 2018), half of which live in Greater Amman. Since desert makes up a large proportion of the land area, the population density is only 107 inhabitants per km² (295 inhabitants per mi²). 

What language is spoken in Jordan?

The official language of Jordan is Arabic. Just like most Arabic-speaking countries, Jordan has its own dialect of the language, which differs from Modern Standard Arabic. English is taught beginning in primary school and later on many Jordanians study abroad. Thus the majority of young people speak English fluently.

What religion is practiced in Jordan?

The main religion in Jordan is Islam. More than 95% of Jordanians are Sunni Muslims. The remaining 5% include Shiites and various Christian communities.

Is Jordan safe?

Yes, Jordan is safe to visit, including for American tourists. The political situation is stable and there are no specific travel warnings for Jordan. Crime rate in Jordan is low.

Check out my full article with information and tips on safety in Jordan.

What is Jordan known for?

Jordan is best known for Petra, the ancient Nabatean city. It was built over 2000 years ago and is famous for buildings such as the Treasury. In addition to Petra, Jordan has many places to visit, such as the Dead Sea, deserts, castles and nature reserves.

What’s the best time to travel to Jordan?

If you’re planning a trip to Jordan, the best time to do so is between March and June or September and October. Temperatures are pleasantly warm and not too hot in most parts of the country during these months.

Do US citizens need a visa for Jordan?

US citizens are eligible for a visa upon arrival. You simply arrive at the airport, pay a visa fee of JOD 40 ($ 55) and get your passport stamped. If you arrive via a land border crossing, you may need to arrange a visa in advance. Make sure to get familiar with visa requirements prior to travel.

What currency is used in Jordan?

The Jordanian Dinar is the currency of Jordan. It is abbreviated JOD or JD, pronounced as the English letters JD (jaydee). One JD is about $ 1.40.

Do I need a power adapter for Jordan?

The voltage in Jordan is 230 V (50 Hz) just like in Europe. Plugs for chargers for smartphones and other devices from Europe are therefore compatible with most Jordanian power sockets. If you’re from the US or Canada, where voltage is 120 V, you’ll need a voltage converter for Jordan. Since Jordan was once under British mandate, you’ll occasionally find the British three-pin sockets. Travelers from the UK and US should bring a travel adapter.

What movies were filmed in Jordan?

Thanks to its breathtaking landscapes, Jordan provides an excellent backdrop for Hollywood filmmakers. You may recognize scenes from well-known movies such as The Martian, Queen of the Desert and Indiana while traveling in Jordan. Some Bollywood movies are also made in Jordan.

How old is Queen Rania of Jordan?

Rania was born on August 31st, 1970 and will turn 50 in 2020. Queen Rania is the wife of King Abdullah of Jordan and is best known for her engagement in social and humanitarian issues.

Who is Queen Noor of Jordan?

Noor of Jordan is the widow of the former King Hussein of Jordan who passed away in 1999. Same as Queen Rania, Queen Noor of Jordan is known for her outstanding dedication to humanitarian causes. She has won numerous national and international honours such as the Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Saint John in the UK.

What is Jordan’s climate like?

Despite Jordan being a small country (it is only 400 km / 250 miles from north to south), there are various climatic zones. The northwest of Jordan has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers and cool winters. It can snow in higher altitudes such as Amman. In the extreme east and the southern parts of the country, there is a desert climate with very hot summers and mild winters.

What is Jordanian food like?

Jordan food is very similar to Palestine, Lebanon and Syria. The world famous Hummus and Falafel can be found in almost every restaurant in Jordan. In addition to the popular Mezze (appetizers), main dishes in Jordan are very savoury and often consist of meat, rice, vegetables and spices. Typical Jordanian food includes Mansaf (the national dish of Jordan), Zaarb (a Bedouin barbecue) and desserts such as Baklava and Knafa.

What is the country code for Jordan?

The country code for Jordan is +962. If you want to call a Jordanian number from outside of Jordan, dial +962 (or 00962), leave out the first “0” in the local number and then dial the remaining digits of the number. When in Jordan, you don’t need to dial the country code to call a Jordanian number. You’ll need to dial the country code of your home country though if you want to call your family and friends back home.

Is traveling in Jordan expensive?

The cost of living in Jordan is low compared to Western countries. Prices of accommodation and eating out vary depending on where in Jordan you go. Destinations popular with tourists, such as Petra or Dead Sea, are generally more expensive than the rest of the country. Transportation is very cheap, you will only pay a few JOD to travel across Amman by taxi. Generally speaking, Jordan isn’t the cheapest country to visit but is less expensive than other places in the region such as Jerusalem or Dubai.

What was Jordan called before 1946?

The area that makes up modern Jordan was part of the Ottoman Empire until 1916. After its fall, the area was under British mandate. In 1946, the former Transjordan became an independent state known as the Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan. After losing the West Bank in the Arab-Israeli war, Transjordan was renamed Jordan in 1949.

How many refugees are there in Jordan?

Over the past century, there has been a massive growth in the amount of refugees in the country, especially during the second half of the 20th century. The population grew due to political events in the region, such as the establishment of Israel when many Palestinians fled to Jordan. There are no official numbers for the amount of Palestinian refugees in Jordan, but it’s estimated that 45-70% of the population has Palestinian origins. Many young Jordanians have parents or grandparents from Palestine. In recent years, over 1.2 million Syrian refugees have sought refuge in Jordan, many of which live in refugee camps near Amman.

Planning a trip to Jordan?

Are you planning to visit Jordan and looking for honest and reliable information to make the most of your vacation? Then the Welcome2Jordan travel guide is for you!