About Jordan

Jordan is currently undergoing an economic boom and the nation is attempting to redefine the way that it is perceived by the rest of the world. As a direct consequence of this, more and more foreign nationals are traveling or permanently relocating to the country. In an effort to better help you understand the country before you arrive we have provided some general information about the Kingdom of Jordan.

Please be advised that the information contained on this page is meant for reference purposes only, and is liable to change without warning. For up-to-date information about the Kingdom of Jordan please consult an expert.

Official Name: Officially referred to as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the country is also simply known as Jordan. Jordanian nationals will refer to the Kingdom as Al Mamlakah al Urduniyah al Hashimiyah or Al Urdun for short. From 1920 – 1946 the country was named Transjordan.

Capital: The capital of Jordan is Amman.

Location: Jordan is located in the Middle East and shares land borders with Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Syria. Jordan also borders the West Bank and Golan Heights, however it may not be possible to cross the border at these locations. The Kingdom is also located on the shores of the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba.

Size: Jordan has a total area of 92,300 square kilometers. In comparative terms this means that the nation is slightly smaller than the American state of Indiana.

Climate: The climate in Jordan is arid. There is an annual wet season in the western part of the country from November to April, however the landscape in the East is mostly desert and as such experiences very little precipitation.

Population: Jordan has a total estimated population of 6,053,193 meaning that it is ranked 104 th in the world in terms of population size. The Kingdom is also one of the least densely populated places in the world, placing 107 th in the world.

Life expectancy at birth: The Jordanian population has an average life expectancy of 78.55 years from birth. Males are expected to live approximately 76.04 years while females will generally live to 81.22 years of age.

Prevalence of HIV/AIDS: It is estimated that only 600 people in the Kingdom of Jordan are living with HIV/Aids. This figure is equal to less than 0.1% of the total population and can be attributed to the tight controls used by the Jordanian government to limit exposure to the disease.

Major illnesses: There are a number of major health threats in Jordan. Hepatitis, especially Hepatitis B is common throughout the country and can easily be spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. Typhoid is also a major health threat as are complications of dehydration.

Ethnic Groups: Jordan boasts a fairly homogenous society with 98% of the population claiming Arab ethnicity. The remaining 2% of the population is split between individuals of Armenian and Circassian descent.

Languages: Arabic is Jordan's official language, however, English is widely spoken throughout the country, especially by the middle classes.

Religion: The majority of the Jordanian population consider themselves to be Sunni Muslims. Christianity is practiced by, approximately, 6% of the population (mainly Balkan Orthodox churches, however Roman Catholic and protestant parishes can be found). 2% of the population identify as practicing a non mainstream religion (Shi'a Muslims and Druze).

Government: The Kingdom of Jordan is a constitutional monarchy. As such the King is the head of state and is the ultimate approver of any new legislation. The king can be overridden, however, if 2/3's of the National Assembly vote in favour of the decision (for or against). The national assembly consists of two houses and all seats are contested in democratic elections. Jordan has universal suffrage.

Head of State: The Jordanian head of state is King Abdullah II. Crown Prince Hussein is the rightful heir to the throne and first in the line of succession.

Head of Government: Prime Minister Nader al-Dahabi is the head of the government.

Military: Jordan boasts a sizeable military comprising of an Army, Air Force and Navy. Military conscription for males aged 18 was abolished in 1999, however all males under the age of 37 are still required to register with the Armed forces. Women are not eligible for combat service, however they can enlist in the Jordanian armed forces and carry out non-combat duties. Currently Jordan spends approximately 8.6% of the total GDP on the military.

Economy: The Jordanian economy is limited in ways that are not familiar to the rest of the Middle East. Jordan does not boast any significant natural resources such as oil, natural gas, or water. Much of the country lives in poverty, and problems such as high inflation and unemployment have only served to antagonize the problems that are inherent in the nation's economy. Since 1999, however, the Jordanian government and King Abdullah have instituted a number of sweeping economic reforms that have seen the Jordanian debt significantly decrease and standards of living rise dramatically. With this has come the start of an economic boom and has seen levels of foreign investment and interest in the country rise.

GDP: Jordan has a purchasing power parity of US$ 30.3 billion and an actual GDP of US$ 12.53 billion. Jordan has the 97 th highest GDP in the world according to the IMF.

For more information about Jordan expat insurance, the international health insurance plans that we can offer in Jordan, or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our expert advisers today.

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