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About Jordan
Geography
Besides the mountains, the valley and the desert, Jordan has a number of mineral springs and area of forest, especially in the northern hills. Jordan is a beautiful country, it is wild with limitless deserts where the Bedouin roam, but the mountains of the north are clothed in green forests, and where the Jordan River flows, it is fertile in summer and winter. It has a strange haunting beauty and a sense of timelessness. Dotted with the ruins of empires once great, it is the last resort of yesterday in the land of tomorrow.
Jordan's population was estimated at 4.2 million in 1995. Jordan's high fertility rate of 6.6 and declining mortality rate have caused a considerable increase in the population, which averages 3.6% annually. Jordan's stability in a turbulent region has attracted large numbers of refugee residents from neighboring regions. In recent years it has also seen tens of thousands of Jordanian expatriates returning from abroad.
Jordan strong rural-based lifestyle, grounded in the nation's villages and deserts, has taken a slight shift in recent years. The trend has been to urbanize. About sixty four percent of Jordanian's cultural identity is firmly rooted in rural and desert communities. Amman's population was estimated at 1,580,000 in 1995.
Climate
The climate in Jordan is largely desert, arid and dry, with influences of Mediterranean climate in western areas close to the coast. The country is characterized by two seasons, the hot and dry summer between May and October and the relatively cool and wet season between November and April.
Average temperatures in Amman, Jordan
The winter months between November and March are cold, with rain and rarely snow on the highest peaks. Most rains occur between November and March. The average annual rainfall varies between 400 mm in north-west near the Jordan Valley and less than 100 mm in the southern areas of the country; the capital Amman receives an average of 280 mm of rain a year. July and August are the hottest and dry months of year, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 36°C, while January is the coldest month with temperatures that are sometimes below zero. Average temperatures in Amman range between 8°C and 26°C, those of Aqaba between 16°C and 33°C. Noteworthy are the differences between day and night temperatures. Sometimes during the months at beginning and end of summer blows from the Arabian desert Khamsin, a warm wind, like the sirocco, dry and full of sand, with this wind in a few hours the temperature can rise too of 10-15°C, usually Khamsin ceases to blow after a day or two.
The best months for a trip to Jordan are the spring months between April and May and the autumn months between September and October, when a temperature are pleasant and often has good weather.
Language
Non Arabic speakers are generally daunted above all by the script and the right-to-left flow of text. Yet the script is in fact the easiest thing about Arabic.
The alphabet contains 28 characters and there are strict rules to determine which characters join on to which, and unlike most European languages, there are no exceptions to these rules. The characters change their shape according to their position within the word but always within the same rules.
The Average English tabloid reader is said to have a working vocabulary of 3000 words, whereas the Arabic equivalent is said to have about 10,000. There are also many interesting features of the language which hint at the nature and attitude of the Arab mind, notably the existence of only two tenses, perfect and imperfect: there is no future tense.
The written Arabic Language together with Islam is one of the many unifying factors in the Arab World.
General Information
Many families, particularly in rural areas, are very traditional and, if you visit their house, you may well find it is divided between the men and women. Foreign women are often treated as "honorary" men.
Local women in Jordan enjoy considerable freedom when compared with many other countries in the region. Women are entitled to a full education, they can vote, they can drive cars, and they often play significant roles in business and politics. Arranged marriages and dowries are still common.
The word "Bedu" comes from the Arabic word "Badawi", meaning "A dweller of the desert". The Bedouin endure the desert and have learnt to survive its unforgiving climate. They treat it with due reverence, knowing that the wilderness has no respect for fools.
Today most of Jordan's Bedouin reside in the vast wasteland that extends eastwards from the great Desert Highway.
The clan is the centre of Bedouin Society. Each family has its own tent, a collection of which (known as Hayy) constitutes a gown of clan. A number of these clans make up a tribe (Qabilah). People living in the same clan are considered to be of the same blood. Leadership of the clan is the responsibility of the "Sheikh", and elder to whom matters of strife or decision are brought for adjudication. In the Bedouin society, all men are seen equal, with elders commanding extra respect gained through experience.
A powerful symbol of the Bedouin people is the distinctive square head-cloth (Kuffiyeh), with its head-ropes (A'gal) to hold it in place. The wealthier Bedouin, would and still do wear A'gals woven with gold thread. The costume of Jordanian woman has tended to be more elaborated than that of their counterparts possibly because women have traditionally attended to the embroidery and the making of clothes.
Costume has always been an important expression of identity in Jordan - a way of showing a sense of belonging to village, tribe of group. The costumes are a symbol of group identification and a strong reason for every village woman to keep a high standard of work and to stay true to her traditional patterns and designs.
Caucasians are a non-Arab Islamic people, who originate from the Caucasians Russia, fled during the 19th Century following persecution to live in other Islamic lands. Many Caucasians now live in Jordan; their groups are spread through Amman, Jerash, Wadi-ElSeer, Sweileh, Zarqa, Azraq and other parts of the north. Caucasians brought with them traditions from the Caucasus; weaving, basket making and carpentry.
Religion
95% of the populations of Jordan are Muslims. Those include other Non-Arab Minorities such as the Circassians and Chechen who fled to Jordan towards the end of the 19th Century. The Rest of the populations are Arab (mainly Greek Orthodox or Catholic) and Armenian Christians. They tend to live in Amman, Kerak, Madaba, Ajlun and Salt. About half of the Christian community follows the Eastern Orthodox rite, headed by the Patriarch of Jerusalem.
You will hear the call to prayer five times a day as in all Muslim countries: al Fajr- (The dawn prayer) Thuhur (Noon): Asr (The late afternoon prayer); Maghrib (The sunset prayer); and Isha (The night prayer). It is rare today to have the Mu'azzein himself calling from the top of the minaret; he has been replaced by a loudspeaker and a tape recorder.
The basis of Muslim faith stems from the early years of the 7th Century AD when the prophet Mohammed received the word from Allah and called upon those living around him to leave their pagan rituals and beliefs to follow Islam. Muslims consider their God to be the same God worshiped by Christians by disagree with the Christian divination associated with Jesus, In Islam, Mohammed is the prophet of God, not his son.
Islam which means submission in Arabic implies that it is the duty of the people to submit themselves to worship and obey -Allah- The one God. The Koran is the word of God spoken to Mohammed while he was in Mecca and Medina during the Seventh Century. It is the holy book of all Muslims.
Visas
By Air After passport control, collect your baggage and proceed to customs. Baggage carts are available from the attendant for a 1/2 JD fee. Porters are available to assist if necessary. The airport is 32 km south of Amman. A bus service leaves the airport every half an hour to Amman's Abdali bus station, but the easiest way to get to the city is by taxi. The journey should take about half an hour.
The other two crossing points are the Sheikh Hussein crossing, located in the north close to Lake Tiberius, and the Wadi Araba crossing, located in the south connecting the two Red Sea resorts of Eilat and Aqaba. These are open daily except Fridays and Saturday, From 06:30 till 22:00. At these crossings, visas for most nationalities can be obtained at the border' prior permits are not needed.
NOTE: These hours and regulations are subject to change. For up-to-date details and information on which nationalities cannot obtain visas, contact a travel agent in Jordan.
Border Crossings
Visa fees are 20 JDs ($30) for single entry valid for two weeks but easily extended at the nearest police station, or 60 JDs ($85) for multiple entries, valid for six months and non-extendable, to be paid in local currency. Few formalities need to be observed when departing Jordan: A departure tax of 5 JDs ($7) is paid at any border crossings except the airports.
Syria: Coming to Jordan by road from Syria, you can cross into Jaber or Ramtha. • The Allenby/King Hussein Bridge, 57km away from Amman, is located in the southern Jordan Valley and is open Sun–Thurs 08:00hrs – 20:00hrs for arrivals and 8:00 to 20:00 for departures, and Fri-Sat 08:00hrs – 13:00hrs. PLEASE NOTE: • Wadi Araba Crossing/South Border, located in the south, 324km away from Amman, connecting the two Red Sea resorts of Eilat and Aqaba. These are open Sun–Thurs 06:30hrs – 22:00hrs and Fri – Sat 0800hrs – 20:00hrs. Visitors can travel to Jordan by road from Iraq through Al-Karamah Border Crossing, which is 331km away from Amman and is open 24/7 throughout the year.
Jordan Map
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The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which once captivated ancient travellers,
continues to enthral a whole new generation as a modern, vibrant nation.
Relative Location Jordan is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. Positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia, the country is bordered by Israel, Syria (Golan Heights), Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
Joining local people for a cup of tea or coffee can be a wonderful way to learn more about local culture. If you are invited yet are unable to attend, then it is perfectly acceptable to decline. Place your right hand over your heart and politely make your excuses.
The traditional Bedouin way of life has come about by adopting measures that ensure survival. There are a few societies whose existence is as harmonious as that of the Bedouin. They walk a tight line between life and death, balancing with tenacity and skill. They understand their flocks of goats and camels. Forging a synoptic relationship with them so that each depend on the other for survival. The herds rely on their masters for protection; the masters depend on their herds for milk, meat and skins. The constant wandering is no aimless venture; it is a carefully planned expedition for new pastures.
The values of Bedouin society are vested in an ancient code of honor. This calls for total loyalty for the tribe, and to one's position of work, in upholding the survival of the group. There is a sense of honor and pride in Bedoun hospitality.
Visitors with a valid passport may obtain a visa at any Jordanian embassy, consulate, or legation abroad. You can also obtain a visa upon arrival at Amman's Queen Alia International Airport or at any other border crossing (except the King Hussein Bridge (Allenby Bridge) and the ferryboat from Egypt). 