Into Jordan

HISTORY

JORDAN -A REALITY NOT A MYTH

Jordan is blessed with a rich and ancient past, as well as a vibrant present.

Jordan has a dramatically diverse natural environment that can be as arrestingly beautiful as it is ruggedly stark.

Jordan is the home of more than 75 different species of mammals, nearly 400 species of birds (about half of which are migratory), more than 70 species of reptile, and four species of amphibians. The total number of plant species is estimated to be close to 2.500.

Geographic Location

Jordan is situated at the crossroads of the Middle East. As a small country, Jordan has a diverse terrain and landscape belay its actual size, demonstrating a variety which is usually found only in large countries.

Land Area

Comprising about 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. To the South is the Gulf of Aqaba, while Israeli borders and Palestine lies to the West.

Capital

Amman , with a population of 1,600,000.

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Main Cities

They are Amman , Zarqa, Aqaba, Irbid, Salt, Karak, Mafraq, Ma'an, Tafeeleh, Jerash, Ajloun, Madaba, Azraq, Ghour (Dead Sea), and Wadi Mousa (Petra ).

Population

4,700,000.

Language and Religion

Although Arabic is the native language, English is widely used. Arabic is the language of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam and, as such, Muslim followers study it all over the world. Therefore, while spoken Arabic consists of various dialects, the written language as preserved through the holy Qur'an remains constant throughout the years.

Speakers of different Arabic dialects may experience problems understanding one another; however they all understand its classical form as exemplified in its textual representation. The state religion is Islam, as indicated in the Constitution. The majority of the population (92%) is Sunni Muslims. Also there are other non-Arab minorities such as the Circassians and the Chechen who, towards the end of the 20th century, fled their homeland in Caucasia. The rest are Arab Christians and Armenians of different denominations whose freedom of worship, opinion, and association are guaranteed by the constitution

Clothes

Even during the 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.

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Climate

Jordan is blessed with a Mediterranean climate for pleasurable year-round travel. Amman is sunny and cloudless from May to October; springtime brings optimal weather, lush with greenery, and autumn equally mild and pleasant. Due to the city's elevation, evenings are cool. Aqaba and the Jordan Valley are ideal winter resorts; there is very little rain in the Aqaba area and in the desert.

Currency

The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar, symbol JD. It is divided into 1,000 fils (100 qirsh). Dominations of parts of a JD are in coins of 500 fils, 250 fils, 100 fils, 50 fils and 10 fils.
Credit cards are common in Jordan. VISA (568 0554), Diners Club (5675850), Master Card (465 5863), and American Express (560 7014).
Travel checks may be cashed in main hotels. An exchange in US dollars can be made at hotels and banks.

Entry Requirements

Valid passport; citizens of few countries require visas. Visas could be arranged upon arrival at Queen Alia's Airport or at borders.

Departure Tax

The departure tax varies from point of departure. The fees range from $7-$10 for foreigners.

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Electricity

220 volt/50 cycles AC.

Communication Networks

Currently, there is a GSM Cellular and GSM Network with country wide coverage covering Jordan . The Network offers roaming services for international subscribers.

(Fast Link, Mobile COM) Major hotels in Jordan offer fax, telephone, internet, postal, and telex services. Post offices can also be found throughout the city of Amman .

Government

A constitutional monarchy, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has been ruled by the late King Hussein since 1952. His Majesty King Abdullah, crowned in 1999, currently rules 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 55 members of the Upper House are appointed by the king, while the 110 deputies of the Lower House are elected by universal suffrage. Constitutional provisions define the rights and duties of Jordanian citizens, while guaranteeing the right of free worship, opinion, press, association and private property. For decades Jordan has enjoyed a remarkable political stability.

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Business Hours

Government offices are open from 08:00 am to 15:00 pm daily except on Fridays and Saturdays.

Banks are open from 08:00 - 15:30. , except on Fridays and Saturdays.

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 am to 13:30 pm and from 15:30 pm to 18:00 pm. Others may be open for longer hours, from 8:00-20:00. Shorter hours happen during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Entertainment and Eating

Restaurants in Amman and other parts of Jordan offer a variety of cuisine ranging from traditional Jordanian "Mansaf", to International cuisine.
Bars and night clubs with live music, such as Latino, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Arabic, are especially popular in Amman.

Time

Jordan is GMT +2 at winter time and GMT +3 at summer time.

Holidays

Religious holidays in Jordan are set in accordance with the Hijrah "Migration" of Muslim New Year. This is computed from the date of Prophet Mohammed's migration from Mecca in 622 A.D. and the lunar calendar. During the holy month of Ramadan, most businesses and government offices work reduced hours but are open.

His Majesty King Abdullah's Birthday, 30 January.

HM King Hussein's Birthday, 14 November.

New Years day, January 1.

Wa'fat Araffa, tentative.

Eid Al Adha, tentative.

Moslem New Year (Hejriah), tentative.

Labor Day, May 1.

Almoulid El Nabawi (Prophet Muhammad) (PBUH)Birth, 24 May.

Independence Day, 25 May.

Eid El Isra Wal Mi'raj, tentative.

Eid El Fitr tentative.

Christmas Eve, December 25.

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Sports Facilities

Amman has several sports clubs; visitors are usually permitted to enter for a fee. Outside Amman , sports facilities are scarce. Amman offers a wide range of facilities: indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis, squash courts, basket and volleyball grounds, bowling, gliding, golf, jogging clubs, horse-back riding, horse and camel-racing, and snooker.

Transportation around Amman

Rental cars are available.

Taxi: Yellow taxis operate with meters and are quite inexpensive. Another form of transport is the white Service Taxi system which serves set routes. The fair is set by the Ministry of transport and is much cheaper than taxis.

Buses: There is a good bus service between Amman and most tourist destinations within the country.

Tipping

Tipping is never required but is always appreciated in hotels and restaurants. 10% may be added to the bill. A small tip for the waiters is appropriate. For hotel bellman and porters ½ or 1 JD equivalent to $2.
$2 to $3/person/dium for tourist guides depending on your satisfaction.
$1 to $2 for drivers.

Crossing Points

North
Jordan/Syria; there are two borders:
1- Ramtha(Jordan)/Dar'aa (Syria ).
2- Jaber (Jordan)/Naseeb (Syria ).

South
1- Dura borders (Jordan/Saudi Arabia).
2- Aqaba (Jordan)/Nuweibe'(Egypt ).
3- South Borders (Jordan )/ Arava (Eilat).

East
1- Alkarama (Jordan)/Traibeel (Iraq ).
2- Alomari (Jordan)/Alhadeetheh (Saudi Arabia ).

West
1- Sheikh Hussein (Jordan )/Holy Land.
2- King Hussein Bridge (Jordan )/Allenby Bridge (Holy Land).

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