Official Name: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Capital: Amman
Area: total: 89,341 km2
Government: Constitutional Monarchy
Population: 6,198,677million (July 2008 est.)
Ethnic groups: 98% Arab (50% Palestinian, 37% Jordanian, 8% Iraqi, 3% Egyptian), and 2% others. Race = Caucasian
Religions: Islam
Official languages: Arabic
Time Zone: UTC+2 (UTC+2) - Summer (DST) UTC+3 (UTC+3)
GDP (PPP) 2007 estimate - Total $28.079 billion - Per capita $4,906
Inflation: 3.2%
Natural Resources: phosphates, potash, shale oil
Exports: $3.2 billion
Imports: $7.6 billion
Geography: Jordan is a Southwest Asian country, bordered by Syria to the north, Iraq to the northeast, Saudi Arabia to the east and south and Israel to the west. All these border lines add up to 1,619 km (1,006 mi). The Gulf of Aqaba and the Dead Sea also touch the country, and thus Jordan has a coastline of 26 km (16 mi).
Jordan consists of arid forest plateau in the east irrigated by oasis and seasonal water streams, with highland area in the west of arable land and Mediterranean evergreen forestry. The Great Rift Valley of the Jordan River separates Jordan, the west bank and Israel. The highest point in the country is Jabal Ram, it is 2,734 m (8,970 ft) above sea level, its top is also covered with snow, while the lowest is the Dead Sea -420 m (−1,378 ft). Jordan is part of a region considered to be "the cradle of civilization", the Levant region of the Fertile Crescent. Major cities include the capital Amman in the northwest, Irbid and Az Zarqa, both in the north. Karak and Aqaba in the south.
Climate: The climate in Jordan is semidry in summer with average temperature in the mid-30°C (mid-90°F) and relatively cold in winter averaging around the −1.3 °C (30 °F). The western part of the country receives greater precipitation during the winter season from November to March and snowfall in Amman (756 m (2,480 ft) ~ 1,280 m (4,199 ft) above sea-level) and Western Heights of 500 m (1,640 ft). Excluding the rift valley the rest of the country is entirely above 300 m (984 ft)(SL).
The major characteristic of the climate is the contrast between a very rainy season from November to march and semi dry weather for the rest of the year. With hot, dry, uniform summers and cool, freezing variable winters during which practically all of the precipitation occurs, the country has a Mediterranean-style climate. In general, the farther inland from the Mediterranean Sea a given part of the country lies, the greater are the seasonal contrasts in temperature and the less rainfall. Atmospheric pressures during the summer months are relatively uniform, whereas the winter months bring a succession of marked low pressure areas and accompanying cold fronts. These cyclonic disturbances generally move eastward from over the Mediterranean Sea several times a month and result in sporadic precipitation.
Taxes: As things stand, the personal income tax rate can be as much as 43% for high earners. Italy has a multitude of taxes, so if foreigners are thinking of carrying out any form of business in Italy, it is highly recommend that they seek professional guidance from a tax accountant ( commercialista). The law provides for a system based on five taxes: the imposta sul reddito (income tax); the imposta sulle società (corporate tax); the imposta sul valore aggiunto (VAT or sales tax); the imposta sui servizi (tax on services); and the accise (excises). Personal income tax, or IRPEF ( imposta sul reddito delle persone fisiche), applies to income derived from sources such as employment, self-employment, income from real estate, business income, and so forth. After allowances have been taken into account, rates are on a sliding scale. *They are currently as follows: -23% for amounts up to $36,000 -33% for the next band from $36,001 to $39,300 -39% for amounts between $39,301 and $119,200 -45% for amounts $119,201 and over.
Banking & Finance: The Jordanian banking industry is free of extensive state ownership and government direction of the economy. These positive features are reflected by the absence of dominant state-owned banks and by the limited use of directed credit programs, interest rate controls, and credit ceilings. The banking industry is well developed, with bank assets representing 239.80 percent of the GDP at the end of 2006, which is a high percentage compared with other developing countries in the region.
Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
Exchange Rates: Jordanian dinars (JOD) per US dollar - 0.709 (2008 est.), 0.709 (2007), 0.709 (2006), 0.709 (2005), 0.709 (2004)
Credit cards and cash: Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be changed at any bank or moneychanger, although the latter will usually give a better rate of exchange. Banks are closed on Fridays. Better hotels will also exchange money. American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Diners Club are the most widely accepted credit cards and can be used at major hotels, restaurants and tourist shops; cash can be withdrawn from inside banks. ATMs are available, though acceptance of foreign cards is limited.
Telecommunications:
-Telephones - main lines in use: 585,500 (2007)
-Telephones - mobile cellular: 4.771 million (2007)
-Telephone system: general assessment: service has improved recently with increased use of digital switching equipment; microwave radio relay transmission and coaxial and fiber-optic cable are employed on trunk lines; growing mobile-cellular usage in both urban and rural areas is reducing use of fixed-line services; Internet penetration remains modest and slow-growing
-domestic: 1995 telecommunications law opened all non-fixed-line services to private competition; in 2005, monopoly over fixed-line services terminated and the entire telecommunications sector was opened to competition; mobile-cellular usage is increasing rapidly and teledensity reached 80 per 100 persons in 2007
-international: country code - 962; landing point for the Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) submarine cable network that provides links to Asia, Middle East, Europe; satellite earth stations - 33 (3 Intelsat, 1 Arabsat, and 29 land and maritime Inmarsat terminals); fiber-optic cable to Saudi Arabia and microwave radio relay link with Egypt and Syria; participant in Medarabtel (2007)
-Radio broadcast stations: FM 31 (2007)
-Television broadcast stations: 22 (2007)
-Internet country code: .jo
-Internet hosts: 21,150 (2008)
-Internet users: 1.127 million (2007)
Medical facilities: Basic modern medical care and medicines are available in the principal cities of Jordan, but not necessarily in outlying areas. Most hospitals in Jordan, especially in Amman, are privately owned. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for services. Because serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the tourist' home country could cost over $150,000 U.S. dollars, we advise travelers to carry medical evacuation insurance.
Crime: Crime is generally not a serious problem for travelers in Jordan; however, host country and local media sources have reported a slight increase in petty crime. In the narrow streets of the older parts of the city center, crowded conditions invite pickpockets and other petty criminals. Travelers are urged to be more guarded in these areas so that they do not present easy opportunities for criminals.
In central and west Amman there have been reports of thieves snatching pedestrians’ purses from moving vehicles and then driving off. In some instances victims were injured because they were unable to free themselves from their purses as perpetrators drove off. When carrying a purse it is wise to conceal it, if possible, and to avoid walking near the road within reach of passing vehicles. Walking against the flow of traffic can also reduce your visibility as a target.
Jordanian police have warned the public to exercise vigilance when leaving banks or ATMs, as thieves have reportedly preyed upon persons soon after using these services.
Western women, both visiting and residing in Jordan, report sexual harassment, stalking, and unwelcome advances of a sexual nature. There have also been isolated reports of sexual assault. In particular, the embassy has received increasing reports of harassment and assault involving taxis and taxi drivers. Many of the incidents have involved verbal sexual harassment, staring, or following the victim after exiting the taxi.
Traffic & Driving in Jordan: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Jordan is provided for general reference only and may not be completely accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Jordanian Public Safety officials estimate that on a daily basis, an average of two people are killed and fifty people are injured in 145 road accidents throughout the Kingdom. Roads are particularly treacherous during the rainy season—from December to March. Drivers and passengers are required to wear seatbelts and all cars must have a fire extinguisher and warning triangle in the vehicle. Child car seats are not required by law. Violators of speed limits may be assessed fines up to $140. Police routinely pull over reckless drivers as well as those driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Licensed drivers must carry local third party insurance with sufficient coverage for accidents resulting in injury or death.
Poor lighting and road conditions prevail, so extra caution must be exercised at all times, especially when driving at night. Highways are more crowded around the Muslim holidays when many Jordanian expatriates return to Jordan for family visits. City driving in Amman is also more hazardous in the summer months when Jordan experiences an influx of tourists and visitors from other countries in the region. There are no driving restrictions on women and it is not unusual for women to drive alone.
The desert highway outside Aqaba, a popular tourist destination, is particularly dangerous because it is narrow, winding, steep, and crowded with trucks. This area should be avoided at night, if possible. When driving in both urban and rural areas, motorists should beware of livestock, including camels, sheep, and goats. Collisions between livestock and automobiles are common.
Landmines are often located within two miles of military installations and borders, including the popular Dead Sea area. Minefields are usually fenced off and marked with skull-and-crossbones notices, but the fences and signs may be in poor repair or hard to see. Avoiding these areas reduces the risk of accidentally setting off a mine.