Jordan (JO)
Jordan is a stable, welcoming Hashemite Kingdom at the crossroads of the Middle East — home to Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the legendary Wadi Rum desert, and the mineral-rich Dead Sea.
Country Profile
Everything you need to know before you arrive.
Jordan is a stable, welcoming Hashemite Kingdom at the crossroads of the Middle East — home to Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the legendary Wadi Rum desert, and the mineral-rich Dead Sea. A constitutional monarchy with a strong tradition of hospitality (Diyafa), Jordan has become one of the region's preferred destinations for expats and NGO workers, diplomats, and professionals drawn to its relative safety, English-friendly business culture, vibrant Amman café scene, and strategic location bordering Israel, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. With a well-educated, predominantly young population and growing tech sector, Jordan offers a distinctive blend of ancient history, warm Arab culture, and modern urban life.
Climate
March–May: 14–25°C. Pleasant and mild. Some rain in March. Ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
June–September: 30–40°C in Amman, hotter in the Jordan Valley and Aqaba. Dry heat. Air conditioning essential. Humidity low in the highlands.
October–November: 18–28°C. Cooling gradually. Excellent time to visit Petra and Wadi Rum.
December–February: 5–12°C in Amman. Can drop below freezing at night in highlands. Rain and occasional snow in Amman (January 2022 had significant snowfall). Aqaba stays mild (18–22°C).
Demographics
Religion
Social Culture & Etiquette
Handshake for men. Between men and women, let the woman initiate. Common greetings: "As-salamu alaykum" (peace be upon you) and response "Wa alaykum as-salam". "Marhaba" (hello) is universally used and always appreciated. Accept hospitality graciously — refusing coffee or tea can be seen as impolite.
Jordanian business culture is relatively relaxed about time compared to Northern Europe — being 15–30 minutes late is common and generally accepted. However, demonstrate punctuality yourself as it signals professionalism and respect.
Modest dress is expected, especially outside Amman's upscale districts. Women should cover shoulders and knees in public (not required but appreciated). Head covering is not required for non-Muslim women except in mosques. Men in shorts are fine in tourist areas and malls. More liberal dress is accepted in Abdoun, Sweifieh, and Rainbow Street café areas.
- ✕ Never use your left hand to pass food, shake hands, or receive gifts — the left hand is considered unclean in Arab culture.
- ✕ Do not photograph military installations, government buildings, or people (especially women) without permission.
- ✕ Avoid public displays of affection — even between married couples, it can be considered disrespectful.
- ✕ Do not drink alcohol in public outside licensed venues. Alcohol is legal in Jordan but consumed privately or in licensed bars/restaurants.
- ✕ During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours in traditional areas.
- ✕ Do not discuss politics (especially regarding the King or the Palestinian issue) in critical terms in public.
- ✓ The concept of "wasta" (connections and influence) is important — personal relationships and recommendations open doors in Jordan.
- ✓ Hospitality (Diyafa) is a profound cultural value. Guests are treated with great generosity.
- ✓ Friday is the holy day — many businesses closed or on reduced hours. The weekend is Friday–Saturday in most Jordanian businesses (some international companies use Sat–Sun).
- ✓ Bargaining is expected in souks and with taxis — always negotiate before getting in a taxi or buying from an open market.
- ✓ Respect for elders is paramount — always greet the oldest person in a room first.
🍽️ Traditional Food & Drink
Jordan's national dish — slow-cooked lamb on a bed of fragrant rice, served with jameed (dried fermented goat yogurt sauce) and flatbread. Eaten communally with the right hand on formal occasions.
"Upside-down" — a one-pot rice dish with chicken or lamb, fried aubergine, cauliflower, and tomatoes, flipped upside-down to serve. A staple family meal.
Jordan does falafel and hummus better than almost anywhere. Breakfast at a local falafel shop (JD 0.50–1.50) is a must-try ritual in Amman.
Wadi Rum Bedouin slow-cooked meat and vegetables buried in sand — an unmissable experience in the desert.
Sweet shredded-pastry dessert with melted white cheese and rose-water sugar syrup. Nablus-style knafeh from the West Bank tradition is widely available in Amman.
Roasted chicken on bread with caramelised onions, sumac, and pine nuts. A festive favourite with Palestinian roots.
Light, cardamom-spiced Arabic coffee served in small handleless cups (finjan). Offered as a welcome gesture — accepting is culturally important. Refusals should be signalled by tilting the cup.
Sweet black tea with fresh mint, served throughout the day. Essential to Jordanian hospitality.
A refreshing non-alcoholic drink made from grape juice, rose water, and dried fruits. Popular in summer.
📍 Tourist Highlights
The rose-red city carved into rock by the Nabataeans — one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) is the iconic image of Jordan. Allow 2 full days.
Vast, otherworldly red desert of sandstone and granite — filming location for The Martian and Dune. Overnight Bedouin camps offer a bucket-list stargazing experience.
The lowest point on Earth (430m below sea level). Float effortlessly in mineral-rich water. Mud treatments on the shore are a famous wellness ritual. Jordan's shore offers the most serene Dead Sea experience.
One of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world outside Italy. Colonnaded streets, temples, and theatres still in remarkable condition.
The ancient hilltop Citadel (Jabal Al-Qala'a) with its Temple of Hercules and Umayyad Palace overlooks a remarkably intact 6,000-seat 2nd-century Roman theatre still used for performances.
📖 Brief History
Jordan's territory has been continuously inhabited for millennia — from the Neolithic period and the Nabataean civilisation (builders of Petra) to Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic empires. The modern state emerged from the Ottoman collapse after World War I, becoming the Emirate of Transjordan under British mandate in 1921, and achieving full independence as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 1946 under King Abdullah I. Jordan absorbed hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees in 1948 and 1967, fundamentally shaping its demographics. King Hussein's 47-year reign (1952–1999) navigated wars, cold war politics, and a landmark peace treaty with Israel (1994). His son, King Abdullah II, has continued modernisation efforts while maintaining Jordan's pivotal role as a regional mediator and host to millions of Iraqi and Syrian refugees.