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About Jordan
State and Government
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a constitutional monarchy,
ruled since 1952 by His Majesty King Hussein. With the passing
of the monarch in February of 1999, the King’s eldest son, His
Majesty King Abdullah, ascended the throne. In Jordan, executive
power is vested in the Council of Ministers which is appointed
by the King, and which is accountable to a two house parliament.
The 40 members of the Upper House are appointed by the King,
while the 80 deputies of the Lower House are elected by popular
vote. Constitutional provisions define the rights and duties of
Jordanian citizens, while guaranteeing the right of free
worship, opinion, press, association and private property.
Since 1989 all elements of the Jordanian political spectrum have
demonstrated commitment to increased democracy, liberalization
and consensus building. These reforms, which have been guided by
the late King Hussein, have placed Jordan on an irreversible
path toward democratization.
The result has been greater empowerment and involvement of
everyday citizens in Jordan’s civic life, contributing to
increased stability and institutionalization, which will benefit
the county far into the future.
The remarkably stable political and social climate that Jordan
has enjoyed for decades under the Hashemite Dynasty continues to
thrive under His Majesty King Abdullah’s leadership. The new
King has undertaken his father’s legacy of reform, committing
his country to the goals of privatization, economic
liberalization, and modernization of the law.
Geography & History
Strategically positioned at the convergence of Europe, Asia and
Africa, Jordan’s 89,342 square kilometers present a diversity of
landscapes. From the hills and mountains of the geographic
center of Jordan, the Badia Plains extend in an eastward
direction into Saudi Arabia. The Jordan River, flowing through
the fertile Rift Valley, forms Jordan’s western boundary and
terminates in the Dead Sea. This body of water lies at the
lowest point on earth, 400 meters below sea level. To the south,
the Port of Aqaba provides Jordan with a gateway to the Red Sea.
Climate
Jordan’s climate is arid, and moderate in temperature. Winter
temperatures in Amman average around 7 – 10 ° C in January, with
July temperatures reaching 23 - 27° C. Average annual rainfall
varies from less than 50 mm to over 600 mm in certain parts of
the country. Amman, at over 950 meters elevation, is known for
its cool, dry nights even in full summer.
Population
Jordan’s population of 4.8 million is 92% Jordanian and 8%
non-Jordanian. Gender distribution is fairly even at 52% male,
48% female. The country is young, with 40% of the population
under the age of 15, and only 3% over the age of 65.
Islam is the predominant religion. 92% of the people are Sunni
Muslims. 6% are Christian, while the remainder are Shia Muslims,
Sunni Circassians, Chechens, Druze, and Bahai. The Muslim New
Year and other Islamic holy days are public holidays.
Language
Arabic is the official language, but English is spoken widely,
especially in business.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JD), and the rate
of exchange is 1 JD = 1.42 US $.
Time
Time is GMT + 2 (in winter, +3 in summer), or 7 hours ahead of
US Eastern Standard Time. Summer time is observed from April
through September.
Working Days & Hours
Most private businesses observe Friday as the weekly holiday,
while banks and government offices close on Fridays and
Saturdays. Jordanian labor law limits most workers to 48 hours
per week, the exception being hotel, restaurant and cinema
workers with 54 hours. Annual paid leave is 14 days, 21 for
workers over five years with the same employer.
Working Permits & Visas
Visas are required for entry into Jordan. Fees and length of
stay vary according to the visitor’s nationality. Visas can be
obtained from either a Jordanian diplomatic mission, or for some
nationalities, at point of entry.
Work permits are required from the Ministry of Labor, and are
issued for a period of one year.
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