Jordan is located in the heart of the Middle East between Israel, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The country has a population of approximately 4.6 million, the majority of whom live in the national capital of Amman. A well travelled bridge between sea and desert, east and west, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a land of mesmerizing beauty and contrasts from the Jordan Valley, fertile and ever changing, to the remote desert canyons, immense and still. Visitors can explore desert castles, gaze in awe at the haunting wilderness of Wadi Rum, or bathe in the calm waters of the Red Sea.

Key Highlights

Jordan offers tourists history that goes back to the Biblical period. It also offers incredible sights such as the lost city of Petra, the red, melting rock desert of Wadi Rum, medieval castles from the Crusader period and the Roman city of Jerash. The lowest place on earth can be found in Jordan at the Dead Sea. The waters are renowned for their therapeutic properties, and the sea is so salty that nothing can live in it – hence the name the Dead Sea. In stark contrast the Red Sea is home to famously colourful marine life and is well known for its wonderful coral reefs. 

In Depth

Shopping in Jordan is a lot of fun as you can find many trinkets at affordable prices. Visit a souk (market) and you’ll find many good craft and jewellery shops. Special items include Hebron glass, mother-of-pearl boxes, pottery, backgammon sets, embroidered tablecloths, jewelled rosaries and worry beads, leather hassocks, old and new brass and copper items, and caftans hand-embroidered with silver and gold thread. Coffee drinking is a ritual in Jordan which is sipped from very small cups.