Jordan Facts
Official name:
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Population & Religion:
6.08 million inhabitants; 92% Muslims, 6% Christians & 2% other religions
Location & Borders:
A country in the heart of the Middle East; Neighboring countries: Syria to the North, Saudi Arabia to East & South-East, Iraq to North-East, West Bank to West
Elevation Extremes:
Lowest point is the Dead Sea: -420 m below sea level; highest point is Jabal Umm Al Dami + 1854 m above sea level.
Main Cities:
Amman, Zarqa, Irbid, Salt, Jerash, Aqaba, Madaba, Shobak Mafraq, Tafila, Petra, Ajloun.
Languages:
Arabic, English widely spoken, many Citizens speak French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian.
Transportation
/Port/Airport:
Good roads & road signs marked in Arabic & English Gasoline stations & rest houses through out the Country Taxis & busses: Taxies (yellow Cap), rent a car, local buses & Hijaz Railway trains connect Amman to Damascus. Aqaba port on the Red Sea Ferry Boats connects Nweiba-Sharm El Sheikh, also private Boats. International & Charter flight fly Queen Alia Airport & Aqaba King Hussein Airport. Local flights at Marka civil Airport, All Airports provide banking, car hire Duty free shops restaurants etc…
Communications:
Excellent direct telephones, fax, telex & telecom, rented Mobile.
Newspapers:
Local Arabic & English newspaper & magazines Also foreign publications.
Currency:
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar, symbol JD. There are 1,5,10,20,50 JD notes. The currency can be exchanged at major banks, exchange booths and at most of the hotels. Street money changers are to be avoided. Credit cards are widely accepted in mid-range and top-end hotels, restaurant and some shops.
Electricity & Water:
Electrical system is based on 220 ACV olt, 50 Cycles American & European plugs are available at hotels Filtering water system at al hotels.
Time:
GMT + 2 in winter & GMT + 3 in summer
Holidays:
Friday & Saturday are official weekly holiday National Holidays: * New year (January 1st) King Abdullah Birthday January 30th, labor (May 1st) Independence May 25th) K.Abdulla accession to Thrown (June 9th) late .hussein birthday (November 14th) Christmas Day (December 25th). Several Islamic C religious holidays vary from weeks every year in line with Islamic calendar that is used to determine holidays as Muslim New year, Prophet Mohammad Birthday, Eid Al Fitr & Eid Al-Adha.
Medical:
Medical services are the best in Middle East Excellent Hospital & Professional Doctors all major cities.
Tipping:
Most Hotels & restaurant include service charge in their bills, it is not obligatory but you always add a little extra.
Shopping:
Jordan Handcrafts represent a tradition. Crafts includes rugs, silver, jewelry, beguine jewelry carved olivewood, mother of pearl, broidery blown artistic glass, leather.
Food & Drinks:
Eating well & heartily is part of Jordan tradition National dish as Mansaf, Maqlouba, Shish Kebab & Musakhan. You find international food in all hotels & Restaurants with different cuisine as Chinese Italian, Japanese etc…
Drinks soft & alcoholic:
Local & foreign Made are available in hotels & restaurants & pubs.