There’s lots to explore in this history-rich country, but before you go on your adventures be sure to look through these fun facts about Jordan so you can impress the locals!
1. Where in the world is Jordan?
Jordan is a small country at the crossroads of the Middle East, serving as a strategic nexus connecting Asia, Africa and Europe.
It is bordered by Syria to the north, Iraq to the east, Saudi Arabia to the south and Israel to the west. It also has a coastline along the Dead Sea to the west and the Red Sea to the southwest.
2. Look for this historic country with the right compass details.
If you’re a history buff, you’ll be certain to find Jordan a fascinating place! Head for the co-ordinates of 31.9500° N, 35.9333° E and discover it for yourself.
3. It’s a low, sandy land – mostly.
The terrain here is mostly desert plateau in the east, with highlands in the west.
4. It’s a fairly average-sized country.
The total land area of Jordan is 34,495 square miles (89,342 square kilometres)…that’s slightly larger than Scotland.
5. And it’s pretty packed, too!
Jordan’s population was 11.29 million in 2022…that’s more than 1.5 times the population of Scotland!
6. What do citizens of Jordan call themselves?
Residents here are known as Jordanians.
7. What’s the capital of Jordan?
The capital is Amman; it covers an area of 649 square miles (1,680 square kilometres) and had a population of 4.008 million in 2015.
8. The seasons really vary out here.
Jordanians enjoy a desert climate in the south and east with hot, dry summers and short, cool winters. The northern and western parts of the country enjoy a Mediterranean climate with a rainy season from November to April.
9. Come see a natural wonder!
The city of Petra is one of the 7 wonders of the world; this fascinating city is thought to date back as early as 312 BC and was actually carved out of stone. Unsurprisingly it happens to be one of Jordan’s most popular tourist attractions.
10. You can easily lie low here.
Jordan boasts not only the lowest section of land on Earth, but also the lowest road on Earth! The shoreline of the Dead Sea is an amazing 1,378 feet below sea level and as you may expect the road that follows the shoreline is the lowest road on Earth!
11. Life began very early here!
Amazingly, there is evidence of human activity in Jordan as early as the Palaeolithic period (500,000 BC to 17,000 BC!).
12. What do people speak in Jordan?
The official languages of Jordan are Arabic and English.
13. Be sure to go to the exchange.
If you’d like to purchase some authentic Dead Sea soap to take home with you, you’ll need to exchange your spending money into Jordanian Dinar – the official currency here.
14. Life expectancy is impressive.
The average Jordanian life span is 74.26 years (2021).
15. Remember the rule of three!
Oddly, it is deemed polite to refuse a meal three times in Jordan before accepting it!
16. What do people produce in Jordan?
Jordan grows wheat, citrus fruits, barley and tomatoes; they also rear sheep.
Its industry consists of pharmaceuticals, petroleum refining, phosphate mining, cement and potash mining.
Jordan exports fertilizers, phosphates, potash and agricultural products.
FAQs about Jordan
What is the country of Jordan famous for?
Jordan is famous for all kinds of things - however, as an ancient land, it is one of the most important historic countries and landscapes you can visit. It’s rich in archaeology and religious history.
Can you drink alcohol while visiting Jordan?
Yes, but only in bars, hotels and behind closed doors. It’s frowned upon to drink in public in Jordan.
Do you have to cover your hair when visiting Jordan?
Jordanian women cover their hair as it is an Islamic country. Visiting women do not have to, but you must do so if you enter a place of worship, such as a mosque.
Do you know any fun facts about Jordan? Share them in the comments below!
