Jordan: Hashemite Kingdom History, Petra, Amman & Dead Sea Guide

Official Name: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (HKJ) | Al-Urdunn

Ethnic groups of Jordan: Arab 95% (encompassing citizens of Jordanian, Palestinian, Syrian, and Iraqi origins, etc.), Circassian, Chechen 3%, Armenian and others 2%.
Organizations: United Nations
Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Motto: Allāh, al-Waṭan, al-Malik (God, Country, King)
National anthem: Al-Salām al-Malakī al-Urdunī (The Royal Anthem of Jordan)
Postal codes: Jordan uses five-digit postal codes.

Border countries (4): IraqFlag of Iraq 179 km (111 mi), Occupied PalestineFlag of Occupied Palestine 455 km (282 mi), Saudi ArabiaFlag of Saudi Arabia 731 km (454 mi), SyriaFlag of Syria 379 km (235 mi).
Coastline: Gulf of Aqaba 26 km
Note: Jordan also borders the Dead Sea, for 50 km (31 mi)
Maritime boundaries: Dead Sea, Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea)

Jordan (Arabic: الأردنّ, al-Urdunn) — is an Arab kingdom situated in a strategic location in the Middle East, at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe. Jordan has repeatedly been called an "oasis of stability" in the region, given its pivotal role and stable political history.

Historical Depth and Civilizational Legacy

The land of Jordan is an open museum, bearing the traces of ancient civilizations dating back thousands of years. Various kingdoms and peoples have succeeded each other on this land:
  • Ancient Kingdoms: Ancient kingdoms such as Moab, Gilead, and Edom were located within the borders of modern Jordan.
  • Nabataean and Roman Heritage: The famous red-stone city of Petra is the most prominent witness to the grandeur of the Nabataean Kingdom, which made it its capital. Later, Petra became part of the Roman Province of Arabia Petraea, and Northern Jordan flourished within the alliance of the ten Roman cities known as the "Decapolis".
  • Modern Era: Jordan remained part of the Ottoman Empire until 1918, then fell under the British Mandate. The Kingdom gained its independence to become an independent sovereign monarchy in 1946.

The Capital: Amman (City of History and Life)

Amman is the country's capital and largest city, representing the commercial and cultural heart of Jordan. Historically, Amman was built on the ruins of an ancient city:
  • Rabbath-Ammon: It was originally named after the Ammonites, who made it their capital in the 13th century BC, and it was a major city in the ancient Near Eastern civilization.
  • Philadelphia: It was later named this when it joined the alliance of the ten Roman cities, the "Decapolis".
  • Modern Amman: Its current name is derived from "Rabbath-Ammon." It currently serves as one of the region's major commercial and transportation hubs, as well as a key cultural capital of the Arab world.

Jordan is divided into 12 Governorates (Muhafazat), each with its own unique historical and geographical characteristics.
Map of the 12 Governorates of Jordan (Muhafazat)


Northern Governorates
  •  Irbid — Known as the "Bride of the North." It is the second-largest city in terms of population and is famous as a major agricultural center (for olives and wheat) and an educational hub due to its large universities.
  •  Jerash — Famous for its exceptionally well-preserved Roman ruins, earning it the nickname "Pompeii of the East." It is characterized by its green nature and moderate climate.
  •  Ajloun — Characterized by lush, rolling green hills and a castle built by Saladin during the Crusades called "Qal'at al-Rabadh" which is surrounded by a moat carved from solid rock.
  •  Mafraq — The desert has transformed into green fields due to the spread of artesian wells in the area, and it is considered the second source of agricultural production. It was named Al-Mafraq (meaning 'crossroads') because of its location at the junction of international roads.
Central Governorates Southern Governorates
  •  Karak — This ancient city is famous for its renowned Karak Castle, and the picturesque Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve, which offers adventures and natural creations carved by water into the rocks.
  •  Tafila — Characterized by its geographical and climatic diversity, economic activity, and the presence of natural resources such as arable land, and mineral resources like phosphate, cement, and copper.
  •  Ma'an — The largest governorate in Jordan by area, and considered the desert gateway to the south. It encompasses Jordan's most important tourist site, the city of Petra, in addition to Wadi Rum.
  •  Aqaba — A beach resort located on the Gulf of Aqaba. It is Jordan's only seaport and represents a vital nerve of the Jordanian economy as it is a special economic zone exempt from customs duties.

Natural resources: phosphates, potash, oil shale.

Unique and Interesting Facts about Jordan:
Jordan is a country rich in history and culture, featuring many facts that make it unique and distinctive: "Note - There are over 100,000 archaeological (and tourist) sites in Jordan."
Summary: Jordan - Where Ancient History Meets Natural Wonders
Jordan is distinguished by its historical grandeur from the Rose-red city of Petra and Nabatean trails to Roman cities and ancient civilization landmarks, geographical marvels between the world's lowest point at the Dead Sea and the Martian-like desert of Wadi Rum, and political stability as an oasis of peace in the heart of the Middle East under Hashemite royal leadership.
Keywords:
Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom, Petra, Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, Amman, Nabateans, Aqaba, Jerash, Salt, Roman Theater, Decapolis, Red Sea, Gulf of Aqaba

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