Jordan population religion. Jordan. Administrative division of the country

Since ancient times, the countries of the Middle East have aroused keen interest among the inhabitants of the planet, who love to explore unfamiliar worlds, unlike other parts of the Earth in terms of history, way of life, culture, or behavior of the natives. Among the exotic states by the standards of travelers, the eastern kingdom of jordan about the features, secrets and mysteries of which our site has prepared a detailed story for you.

Despite the fact that 90% of the territory of this Arab state is occupied by deserts and desert areas similar to them in terms of relief and climate, Jordan is successfully developing and prospering, wisely using the remaining 10% of its possessions. Luxury resorts The Gulf of Aqaba, framed by outlandish coral reefs, is adjacent to ancient architectural monuments. Medical resorts on the shores of the Dead Sea they are ready to compete in the level of service with the famous health resorts of the world. The heritage of the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Turkish eras organically intertwined on the streets of Jordanian cities into a tart cocktail of historical monuments and cultural traditions. Modern ingredients of a Western standard of living added a zest to the overall flavor, harmoniously complementing the overall motley picture.

Big words okay THERE doesn’t like it, but we are always on the side of fair assessments. Jordan is full of amazing places that you can and should get to know better, especially since the state is recognized as one of the safest territories among the precious necklace of Arab countries in the Middle East region.

general information

Population

Given Jordan's proximity to such naturally restive states as Israel, Palestine, Iraq and Egypt, the country's population constantly fluctuates in one direction or another due to refugees. Currently the official figure is 6.2 million people. At the same time, indigenous Jordanian Arabs make up approximately 1/3 of the population, 50-60% of the population is due to the statistics of the influx of immigrants from Palestine. Meetings in the vastness of Jordan with Circassians, Chechens, Armenians, Kurds and Turkomans are not uncommon; their total number is close to 10%.

Form of government

Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan – dualistic monarchy. The power of a royal person is capable of restraining and setting the limits of her influence by the constitution of the state, which, however, does little to prevent the king from keeping his subject citizens in check. To help the monarch manage affairs in the country, the Council of Ministers is authorized, headed by the Prime Minister, endowed with special privileges. Jordan is legally divided into 12 regions (governors), each of which is led by a governor appointed by the king himself.

Language

The official language of communication and office work in Jordan is Arab. Considering the mutual interest of the eastern kingdom and the Western powers, English is also compulsory to study in educational institutions of the country; French has become an optional language recommended in schools and universities in recent years.

Religion

More than 95% of Jordanians profess the Islamic religion with a Sunni Shafi'i bias. About 6% of Christians constantly come to services in Orthodox churches; all religious ceremonies here are usually conducted in Greek, although you can often hear Arabic, French, Italian and Spanish spoken in the Orthodox cathedral. Jordanians and Jordanian women are loyal to representatives of other religious faiths, preferring to pray in peace and not enter into aggressive conflicts with people of other faiths.

Currency

Until the mid-20th century, the Palestinian pound was the currency of Jordan; now the currency rules the country Jordanian dinar, equal in denomination to a smaller currency - 100 piastres. Information about the nominal value of each dinar is presented on coins and banknotes in 2 languages: Arabic and English, and is decorated with banknotes of the royal dynasty. Russians will have to pay about 93 rubles for 1 JOD; the Jordanian banknote is cheaper than American currency; 1 JOD can be exchanged for 1.4 USD. Fine THERE strongly advises users who decide to visit Jordan to constantly check the floating exchange rates of the dollar and ruble using the services of an electronic converter.

Jordan telephone code

The treasured numbers of the long-distance telephone code: +962

Among the important telephone numbers for foreign guests it is worth highlighting:

• contact with the Russian Embassy in the kingdom – +(962 6) 464-11-58 or 464-25-32;
• Russian consulate - +(962 6) 568-25-09;
• single reference switch – 1212;
• police department - 191, 192;
• capital tourist police - +(962 6) 530-14-65;
• emergency medical care – 193;
• call the fire department in Amman - +(962 6) 462-20-90;
• work with traffic accidents – 190.

Jordan's location in the world

When traveling to the Jordanian border areas, travelers have a truly unique opportunity to see 4 states at once. Magic vision is mainly available at night. At the hour when the evening lights come on in the houses of Jordan, Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, in the area of ​​​​the Egypt-Israel border, magical light messages are reflected in the waters of the Red Sea. The picture turns out almost incredible; reflections of the illumination of all these 4 Arab representatives of the Middle East appear in the dark surface of the water.

Hashemite Kingdom, located in the Middle East, neighbors Syria to the north, shares the northeastern border with Iraq, and the west falls on the border lines dividing Jordan with Israel and Palestine. The east and south of Jordan are covered by the territory of Saudi Arabia. On the Red Sea side, opposite the Gulf of Aqaba, Egypt is located, here the coastline with Jordan is decorated with the lights of Israel, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, this is the very fabulous place that is well known THERE told you earlier.

Water resources, especially fresh water bodies, are scarce in Jordan. But the country can boast of two seas at once: Red and Dead. Both bodies of water invariably attract an army of tourists to this region - fans of diving on the shores of the Red Sea and minerals on the coast of the Dead Sea, which slightly resembles jelly in appearance, the concentration of dissolved salts in its waters is so high. The key freshwater artery of Jordan is Jordan River, whose name is associated with the story of the baptism of Jesus Christ.

Climate

The climate of the exotic eastern kingdom very hot, especially in the summer months. The air temperature steadily stays at +45C in the shade; tourists populate the beaches of Jordan more and more in spring and autumn, when the heat loses ground a little and the thermometer drops to +30...+35C. The water in the Red Sea almost never drops below a temperature of +20C; some travelers continue to indulge in beach pleasures all year round. You can’t beg the sky for rain in the summer; only from November to March the weather can become more favorable and shed long-awaited drops of life-giving moisture on the lands of Jordan.

In the state, shrouded in the secrets of ancient history, there are many interesting sights, the best time to get acquainted with the delights of which is in the cold seasons. The air temperature for this is the most suitable - +10...+15C; for evening promenades it is better to take warm clothing; sometimes in regions close to the desert the thermometer suddenly drops to zero.

Cities and resorts of Jordan

In the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom, called Amman, 2 completely different hypostases are intertwined into a single whole. Oriental scenery from Scheherazade's fairy tales and a dynamic modern metropolis with bright touches of European civilization live peacefully side by side, without interfering with each other's contrasts to amaze tourists stunned by surprise. The eastern districts of Amman love to fool travelers lost among the identical streets with their houses, slightly similar to cardboard cake boxes, painted in smooth pastel colors. The hot climate dictates its own conditions to local residents: building materials and their shades must reflect the scorching rays of the sun as much as possible and be able to keep cool inside.

The western possessions of the Jordanian capital, like twin brothers, are similar to any European city with an abundance of modern buildings, catering establishments, entertainment centers and shops. Key attractions in Amman: citadel on the hill of Jebel al-Qalaa, the remains of the once picturesque Umayyad palace and park and the Temple of Hercules. Jordan is full of other outlandish places, so our site is of the opinion that you should not spend more than 1-2 days exploring Amman; this time is enough to get to know the main city of the kingdom.

In Jordan It’s worth paying close attention to a few more settlements, which I wouldn’t dare call large objects. These cities and villages have filled a significant niche, especially for the tourism industry, which is the generous breadwinner of the entire Arab state:

Ajlun village

It gathers on its territory fans of ancient castles and charming landscapes of the Jordan Valley. The Ayyubid castle was built back in 1184 and has been well preserved to this day; the building is rightfully considered a unique standard of Arab-Muslim architectural creativity.

Ajloun village, Jordan

Jerash

The tourist route to the city of Jerash runs through the olive groves - the crowning glory of the popularity of Jordan's guests from all over the world, who came to admire its ancient rarities. Experts have long identified Jerash as an ideal example of an ancient Roman province.

Jerash, Jordan

Petra

The pink stone bins of Petra, the main city of the ancient Nabataean kingdom, managed to take 1st place in the hit parade of tourist attractions in Jordan, became the backdrop for one of the episodes of the saga about the adventures of Indiana Jones and joined the list of modern 7 wonders of the world. Our site believes that all comments here are unnecessary.

Petra, Jordan

Aqaba

The fashionable beach resort of Aqaba has not needed additional advertising for several years now; all tours to this paradise on the Red Sea are sold out in advance. Luxury hotels, premium service, a gentle sea that is never cool and mountains that provide a saving barrier against the summer heat.

Aqaba, Jordan

Karak

The fortified city of Karak is a legacy of the dominance of the Ottoman Empire in Jordan, which left for the edification of descendants the remains of the Karak Castle and impressive fortress walls, which became an alluring bait for legions of tourists from all countries.

Gadara

Creative people consider the city of Gadara, a haven of poets and philosophers, to be a greeting from representatives of the old bohemia. In the religious world, Gadara is famous as the place of manifestation of the miraculous abilities of Jesus Christ, who cured the holy fool in front of the crowd.

Gadara, Jordan

Wadi Rum Desert

It looks like it came straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster, which is not surprising, given the fact that it was among the ornate stone landscapes dotted with canyons, arches and other intricate structures that episodes of the films “The Martian”, “Red Planet” and “Star Wars” were filmed.

Pella

The settlement of Pella, literally replete with ancient architectural wonders, is also the place of dominance of the queen of ancient sciences - archaeology. The Roman Odeon theater, the remains of Byzantine temples, and traces of fortifications from the Iron and Bronze Ages are clearly preserved on the territory.

Spa resorts

Spa resorts on the Jordanian coast The Dead Sea also no longer needs a separate presentation. The mineral composition of the reservoir is a miraculous natural healer for many ailments. The level of professionalism of local doctors is high, and medical services are in demand.

The Arab kingdom knows how to surprise and puzzle

That Jordan- an amazing country, no experienced traveler will argue, and yet our site has compiled a small list of wonders of the kingdom that our users had not even suspected before:

• The history of Jordan, according to various estimates, dates back more than 250 thousand years. Scientists have not yet come to a consensus on this matter, but for now, evidence of the sprouts of life in this territory has become the finds of archaeologists in the form of stone weapons of the Neanderthals, plaster sculptures of the Neolithic era, copper products of the Chalcolithic era and skillful crafts of the Bronze Age era;
• Modern Jordan was once part of the ancient Jewish state until the early 1st century BC. The enterprising Jewish people managed to build several respectable settlements and perfect cattle breeding on small green pastures. This fact does not raise any doubts among scientists;
• later, the Nabatean civilization, the Hellenes, the Roman Empire, Byzantium, the Arab Caliphate and the Ottoman Empire were noted in the desert expanses of Jordan, which became the beginning of the accession of the Middle Eastern state to the Islamic world;
• in the 20th century, Jordan, along with its other Arab neighbors, came under the jurisdiction of Great Britain, the country's independence was formalized in treaties between East and West in 1950;
• in 1952, the legendary Arab ruler, King Hussein, ascended the royal throne, ruling the country for 47 long years, and was replaced in this post by the current monarch, Abdullah ΙΙ ibn Hussein;
• Queen of Jordan Rania Al-Abdullah is recognized as a woman of unearthly beauty on the world Olympus; she also entered the collection of world records as the youngest royal person to marry a prince while being a bank employee;
• Jordanian men are incredibly lucky; official polygamy is enshrined in the kingdom by law, 6-12 children in a family is a common practice;
• local residents are diligent in achieving their goals and hardworking, they were able to grow an army of olive trees on tiny patches of fertile land near the desert plateaus, their number was 4 times the size of the population in the country;
• snowfall in Jordan is a natural disaster, in the event of such an impudent rampant of the elements, Jordanians are sent home from work and from places of study, otherwise you never know what, because it is not at all clear how to behave with this snow;
• guests of the Arab kingdom should know that in Jordan it is considered bad manners to agree to sit at the table after the 1st invitation and eat food with the left hand; tourists will not break tradition if they agree to share a meal with the hosts after the 3rd invitation;
• There is a hypothesis that the “paradise tabernacles” mentioned in the Bible were located on the territory of this eastern monarchy.

Scientists around the world consider the unique fact that the air over Jordan contains 8% more oxygen than in any other corner of the planet.

What types of holidays are best to choose in the colorful eastern kingdom?

The tourism industry tends to position Jordan as a good and safe destination for a wide range of desired traveler preferences:

• like Egypt and Israel, the country has all the conditions for beach holiday on the Red Sea coast. Jordan is a tasty morsel for divers; in the waters of the Gulf of Aqaba live 110 species of soft corals and 120 species of their hard counterparts in the marine family; thousands of marine inhabitants in the bay are ready to show their beauty to curious fans of scuba diving;
• the country has long been firmly associated among tourists with visiting the legendary Nabataean stone treasury– the ancient city of Petra, for those who vacation nearby in Egypt or in Israel, special tours are organized to visit the exotic capital, guests of Jordan have a wonderful opportunity to visit Petra at any time convenient for them;
• wide range of excursion offers provided the Middle Eastern state with a strong place among the countries recommended for excursion holidays, however, our site advises users to combine the excursion program with other types of holiday;
• high level of therapeutic and preventive services at the Dead Sea resorts it has gained popularity among fans of medical holidays;
• Jordan has a rich cultural heritage, woven from the contributions of several significant ancient civilizations, and in between beach activities, the country has plenty of amazing spots for discovering old secrets;
• tourists who choose a trip to the Wadi Rum desert or Wadi Mujib National Park. Both tours can safely be classified as extreme forms of recreation; in the desert, aerobatics will involve flying in a hot air balloon over an area of ​​unearthly beauty, often compared to Mars; in the gorge, travelers will have to overcome a water route formed by a frisky river and a rocky canyon.

Holidays in Jordan can be compared offhand to trips to Israel and Egypt, only in the Arab kingdom everything seems to be flavored with fiery spices, more exotic, more colorful, more unpredictable. Fine THERE does not take responsibility to give a definite answer on where it is better and which Middle Eastern country to choose for a vacation. Everywhere is no worse and no better, another formulation would be more accurate: in Jordan everything is different, and it is better to evaluate the country after a personal visit.

What holidays would be interesting to celebrate with Jordanians?

Like other inhabitants of the Earth, Jordanians have holidays on a planetary scale such as:

• New Year;
• Muslim holiday Ramadan;
• Catholic Christmas;
• Orthodox Easter;
• Labor Day May 1st
• Solemn events related to the internal structure of the state. Previously, the kingdom had a non-working day on January 30 - the birthday of King Abdullah and “Day of Allegiance to King Hussein”; recently, these 2 holidays were canceled by an official decree of the royal person. But Independence Day May 25 In Jordan it has the status of a national holiday and is always filled with a series of colorful events.

An unusual holiday is the Jordanian tradition of celebrating January 15 Tree Day. The activities are centered around the cult of the Palm Tree and have a religious basis. For 3 whole days, local residents are busy planting new seedlings throughout Jordan, and the royal couple certainly takes part in the general labor effort. The worship of the Palm Tree is associated with the biblical story of the birth of Jesus. Tradition says that this event took place under a palm tree, the luscious leaves of which hid the Virgin Mary from the persistent rays of the sun. After planting tens of thousands of young plants, all families gather around the table to praise nature in general and green spaces in particular.

An interesting fact is that the share of trees in the area of ​​Jordan is only 1%; almost all representatives of the flora here are chosen on the basis of the low need for frequent water irrigation

National cuisine of Jordan

Climatic conditions in the country dictate to residents what products can make their table nourishing and healthy. In Jordan, lamb, poultry, vegetables of all kinds and rice are often prepared in combination with various ingredients.

• The most common dish of the eastern kingdom is deep-fried balls made from minced beans and a mixture of seasonings.
• On holidays, housewives in every home try to prepare a dish called “Mansaf”, which is pieces of lamb stewed in sour cream with rice.
• Like all eastern peoples, Jordanians love sweets, tart coffee, rennet cheeses and spicy herbs.

It becomes a difficult test for the aborigines Muslim holiday Ramadan, whose traditions prohibit quenching thirst and eating before dark. If tourists happen to travel during this religious holiday, they should respect the faith of others and not provoke local residents by savoring the destruction of food supplies in front of all honest people. After sunset, life in populated areas begins to be in full swing; Jordanians will gladly share a meal with a random guest, generously treating him to everything that Allah sent them that day. A well-fed person does not understand a hungry person, but a hungry person will always understand his colleague due to his loyalty to traditions.

In expensive, fashionable restaurants in Amman and resort towns, tourists will be happy to prepare local delicacies:

• lark roast;
• baked fish in a salty crust;
• a spiced pate made from raw young lamb.

They work properly in Amman large chain supermarkets, where you can find any products familiar to Europeans, these establishments are located in the western modern part of the Jordanian capital. Organic food products and luxury delicacies are not cheap, and dining in a luxury restaurant will cost a pretty penny. But at the eastern market in any settlement you will find everything your heart desires and at a more affordable price. In Jordan, you can endlessly feast on roasted spiced nuts; an impressive bag of pistachios costs no more than 1 dinar. The markets have a rich selection of high-quality dried fruits, ripe vegetables and southern fruits, and the displays of spices and seasonings by weight are amazing.

Tours to Jordan - the best choice for a comfortable holiday

Evason Ma"In (Evason Mine) hotel, Jordan

Monitoring information about Jordan allowed us to do Good THERE some useful conclusions that we will share with you now. Light extreme sports give adrenaline, independent travel can be budget-friendly, but It is better to visit Jordan as part of an organized tourist tour. It should be remembered that eastern peoples have their own ideas about hotel stars, room decoration and their categories. By booking a 5* Boutique Hotel through the booking system, you can easily end up in a nice and cozy hostel with all the amenities in the hallway.

Practice has shown that resort hotels in Jordan verified by travel agencies are much more likely to meet international hotel standards. Organize an independent voyage It is better for those tourists who are fluent in English or Arabic and are well acquainted with the national mentality of the eastern kingdom. There are many desert areas in Jordan, among which you can easily get lost, and the tourist package already includes all the necessary transfers.

How to get to a Middle Eastern country

For Russian citizens, a visa to Jordan is not required in advance; tourists receive an entry voucher upon arrival in the Arab kingdom. The best wayget to the shores of the Red Sea or to the capital of the state Amman - use air services. The easiest way to see Petra and the Gulf of Aqaba at a glance is to purchase a combined Israel + Jordan tour or book a one-day excursion to Jordan from Egypt or Israel.

Fine THERE I have put together a small information block for those who decide to travel to Jordan on their own and do not want to bind themselves to contractual obligations with tour operators:

• the cheapest air ticket from Moscow to Amman without transfers will cost the traveler 25 thousand rubles, the travel time is approximately 4 hours;
• A flight from St. Petersburg to Amman with a transfer at Domodedovo Airport in Moscow will cost a little less, the cost of a ticket for 1 person is 20.6 thousand rubles, the airliner will reach the Queen Alia air harbor of Jordan in 8 and a half hours;
• 21.8 thousand rubles. it will cost a plane ticket on the route Kazan - Amman with 1 transfer, all at the same Moscow Domodedovo airport, flight time - 10 hours 40 minutes;
• a longer period will be needed for tourists traveling to Amman by plane from Yekaterinburg, the ticket price is 21.2 thousand rubles, the journey will take 16 hours 45 minutes, 1 transfer is planned on the way in Moscow;
• It will not be easy to get to Jordan from Vladivostok, a flight with 2 transfers will take more than a day, approximately 30 hours and 20 minutes, connecting flights pass through the airports of Seoul and Abu Dhabi, the ticket price is about 23 thousand rubles. The fastest flight with 1 transfer and change of airports in Moscow will last 18 hours and 35 minutes, the ticket price is pretty steep and amounts to 90 thousand rubles.

Analysis of the results shows that the best solution for travelers is to book tours with air travel on charter flights, then the total cost of the tourist package will no longer seem astronomical to tourists.

Subtleties of moving around the country

You can get around Jordan itself using public transport, taxis or rented cars. Car rental in Jordan is not a cheap matter; an elite car can cost the customer from 200 to 500 euros per day; a more economical option is to order an organized excursion on a shared bus.

Gifts from Jordan, dear to the heart

Souvenirs for friends and family brought from an Arab country are always distinguished by their color and originality. Here is a list of popular souvenirs that you can buy in Jordan:

• Experienced ladies try to buy in Jordan natural fabrics;
• It’s worth emphasizing the fact that Jordanian shoemakers are pretty good at their craft. Summer sandals for men and women, made with notes of national flavor, are worn for a long time, are comfortable and arouse keen interest among others with their unique charm;
• worthy of a separate ode sweets, nuts and dried fruits, which Jordanians know how to package beautifully and tastefully. Such a nice gift will remind you of the hot sun and exotic landscapes of Jordan for a long time, and it will not disappoint the recipients with its taste;
• It’s time to continue the tasty topic with praise Jordanian herbs and spices, which any housewife would want to have in her kitchen arsenal.

Customs regulations strictly prohibit the import and export from Jordan drugs, weapons and some religious books. It is better to familiarize yourself in detail with the current list and rules for the import and export of other items on specialized resources before traveling to Jordan; laws and decrees sometimes change.

Organizational insights and helpful tips

Diving, a popular pastime in Jordan

• The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is the safest Middle Eastern state; you can come here on vacation without any fear;
• Jordanians know a lot about luxury holidays and know how to organize them;
• vacationing in Jordan and not seeing the new wonder of the world Petra is an unfortunate mistake and an unforgivable omission;
• It’s better to choose a type of vacation in accordance with your preferences and physical capabilities; not all tourists can handle extreme excursions in Jordan.
• Dead Sea resorts in the Arab kingdom can really have a beneficial effect on health;
• when choosing an excursion to the Wadi Rum desert, do not skimp and book a room in a hotel located in the heart of the desert; waking up in the morning in a luxurious establishment overlooking the “Martian chronicles” is worth a lot in terms of unforgettable impressions;
• diving enthusiasts should definitely take a swim in the Gulf of Aqaba to discover sunken military equipment under the water: an airplane, a tank and a ship; you will never see such finds in the underwater world;
• On day 1 of your trip to Jordan, carefully plan your time so as not to lose sight of the most interesting sights;
• on the last day of your vacation, do not forget to replenish your collection of vacation photos with unique photographs from the exotic Middle Eastern region

Fine THERE sincerely wishes all travelers on the planet not to be afraid to dream about the most daring trips, even if at first these dreams seem unattainable. Jordan welcomes guests 12 months a year and is ready to give them hospitality and good nature.

The Kingdom of Jordan is a beach holiday and treatment on the coasts of the Red and Dead Seas, the rock city of Petra and the entertainment of the Aqaba resort, sightseeing tours all year round and the best hotels in the Middle East. Everything about Jordan: map, photos, weather and reviews from tourists.

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The Kingdom of Jordan is equal to Israel plus visa formalities minus sectarian strife. The constants of this equation are a rich “excursion”, the Dead Sea, diving, snorkeling and the vast expanses of the Wadi Rum desert. A country with a thousand-year history - the cradle of civilization, one of the main cultural centers in the Middle East - is actively developing its tourism potential.

Time difference from Moscow

no in winter −1 hour

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• from Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

Climate

The climate in the country is subtropical Mediterranean, sharply continental, very dry. Average temperatures in January are +8...+14 °C, in July +24...+30 °C (with average daytime temperatures of about +35 °C). The most favorable time to visit Jordan is spring and autumn. In the north it rains from November to March.

The Dead Sea and Aqaba are usually warm and you can swim all year round. The water temperature in the Red and Dead Seas does not drop below +21 °C all year round. Summer nights in these places are warm. At the same time, in most central regions of the country it is quite cool at night: tourists need to take long sleeves and trousers with them when traveling there.

Maps of Jordan

Visa and customs

Citizens of Russia and CIS countries, except Moldova, receive a visa upon arrival in the country. In addition, it is worth taking out a health insurance policy in advance for the entire duration of the trip.

You can import up to 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars, or 200 g of tobacco duty-free into Jordan; 1 liter of alcohol; perfumes, cosmetics and jewelry for personal use. When importing luxury goods, you must fill out a special declaration and pay a fee. Hand luggage and personal items are not subject to duties, as are gifts and souvenirs worth up to 150 USD. The import of foreign (except Israeli) and national currencies is not limited; amounts over 10,000 JOD must be declared. You can also export foreign currency without restrictions; the limit for national currency is 300 JOD. Prices on the page are for October 2018.

Seeds, seedlings, vegetables and fruits are subject to mandatory declaration.

Pets are allowed in only if they have an international veterinary certificate and documents confirming vaccination against rabies. Drugs, ammunition, poisons, weapons without the appropriate permit and psychotropic substances without a doctor's prescription are prohibited for import, as well as items or materials that can offend the religious feelings of Muslims (according to eyewitnesses, even the Bible or Torah can be taken away).

It is prohibited to export from Jordan unprocessed corals, stuffed animals, any ivory products, as well as specimens of fauna and flora obtained from the Red Sea. When importing and exporting antiques, you must have a receipt issued by the seller.

Tax free

Consumer goods in Jordan are subject to tax of up to 16%. The TAGI Tax Free system operates for foreign tourists: by making purchases in stores with the appropriate logo, you can return the sales tax in full or in part (the minimum refundable amount is 362 JOD, rates for purchased items are indicated in the sales receipt).

The store will need to fill out a special form with information about the product and the buyer’s passport data, and then within 70 days it will be stamped at customs and presented along with purchases, a passport and a sales receipt at the airport counter. When filing a refund, you can receive cash right on the spot, but if the tax amount exceeds 500 JOD, you will have to wait for the transfer to your bank account.

• What documents are needed to travel to Jordan with a child?

How to get to Jordan

Jordan's main international airport is located in the vicinity of Amman and is named after Queen Alia. Direct flights from Moscow are offered by Royal Jordanian (530 USD one way) and Es Seven (421 USD), all departing from Domodedovo, duration - 4.5 hours. Northern Wind charters are cheaper and faster: from 235 USD one way with departure from Sheremetyevo, time in the air - 4 hours.

The lowest prices for connecting flights are with Aegean Airlines: from 200 USD one way, 13 hours with a transfer in Athens. Qatar Airlines flies via Doha for 495 USD one way and 11 hours 35 minutes, Aeroflot and Tarom - via Bucharest for 530 USD and 19 hours.

If you are planning a seaside holiday, you can fly straight to Aqaba, where the second Jordanian international airport, named after King Hussein, is based. Northern Wind charters fly here from Moscow: tickets start from 230 USD one way, you will spend about 5 hours in the air. St. Petersburg residents will need to make 2 transfers: “Es Seven” and “Royal Jordanian” are transported through the Russian and Jordanian capitals in 11 hours and 352 USD in one direction.

From airport to city

The center of Amman is delivered by shuttle buses that run once every half hour between the airport and the Northern Bus Station (travel is about 5 JOD), as well as taxis (39-50 JOD, more expensive at night). Transfers from Aqaba airport are most often provided by hotels, but you can also use the services of taxi drivers (15-18 JOD).

Search for flights to Jordan

Transport

National carrier Royal Jordanian operates regular direct flights from Amman to Aqaba, starting from JOD 67 one way and lasting 55 minutes. There are no other domestic flights in the country, but intercity bus service is well established. Jett transport runs between major settlements (office website in English), tickets can be purchased at bus station ticket offices (preferably a few hours before departure) or by phone.

You can only travel between small towns by private buses: their network of routes is more extensive, tickets are cheap, but there is no schedule, and traveling in perpetually crowded cabins without air conditioning is hardly a pleasure for passengers. The railway is still idle: trains used to run regularly from Amman to Damascus via Ez-Zarqa, but due to the civil war in Syria they were canceled.

Public transport within cities

The structure of public transport is more or less orderly only in the capital: in other settlements the traffic is chaotic. You can travel within cities by buses, minibuses and “services” - 5-7-seater cars that depart along a given route as the cabin fills up.

Navigation on the Jordanian streets is extremely confusing: the names of stops and destinations are indicated in Arabic, so you cannot do without a good map and the help of local residents (of course, very conditional - only a few understand English).

The fare is paid directly to the driver, a half-hour trip around the capital costs an average of 0.50 JOD, you can get to the suburbs for 1.50-3 JOD (in “services” you will have to pay twice as much). In Amman, public transport runs quite frequently, while in the outback there is a risk of being stuck at a stop for half a day.

Taxis are ubiquitous; most capital cars are equipped with meters and air conditioning. Taxis can be caught on the street, called by phone or found at special parking lots. The average landing cost is 0.3 JOD, each km is 0.50 JOD, at night rates double. The amount on the counter can be indicated in pre-inflationary fils: for example, 700 fils is 0.70 JOD. It is worth having small coins in your pocket (taxi drivers often do not give change), and if the price is too high, feel free to bargain without succumbing to the tricks of cunning drivers.

Views of Jordan

Rent a Car

The country has both international and small local rental companies. To rent a car, you will need an international driving license and a credit card (only for short stays in the country). Depending on the class of the car, a deposit of 150 to 500 USD is blocked on the card. It is somewhat cheaper to rent a car through a travel agency than directly.

Renting a standard car costs from 60 JOD, a premium model - from 90 JOD, a minivan - from 150 JOD per day. The cost of gasoline in Jordan is 0.94-0.98 JOD per 1 liter.

Rented vehicles are distinguished from other vehicles by green license plates. Travel company cars have the same number plates. Driving a rented car outside of Jordan is prohibited. Traffic in the country is on the right. In Amman and Irbid, traffic is crazy: the streets are congested, traffic jams are huge, and drivers are generally polite, but not too careful. Most central parking lots are paid, marked with special signs or blue and white markings (after 19:00 and on weekends, parking is usually free). You can also leave your car near shopping centers, supermarkets and residential buildings, if there are no prohibitory signs nearby: most likely you won’t have to pay.

Inscriptions on road signs are in Arabic and English. There are also special brown tourist road signs showing the direction and directions to popular attractions.

In the event of an accident due to the fault of a tourist, the deposit from his card is paid to the police (according to the traffic law of the Kingdom of Jordan). If the amount of damage exceeds the amount of the deposit, all necessary expenses for repairing the car are paid by the person responsible for the accident. The police are polite with tourists: the main thing is to behave appropriately in response.

Communications and Wi-Fi

The mobile communications network covers the territory of the capital, major cities and resorts. The main Jordanian operators are Zain, Orange and Umniah. Prepaid SIM cards are sold at branded kiosks at airports, shopping centers and supermarkets. To connect, you need to present your passport and fill out a form; it is better to ask the seller to activate the SIM card; the balance is replenished using scratch cards.

Orange has packages starting from 6 JOD per week (1 GB of mobile data, 60 minutes of free calls and unlimited SMS to local numbers). Negotiations with Russia cost 0.35 JOD per minute.

You can also call home from pay phones that accept cards with a face value of 1-20 JOD. They are sold at newsstands and post offices, but international communications are quite expensive.

Internet access is provided in most large hotels (this pleasure costs 10 JOD per day) and numerous Internet cafes open in Amman and at resorts (connection hour - 2-3 JOD). Wi-Fi is also available in catering establishments, but most often it is paid (on average 5 JOD per hour) and at low speed. A pleasant exception is some coffee shops and eateries where you can go online for free. And in order to constantly stay online, it is better to connect a SIM card from one of the operators.

Jordan Hotels

Aqaba hotels are located both in the city itself and in the suburb of Tala Bay. Fashionable “fives” were lined up on the first coastline, and comfortable “fours” and “three rubles” a little further away. There are fewer hotels in the Dead Sea, but they contain the entire resort infrastructure: from restaurants and entertainment centers to spas with treatments based on natural ingredients.

The voltage in the Jordanian electrical network is 230 V, the sockets are both familiar European (types C and F) and three-pin, for which an adapter is needed.

Police - 192, traffic police - 843-402, ambulance - 193, fire service (Amman) - 462-20-90, single emergency phone number - 196.

City codes: Amman - 6, Aqaba - 3.

Beaches of Jordan

Pilgrimage

The Holy Land - a Middle Eastern territory between the Mediterranean, Red and Dead Seas, Lake Kinneret and the Jordan River - is a very special place for Christians, Muslims and Jews. It was here that the main events described in the holy books of three world religions took place, it was here that the earthly journey of Christ began and ended. Once united, ancient Palestine is today divided into several states: Israel, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan are full of reminders of a great past.

Thousands of pilgrims annually strive to visit the Holy Land, venerate the shrines and gain a unique spiritual experience. Most routes cover several countries at once, but Jordan deserves a separate visit. To begin the pilgrimage, Moses saw the Promised Land for the first time, and at the site where the Church of Our Lady of Anjar stands today, Christ and Mary stopped on their way from the Sea of ​​Galilee to Jerusalem. The Savior was baptized in the Jordan River, and if the entrance to the symbolic bath on the Israeli bank is paid, then from the Jordanian bank you can plunge into the sacred waters completely freely.

Shopping

From Jordan you can bring Madaba woven rugs, bottles with multi-colored sand from Petra (it is better to buy them in Petra itself - there is natural sand of different colors from the canyons of the rock city, and not artificially colored, as in most other places), crafts from olive wood, ceramics and copper utensils, jewelry, Bedouin black silver jewelry and much more. Jordanian cosmetics based on Dead Sea products are very popular.

Incredible, but true: traditional “eastern” bargaining is practically absent in Jordan. Prices, if they are lowered, are not by much and mostly by Bedouin boys selling souvenirs in Petra. In shops and stores, sellers behave extremely attentively, politely and always with dignity: no one allows themselves to grab sleeves or other Middle Eastern attributes.

Friday is a public holiday in Jordan. Christian-owned shops may also be closed on Sunday. There is no uniform operating schedule for retail outlets: each owner determines it himself.

If a tourist suddenly becomes obsessed with the idea of ​​personally collecting dirt directly from the shore of the Dead Sea, you can ask one of the staff at a coastal hotel to help in searching for it on the shore. The service will cost 1-3 JOD, depending on the difficulties associated with its provision and the amount of goods obtained. The best mud is “radically black” and can be transported in several nested plastic bags. We advise you not to engage in independent “dirt-searching” activities.

Cuisine and restaurants of Jordan

Jordanian cuisine is generally faithful to Arab culinary traditions, but has many characteristic features. Contrary to popular belief, local dishes are not as hot and spicy as people usually think. But everywhere, mint, various greens and herbs, lemons, onions, pickled olives, and pine nuts are added to food. Popular appetizers include salads, stews, pastries with various fillings, as well as dishes made from finely pureed peas and herbs - falafel and hummus.

In addition to various types of pita bread and “ragyf” bread, “kmazh” flatbreads are popular in the country, which are often used as a kind of “edible spoons”. Meat dishes - most often chicken, lamb or veal with rice or potatoes. Traditional side dishes are different types of salads and stews.

The local sweets are considered some of the best in the Arab world. These are cookies sprinkled with sesame seeds, “baklava” (baklava) with pistachios, the famous “kanaf” with cheese, “kataef” pies, “javafa” guava dessert, excellent ice cream, candied fruit.

Alcoholic drinks can be purchased at any time except the month of Muslim fasting. Among the local strong drinks, it is worth trying “arak” with the smell and taste of anise, it is diluted with water. The wines are also quite good. Beer is offered in many cafes and restaurants (but not all) and sold in specialized stores.

Street food like shawarma or mixed fruits costs 2-3 JOD. Lunch in a mid-range cafe in the capital costs 7-10 JOD, dinner in an Aqaba restaurant costs 20-30 JOD for two, excluding alcohol.

The best Jordanian eateries are concentrated in Amman: spacious, decorated with oriental flavor, they offer all kinds of national dishes prepared by talented chefs. For the most demanding gourmets, gourmet restaurants with equally high prices are open. In the neighborhood there are more affordable pizzerias, steakhouses, coffee shops, gelaterias and chain eateries, so there will be no problems with the usual European food. In the vicinity of Jerash, Arabic cafes are notable, where vegetables and bread are baked on stones in huge traditional ovens. The pride of Aqaba is its fish restaurants, popular not only among tourists, but also among local residents.

Guides in Jordan

Entertainment and attractions in Jordan

Christian pilgrims and people interested in the history of the first centuries of Christianity should visit the sights of Madaba and its surroundings: Madaba itself, the Moses memorial on Mount Nebo, the site of the Baptism of Jesus in Tel al-Harrar, as well as many other historical places. And tourists interested in the history of the Crusades should definitely visit the Crusader castle in Karak, the walls of which remember the era of Salah-ed-Din.

On the road from Petra to Aqaba, you can visit the Wadi Rum desert to enjoy unique landscapes that are not similar to anywhere else on the planet.

Anyone who is interested in the history of the Arab Caliphate should not miss a unique monument of that era - the medieval baths of Qasr Amr, decorated with frescoes with images of people and animals.

Fans of active recreation will not be bored in Jordan. You can rent an SUV and travel from the north to the south of the country, visiting biblical cities and legionary fortresses. Or, as part of a caravan, cross the central highlands and the desert in the east of the country in a week, stopping in a new place every night. These same routes can be covered by a World War I train that runs along the very edge of the desert. In addition, you can fly in a hot air balloon or paraglider over the Wadi Rum desert, play paintball or golf, ride horses or go hiking in the mountains.

• Is it possible to combine Egypt, Jordan and Israel in one tour?
• Treat yourself with healing mud and thermal waters at the first-class Ashtar balneological complex, 70 km from Amman.
• Capture the moment the rocks surrounding Aqaba change color.

Holidays and Events

Western New Year in Jordan is celebrated on January 1: tourists from all over the world flock to the shores of the Red and Dead Seas for the winter holidays. The Muslim equivalent is Ras al-Sana: the beginning of the first lunar month of Muharram and a reason for celebrations throughout the country. January 15 is the Day of the Tree, or rather the palm tree, revered in the Middle East since biblical times: the Virgin Mary gave birth to the baby Jesus under the palm tree, and at the beginning of winter, Jordanians actively plant new trees to the delight of environmentalists.

People in Jordan love sports: on fine spring days they organize the Dead Sea Ultramarathon under the patronage of the royal family, and also a prestigious car rally in the vicinity of Jerash.

In February, a traditional arts festival dedicated to Bedouin culture is held in Aqaba, in March-April in Amman there is an International Theater Festival, turning the capital into a grandiose stage, and at the end of summer in Jerash there is an arts festival with concerts and fairs against the backdrop of ruins. Twice a year the kings are congratulated on their birthday: January 30 - Abdullah, November 14 - Hussein.

March 21 - Mother's Day, May 25 - Independence Day, June 10 - Army Day with large-scale parades in the presence of crowned heads. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of fasting, which is obligatory in the month of Ramadan, Eid al-Adha symbolizes absolute faith in the Almighty. And on December 25, Catholic families gather at the festive table in honor of the Nativity of Christ: it cannot be otherwise in the Holy Land.

Jordan is located in the heart of the region most often called the Middle East - at the junction of Eurasia and Africa. The official name of the country is the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The country got its name from the Jordan River, which flows along the northern section of the kingdom's western border.

Jordan is a continental state with only one small outlet to the Gulf of Aqaba at the northern tip of the Red Sea, about 26 kilometers long. If you look at a detailed map of Jordan, you will see that most of its borders are represented by broken lines. 90% of its territory is occupied by deserts, in which boundaries are a very tricky and blurry concept.

Jordan on the world map: geography, nature and climate

Jordan is a relatively small state. The total area of ​​the country is about 92,000 km2. It is difficult to name the exact area due to the fact that it increases every year. With the shallowing of the Dead Sea, Jordan is expanding by several square kilometers per year.

The country's largest neighbor is Saudi Arabia, located to the south and southeast of Jordan. The length of their joint borders is 728 km, which is almost half the length of the state border. In the east, the country borders Iraq, and the northern border separates it from Syria. The clearest borders of Jordan are in the west - here they are tied to both the topography and the national composition of the population. The country's western neighbors are Israel and partially recognized Palestine.

Geographical position

Jordan is located in a unique place on the world map. The coast of the Dead Sea, whose waters the country shares with Israel, is the lowest land point on the planet. At the moment, this is 430 meters below sea level, but every year this figure increases by an average of 1 meter.

The territory of Jordan is represented mainly by desert plateaus up to 1200 meters high. The highest point in the country is Mount Jabal Umm al-Dami (1854 m). In the southeast and northeast of the country there are vast regions of the Syrian Desert. The northwestern part of Jordan, fed by the river of the same name, is more suitable for life. There are practically no large permanent lakes and rivers in the country, not counting the salty Dead Sea. Only the Jordan River and its tributaries Yarmouk and Seil ez-Zarqa, often indicated on the map of Jordan in Russian as Yabbok, do not dry out during the season. However, it is difficult to call them large rivers - the width of the Jordan at its largest point does not exceed 40 meters, and the depth rarely reaches 2 meters. In addition, they are actively used in agriculture in Jordan and neighboring countries, which greatly shallows and pollutes the rivers. The area of ​​the few lakes and reservoirs is rarely more than a few square kilometers.

Animal and plant life

The flora of Jordan is extremely poor, which is typical for a desert state. Grass cover in semi-desert areas appears only with the winter rainy season. Only the northwestern part of the country, which is relatively comfortable in terms of climatic conditions, can boast of shrub vegetation of the Mediterranean type. The fauna of the region is represented by typical desert inhabitants: striped hyenas, steppe lynxes and foxes. It is also possible to encounter several species of gazelle. Among other animals, various lizards and small desert birds are present in abundance.

Climate

Most of the country is in a dry desert sharply continental climate. Only along the western borders is it more similar to the Mediterranean subtropical. Jordan is saved from the unbearable heat by fairly constant westerly winds. But hot air currents from the Arabian Peninsula are not uncommon. The average temperature in the western and northwestern parts of the country in winter rarely drops below 8 0 C, and in summer varies from 25 to 30 0 C. Desert regions, of course, are much hotter. The average annual rainfall in Jordan is extremely low. In the north-west of the country it can still reach 400 mm per year, while in the rest of the territory it will not reach 100 mm.

Map of Jordan with cities. Administrative division of the country

The Kingdom of Jordan is divided into 12 governorates. This is a common administrative-territorial unit in Arab countries. At the same time, up to 85% of Jordan’s population lives in the north-west of the country, and less than 2% of the population live in the largest region of Ma’an, which occupies a third of the country’s area. A map of Jordan with cities in Russian directly demonstrates this classic feature for desert states.

Amman- the capital and largest city of the country. It is home to about 25% of Jordan's residents, and the Amman agglomeration concentrates almost 80% of the country's population. It is a major industrial center in the Middle East, located at one of the key oil transport hubs.

A small town is located 35 kilometers north of the capital Ajlun, famous for the castle of Qalat ar-Rabat. This 12th century fortress is considered a gem of Muslim medieval architecture. The largest botanical garden in the region is also located near the city.

Jordan's only port is the city Aqaba. It is both a commercial and tourist center of the country. It is noteworthy that the flag installed in the city port is considered the largest in the world.

Useful information for tourists about Jordan, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Jordan, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions in Jordan.

Geography of Jordan

Jordan is located in the Middle East. It borders with Syria, Iraq, Israel, Saudi Arabia. A small section of the country's southern border is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Aqaba of the Red Sea.

Most of the country is occupied by rocky and sandy deserts, framed by low mountains and plateaus up to 1500 m high. The highest point of the country - the city of Jebel Ram (1754 m) is located in the south of the country, the lowest - on the coast of the Dead Sea (about 400 m below sea level).

State

State structure

A constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the king. The legislative body is a bicameral parliament. The king appoints the prime minister, who in turn (in agreement with the monarch and with the approval of the lower house of Parliament) appoints government ministers.

Language

Official language: Arabic

English is widespread.

Religion

Islam is the state religion. Sunnis - 92%, Shiites - 3%, Christians - 5%.

Currency

International name: JOD

1 dinar = 100 piastres or 1000 fils. The banknotes in circulation are: 500 fils, 1 dinar, 5, 10, 20, 50 dinars and coins: 5, 10, 25, 100, 250, 500 fils.

Popular attractions

Tourism in Jordan

Where to stay

Jordan hotels provide their guests with a very decent level of service. Tourists traveling around Jordan will not have problems with accommodation - a place to stay here can be found almost anywhere in the country. Although on the other hand, with the exception of tourist centers, the choice will be quite limited. Small towns in Jordan usually have 1-2 hotels, one of which may be relatively acceptable, while the other is extremely spartan, without amenities or hot water. Such hotels are aimed at local business travelers, whose expectations are quite consistent with the level of these hotels. Small provincial hotels are mainly located in inconvenient parts of the city, they often lack air conditioning and experience interruptions in the water supply. Their only advantage is their low price.

As for tourist centers such as Aqaba, Amman, Petra and Madaba, the choice of hotels is quite wide. Tourists who want to have a good rest on the Red Sea have a good selection of expensive and luxury hotels in Aqaba. There are many four and five star hotels here, however, you can also find two and three star hotels.

A separate category of hotels in Jordan are the so-called “government resthouses”. These are large, half-empty complexes that include hundreds of rooms, a restaurant, lounges, a swimming pool, and more. Their prices are high and their service is average. A more economical, but quite comfortable option for accommodation in Jordan would be camping and hostels.

Almost all Jordanian hotels operate on a buffet basis and offer two options - breakfast and half board.

Popular hotels

Excursions and attractions in Jordan

Jordan is an ancient country with a special flavor and amazing history. This land, full of legends and traditions, occupies a special place in the development of world civilization and religion. A rich cultural heritage, an abundance of historical and architectural attractions, the beautiful beaches of the Red Sea and the healing waters of the Dead Sea will make your trip to Jordan unforgettable.

One of the most famous places in Jordan and its “pearl” is the ancient city of Petra. The ruins of the once majestic capital of the Nabataean kingdom still amaze with their unique architecture and splendor. Numerous temples, tombs, a huge theater and other structures were carved by beautiful Nabatean craftsmen right into the rocks. The most famous landmark of the ancient city is the temple-mausoleum of El Khazneh (“treasury”). No less magnificent is another Nabatean rock temple Ad-Dair of the 1st century AD. e., which is located near Petra. Also near the city there is a sacred mountain, on which, according to legend, the grave of the high priest Aaron (Moses’ brother) is located.

The ancient city of Jerash is also a popular tourist attraction. Its heyday was during the Roman era, but unfortunately, after a strong earthquake, the city was buried under rubble. Excavations of this place began only at the beginning of the 20th century, and it turned out that under the rubble numerous remains of amazing architectural structures were perfectly preserved: temples, amphitheaters, Roman baths, city walls, fountains and much more.

The capital of Jordan, Amman, is the country's largest city and an important economic and cultural center. In the historical center of Amman there is the so-called Fortress Mountain (Jebel Qalaa) with the ruins of the Temple of Hercules, the Governor's Palace of the Umayyad era, the Byzantine Church and other monuments of various eras. At its foot is an ancient Roman theater for 6,000 spectators. You should also definitely visit the Jordan Archaeological Museum, the Folklore Museum, the Jordan Museum of Folk Traditions and the King Abdullah Mosque. In the vicinity of Amman there is one of the most revered shrines of Jordan - Mount Nebo, where, according to the Old Testament, Moses was buried (the Moses memorial is also located here) and the city of Madaba (biblical Medeba) with the Church of St. George (famous for the map of the Middle East built into its floor).

Jordan is also famous for its so-called “Desert Castles” or “Caliphal Palaces”, which mostly date back to the era of the Umayyad dynasty. The most popular of them are Qasr Amra, Qasr Harrana, Qasr Hallyabat and Azraq Castle. Among the majestic buildings erected by the crusaders, the most interesting are the castles of Shobak and El-Karak. Also, Ajlun Castle, built by the Arabs, occupies a special place among the attractions of Jordan - an excellent example of medieval military architecture.

The famous resort center of Jordan is the city of Aqaba, located on the Red Sea coast in the Gulf of Aqaba. The unique underwater world of the local waters makes Aqaba one of the best diving centers in the world. Among the most interesting attractions are the Archaeological Museum, the Fortress of Aqaba and the Fortress of Saladin on Pharaoh's Island in the Gulf of Aqaba. An hour's drive from the city is the famous Wadi Rum desert reserve.

Tips

Most restaurants include a service charge on bills, so tipping waiters is optional. If the cost of service is not included in the bill, waiters are entitled to a tip of 10% of the bill amount. Tips are given in gratitude for good service to hotel staff (0.5 dinars), tour guide (2 dinars per person), driver (1.5 dinars per person), horse driver in Petra (2 dinars), etc.

The authorities of the kingdom are purposefully developing this “golden” niche in their country, building modern hotels, European-level resorts, sanatoriums, and residential real estate.

Jordan's tourism industry has had its share of ups and downs. Back in 2010, the 8 million tourists who visited the country in a year generated revenue of $3.5 billion. An infusion of about 1 billion “greens” was made by medical tourism. However, the very next year, the vacillation in the political life of the region affected the tourism industry, depriving Jordan of the expected $1 billion.

According to data released by the Jordanian Minister of Tourism, 5.1 million tourists visited the Arab country from the beginning of the year until September. The peak of “guest raids” fell on the hottest month of July.

Authorities in the eastern kingdom have introduced a new fee for transit tourists traveling to Israel. There were about 90 thousand of them in 2016. The state treasury received considerable income. The amount of tax when leaving Jordan will directly depend on the days you stay in the kingdom and the number of monuments visited.

All famous sights of Jordan can be divided into historical monuments, religious buildings (medieval churches, mosques) and nature reserves.

Among the historical monuments, the most popular are the ancient city of the Nabataean kingdom, carved into the rock, Petra, famous for its Roman architecture Jarash, the Crusader castle “Krac de Montreal” in the city of Shubak, castles in the cities of Ajloun and El-Karak, the “black pearl of the desert” Umm-el -Gimal, Montreal - crusader castle, ancient apartments of the caliphs of Quseir-Amra and others.

Pilgrims from all over the world strive to see and worship religious shrines, which include the Macheron fortress, where John the Baptist was executed, Madaba, which attracts with the Map from Madaba - the oldest image of the Holy Land (6th century AD), Mount Nebo, from which Moses saw the death to the Promised Land.

The Wadi Rum nature reserve and northern Jordan with its mountain provinces are not deprived of the attention of guests of the country.

Beach holidays are represented by modern infrastructure, medical procedures and entertainment events. Tourists have chosen the resorts of Aqaba, located on the shores of the Red Sea. Here guests of the country are offered standard water activities: boat trips, yacht trips, exciting diving.

The small village of Tala Bay is dotted with boarding houses, cottages and is waiting for guests from other countries. There is everything for a relaxing holiday by the sea.

About a dozen hotels have been built near the shores of the Dead Sea in Jordan, in which modern spa centers and hospitals have “settled”.

In the resort town of Main, hot and cold mineral springs flow like waterfalls from basalt rocks. Tourists often combine a trip to the Dead Sea with a visit to Main.

The country's climate and developed tourism industry attract tourists from all over the world. The December 2016 terrorist attack in Al-Karak did not reduce the flow of visitors to the country. The unstable political situation does not detract from the advantages of resorts in Jordan. Tourists are warned to be careful while in the kingdom. As you understand, none of us is immune from such tragic events. The tentacles of terror are seeping into every country in the world. In resort areas, terrorist attacks damage the reputation of a country that is unable to provide security for its residents and guests.

National composition in the state

The people of Jordan are hospitable people, although there are many nationalities mixed here. Historically, Jordan has welcomed anyone in need of protection and shelter.

Arabs now make up 95% of the population. The number of Jordanian Arabs is only 35%, and the Palestinians are 55%. Almost all Jordanians are ethnic Arabs. Almost 95% of the country's population professes Islam, being Sunnis of the Shafi'i persuasion. Although Christians make up only 6% of the country, they make up 20% of the Jordanian Parliament. Christians in Jordan belong to the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. Chechens, Armenians and Circassians in Jordan are classified as ethnic minorities. Living in Jordan, they retained their native languages. Jordanians speak Arabic.

Other nationalities also live in the state: Kurds, Turkmens, Balkars and others. There are many Jordanians of European descent, as well as Arabs from Syria and Iraq.

After the Iraq War, refugees from Iraq poured into Jordan. Their number reaches 300 thousand people. They live mainly in Zarqa and Amman. Many Christians came from Iraq after military clashes - these are Assyrians and Chaldeans. The Israeli-Lebanese conflict of 2006 “added” Lebanese displaced people to the country.

For a small country, the number of foreign workers coming to Jordan to earn extra money does not exceed 300 thousand. The number is not small. Arabs from Egypt come, as well as workers from India, China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.

Economic development of a Middle Eastern country

Jordan is deprived of natural resources. Most of its land (90%) is occupied by colorful desert plateaus, and there is little rainfall. The shortage of water and energy resources affects the economic development of the country. Until the 1980s, the state received significant assistance from Arab countries, and at the same time the gross national product fell by up to 10% per year. After the reduction in external assistance, GNP “slides” to 2% annually. The country's economy was “shaken” by foreign debts, political strife and military actions in nearby states.

Jordan is an agrarian-industrial state. The authorities in the country control transport, large industry, tourism, communications, and energy. Private business took agriculture, the service sector and small industry “under its wing”.

Income comes from the extraction of phosphorites, potassium salt and oil refining.

The arid climate does not allow agriculture to develop: its share in GDP is only 3.3%. The service sector dominates here - 69.7%, which employs 82% of the country's population.

Since the population of Jordan is engaged in the processing of natural raw materials, the chemical industry is developed here. The main factories are located in Aqaba, Al-Safi, Shidiyya, Numeira.

The gifts of the Dead Sea make it possible to produce cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, with 70% of the products exported to other countries. The textile and clothing sectors of the economy are also actively developing, but they are export-oriented.

In agriculture, the picture is that most of the land has been allocated to olive plantations. Grain crops are planted, but not enough due to the impossibility of irrigating the land. For this reason, grain is imported from abroad. Vegetables, melons and fruit trees are grown in Jordan. Livestock farming is mainly represented by sheep and goat breeding. If the former number about 2 million heads, then the latter number about 540 thousand heads.

The country's only port, Aqaba, brings in large revenues to the overall economy, where transit cargo accounts for 15% of the total annual cargo turnover. Tourism in Jordan exceeded 10% of GDP.

The country's economy regularly receives injections from other countries. The Kingdom was admitted to the WTO, and a free trade agreement with the EU came into force. These developments lead to the liberalization of foreign trade.

Political structure of Jordan

The very name of the country contains the name of the ruling dynasty - the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. There is another power in the world named according to the same principle - Saudi Arabia.

Jordan is ruled by a king. Since February 1999, King Abdullah II bin al-Hussein has occupied the throne. The Queen also has power, although less. Members of the royal family occupy prestigious positions in government and public organizations.

The King and the government of the country are guided by the Constitution adopted in January 1952. The Prime Minister is appointed by decree of the king. The Prime Minister forms the cabinet of ministers by agreeing on the candidacies of government ministers with the monarch and the lower house of Parliament. All laws must be approved by the king, only then will they come into force. He appoints judges, can approve amendments to the Constitution, and declare war. The king's veto can be overridden by a 2/3 vote of the People's Assembly of the two chambers.

Executive power in the kingdom is vested in the king and the Council of Ministers. The government is subordinate to parliament. Parliament, as a legislative body, consists of the Chamber of Deputies (lower house), which has 110 elected members, and the Chamber of Senators (upper house), represented by 55 members appointed by the king himself. Parliament is elected for 4 years.

A special panel appoints 6 women to the Chamber of Deputies. 9 places are occupied by Christians, 3 places by Circassians. Political parties are allowed, but candidates for the Chamber of Deputies are nominated independently.

The judiciary is divided into civil, religious and special courts.

Administrative division of the country

Jordan is divided into 12 governorates (provinces). Each governorate has its own administrative center, which bears the same name as the governorate (only in Al-Balk the administrative center is called Es-Salt). Governors lead the governorates. They are appointed by the king.

The provinces are subordinate to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The country's governorates are divided into 52 districts. The largest territory was occupied by the Ma'an governorate, and the most populated governorate was Amman - about 2.5 million people. The highest population density is in Irbid - 707 people per square meter. km.

Foreign policy of the kingdom

Jordan is in an explosive place. And despite this, the country's authorities are trying by all means to normalize relations with the Arab powers. The current king of Jordan is popular and authoritative not only in his own country, but also in other countries. The kingdom's foreign policy is aimed at close cooperation with Great Britain and the United States and at resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict.

The country has been a member of the UN since 1954. Member of the League of Arab States, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, and the global Non-Aligned Movement. The Jordanian government maintains peaceful relations with many countries. Jordan signed a peace treaty with Israel.

Contacts between Russia and Jordan are regular and dynamic. The king visited Russia more than once, Putin, in turn, paid an official visit to Jordan. Political ties with Russia help strengthen the state in the dangerous eastern region.