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• WELCOME!  WELCOME!  WELCOME!  It seems as though the first word everyone who lives in Jordan learned to say is “welcome”.  Everywhere we went in the country the locals would say “welcome” to us.  Jordanians are truly as friendly as everyone says! 
• Jordan is located in West Asia.  Syria is to the north, Iraq is to the east, Saudi Arabia is to the south and southeast, Israel and Palestine (West Bank) are located to the west.  The Dead Sea is along the western border.  The Gulf of Aqaba provides Jordan with a small coastline on the Red Sea.  Aqaba is the only seaport in Jordan.  You can take a one-hour ferry to Egypt.
• The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth at 1,575 feet below sea level.  Its hypersaline waters make floating effortless (it is about 10 times saltier than the ocean).  Boats are rare as the salt is highly corrosive, which damages metal parts and engines quickly.  Fish and aquatic life are unable to survive in the water. It is 234 square miles, which is about the size of Lake Tahoe.  The surface area is about half the size it was in 1930.  It has a maximum depth of 978 feet. The road leading to the Dead Sea is peppered with stands selling blow up water floats and toys. 

• Jordan is slightly smaller than the state of Indiana and has a population of 11.5 million people.  Approximately 70% of the population is under 40 years of age (median age of 25). Jordan hosts one of the highest ratios of refugees per capita in the world.  Immigration is driven by regional instability, especially in Palestine, Iraq, and Syria. 
• The eastern desert (Badia) covers about 75% of the country and it is sparsely populated.  Mount Ramm is the highest point, located in the south by Wadi Rum, at 5,755 feet.  Wadi Rum is a surreal desert landscape of sandstone mountains and red sand, often called the “Valley of the Moon”.  Parts of the movies The Martian and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed here. The country also includes many mountains and valleys.  Parts of the country reminded us of Bryce Canyon, the narrows in Zions National Park, and a miniature Grand Canyon.
• Jordan’s annual weather is shaped by its semi-arid to arid climate, with dramatic contrasts between seasons and regions. Summer is hot and dry with high temperatures up to 104 degrees and little rainfall and low humidity.  Autumn has occasional dust storms from the Egyptian desert.  Evenings are mild and pleasant.  Winter is cool and wet with average temperatures from 46 – 59 degrees.  Most of the rainfall takes place during winter.  Snow is possible in high-altitude areas.  Spring is mild and green with wildflowers blooming in the highlands and occasional rain showers.  Temperatures range from 59 – 77 degrees.  We were in Jordan from August 24 – September 17, 2025, and the temperatures ranged from 65 – 103 degrees.  On average, the country gets over 300 sunny days per year, making it one of the sunniest places on Earth.
• One of the most persistent threats to Jordan is drought.  Jordan is one of the driest countries in the world (along with Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Libya). Flash floods occur during heavy rains.  Jordan lies near the Dead Sea Transform fault, making it seismically active.  Most quakes are mild, but the region is vulnerable to stronger events.
• Human habitation in Jordan dates to the Paleolithic period.  The Iron Age includes the home to the biblical kingdoms of Ammon, Moab, and Edom.  The Nabataean Civilization flourished in the south, with Petra as its capital – a marvel of rock-cut architecture and trade.  Hellenistic Influence was prominent after Alexander the Great when Jordan became part of various Greek successor states.  Then came the Roman Rule when the land was incorporated into the Roman Empire in 63 BCE and cities like Jerash and Petra thrived as trade hubs.  Christianity spread widely during the Byzantine Era and churches and mosaics from this period still exist. During the Arab Conquest, in the 7th century CE, Jordan became part of the Islamic Caliphates.  From the 16th century until World War I, Jordan was under Ottoman control.  The area became the Emirate of Transjordan under British mandate in 1921.  Jordan gained full independence in 1946, becoming the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.  Jordan played a key part in Middle Eastern politics, including the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, annexation of the West Bank, and later signing a peace treaty with Israel in 1994.
• Jordan is currently ruled by King Abdullah II.  It is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system, blending royal authority with democratic institutions.  It’s structured to maintain balance between three branches – executive, legislative, and judicial – while placing the King at the center of national leadership. Jordan has a reputation for relative stability in a turbulent region.  The Jordanian Constitution is the supreme law.  It defines the rights and duties of citizens, the limits of government power, and the relationship between branches.  Women hold 20% of parliament seats. 
• Legal voting age is 18.
• Jordan’s military, Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) is one of the most respected and strategically disciplined forces in the Middle East.  Despite Jordan’s modest size, it is known for its professionalism, regional influence, and peacekeeping contributions.  JAF has Army, Air Force, Naval Force, and highly trained special forces and intelligence units.  Everyone we talked with about “safety” indicated they felt safe in Jordan because their military protects them. 
• Jordan is generally considered one of the safest countries in the Middle East, with a relatively low crime rate compared to global standards
• Jordan’s police force is known for its professionalism, regional influence, and commitment to public safety.  Jordan was the first Arab country to introduce women into its police force in 1972.  There are police stops on roads.  We were stopped three times.  You show your rental car contract, the ID card and violation card that are in the rental car, along with your driver’s license and passport.  The officer asks where you are from and where you are going.  There are tourist police located in major tourist sites around the country.  We felt welcomed by all police officers and we felt safe everywhere.
• The capital is Amman, located in the northwestern part of the country.  It is the political, economic and cultural heart of Jordan.  It was built on seven hills and now spreads out over 19 hills.  It is 3,120 feet above sea level.  The buildings and terrain look a lot like Jerusalem.  The city has a Moroccan feel to us.  There are stairs, stairs, and more stairs to climb on the very steep hills around the city. 

• The 4 million people living in the Amman area are a diverse mix of Jordanians, Palestinians, Iraqis, and Syrians.  The downtown area is super busy, lots of traffic and horns, a bit chaotic, and noisier than the rest of the area.  There is slight pressure in downtown to visit shops and eat in restaurants.  Outside of downtown, drivers typically only beep to warn others of their presence.  There are lots of trees around the city. 
• The official language is Modern Standard Arabic, used in government, education, media, and formal communication. Most Jordanians speak Jordanian Arabic, a collection of regional dialects.  English is taught from early school years and widely used in business, higher education, and media.  The majority of the people we interacted with spoke excellent English.  Select schools teach French, German, and Turkish.  Like the locals, we would commonly say:  “Yalla!”– let’s go!; “Inshallah” – God willing; and “Shukran” – thank you.
• Jordan is a country where Islam is the dominant religion, but it’s also known for its religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among faiths.  About 97% of Jordanians are Muslim, nearly all of them Sunni.  Shiite Muslims exist in small numbers, many of whom are refugees from Iraq and Lebanon.  Islam plays a central role in public life, with Islamic education mandated in public schools (non-Muslims may opt out).  Christians make up around 3–6% of the population.  Jordan is home to one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, dating back to the 1st century AD.  Most Christians are Greek Orthodox, but there are also Catholics, Protestants, and Eastern Orthodox denominations.  Christians are well-integrated into society and politics, holding seats in Parliament and high-ranking government roles.  The Jordanian Constitution guarantees religious freedom, though conversion from Islam can be socially sensitive. 

• The minimum wage in Jordan is $409 US per month.  About 43% of Jordanian households earn between $400 – $700 per month, placing them in the lower-middle to middle-income bracket.  Housing affordability remains a challenge, with 88% of renters saying cost limits their ability to find suitable homes.  A furnished two-bedroom apartment in a decent neighborhood typically costs $400 – $700 US per month.  Electricity, water, and heating cost up to an additional $211 US per month.  Internet and mobile expenses cost up to $56 US per month. 
• A teacher in Jordan may earn up to $9,360 annually.  U.S. primary school teachers earn around $68,000 annually on average.  A nurse in Jordan may earn $7,000–$12,000 US annually in public hospitals and general clinics.  Entry-level nurses typically start around $69,050 US in the United States.The tourist police officer at one of the castles in the country shared with us that he makes $2,400 US annually.  He supports his wife, two children and parents.  He works on site for three days straight and then has four days off. 
• Foreigners can purchase property in Jordan.  There is an approval process, restrictions, and fees associated with the purchase.    
• Agriculture in Jordan is a vital but water-challenged sector that consumes nearly 50% of the country’s water resources.  Tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, and bell peppers are grown in the Jordan Valley.  Olives, citrus, grapes, peaches, and apricots are widely grown. Wheat and barley are cultivated, though yields are modest due to water scarcity.  Sheep, goats, and poultry are raised, often by Bedouin communities.  Greenhouse crops are becoming increasingly popular for water efficiency and export quality.  Most agricultural labor is done by migrant workers from Egypt, Syria, and Pakistan.
• The olive tree is the most common tree in Jordan, symbolizing peace and prosperity.
• Unlike many of its neighbors, Jordan doesn’t have its own oil, making it more reliant on tourism, mining, and services.
• Some of the favorite sports include football (soccer), basketball, swimming and diving, horse riding and camel racing. Jordan has officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — and it’s a historic moment as it is their first ever appearance. 
• Jordan celebrates a rich mix of national, religious, and cultural holidays:  New Year’s Day – January 1, Independence Day – May 25 (marks independence from British rule in 1946), King Abdullah II’s Accession Day – February 7, Labor Day – May 1; Islamic Holidays (dates vary each year based on the lunar calendar):  Eid al-Fitr – Celebrated at the end of Ramadan with feasting and family gatherings, Eid al-Adha – Commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son and marked by animal sacrifice and charity, Hijri New Year – Islamic New Year, Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday – Known as Mawlid al-Nabi, Day of Arafat – Observed during the Hajj pilgrimage; Christian Holidays:  Christmas Day – December 25 (celebrated by all denominations), Easter – Dates vary, celebrated according to the Orthodox calendar, Palm Sunday & Easter Monday. 
• School is compulsory and free from grades 1 – 10.  Grades 11 – 12 are free and not compulsory.  From Grade 5 onward, girls and boys attend separate schools, with girls usually taught by female teachers and boys by male teachers.  About 21% of students attend private schools (which are usually mixed gendered) and they cost between $1,000 – $25,000 US per student annually.
• Jordanian women are outpacing men in university attendance, especially in fields like education, health sciences, and humanities.
• Jordan’s healthcare system is considered one of the best in the Middle East, especially in terms of medical expertise, infrastructure, and access to care.  Jordan is a top destination for medical tourism in the Arab world due to its skilled professionals and competitive pricing.  About 55% of the population is covered by public health insurance, while others rely on private insurance or out-of-pocket payments.  Employers typically enroll workers in public insurance, which is activated within 15 days of employment.
• The life expectancy in Jordan is 78 years of age. 
• We didn’t see any homeless people anywhere in the country.  We learned that Jordan has one of the lowest rates of homelessness in the world, and in many cases, it’s considered virtually nonexistent.  Homelessness is rare due to Jordan’s culture emphasizing responsibility for extended family and community members.  Families often take in relatives who are struggling, and community shame around neglecting someone in need reinforces this safety net.  The Ministry of Social Development actively intervenes in rare cases of homelessness.  From 2000 to 2017, only 16 cases of homelessness were officially recorded and most were linked to mental health issues.  All those individuals were eventually placed in care or reunited with family.  While Jordan hosts millions of refugees, especially from Syria, many live in camps or host communities.  Though conditions can be harsh, they are not classified as “homeless” in the traditional sense. 
• Jordan’s national animal is the Arabian Oryx.  Remote areas have the nocturnal scavenger Striped Hyena.  The Arabian Wolf is endangered.  Wild Caracal and Sand Cats are adapted to desert life.  Multiple types of foxes.  Over 400 bird species migrate through or reside in Jordan.  There are lizards, geckos, snakes, toads and frogs.  There are seven venomous snakes and several venomous scorpions and highly toxic plants.  They also have mosquitoes.  We saw goats, donkeys, horses, camels, dogs, cats, sheep, and lizards.  It’s crazy that elephants, hippos, rhinos, lions, and cheetahs used to live here!

• Buildings are mainly beige, cream, white or sandstone colors. Jordan is rich in natural stones and limestone.  Light-colored buildings reflect sunlight, helping to keep interiors cooler in Jordan’s hot, dry climate.
• Alcohol is sold in liquor stores and available in some restaurants (more than in Morocco).  There are two breweries in Jordan – Carakale and Petra.  We tried beers from both and they were good.  While alcohol is legal and available to anyone over 18, including Muslims, the system subtly discourages consumption by Muslims without imposing hard restrictions.
• Gas was .85 per liter ($4.54 US per gallon) at every station in the country.  We learned that the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources sets gasoline, diesel, and kerosene fuel prices monthly.  Prices are adjusted based on global oil markets, but within a government-controlled framework.They pump the gas for you. 
• Main roads are blacktopped and well maintained.  Drivers tend to crowd, making multiple lanes out of single lanes and rarely use their blinkers. One of the biggest dangers driving in Jordan are the speed bumps that are rarely marked on roads with speed limits less than 50 mph.  Mike did a good job of seeing most of them, so the car didn’t go flying airborne or bottom out.
• Driver’s licenses can be obtained at 18 years of age.
• Rental companies often use stickers, license plate codes, or windshield tags to identify their fleet. This helps with insurance verification, roadside assistance, and tracking in case of accidents or traffic violations.  In areas with security checkpoints, marked rental cars help authorities quickly identify tourists.  It can actually make your journey smoother, as officers may be more lenient or helpful when they know you’re a visitor.  Locals, especially in rural areas, are incredibly hospitable. Seeing a marked rental car often prompts them to offer directions, help with flat tires, or even invite you for tea.
• There was an English radio station on the car radio, which played familiar music – including P!nk.
• Taxis are available in most larger cities.  Uber/Careem/InDrive are available in the Amman area.  Amman has a city bus system that currently serves outer districts.  There are intercity buses that connect major areas.  Local vans (you wait until they are full) that run between neighborhoods and towns – these are affordable and often crowded and unpredictable.  A railway that offers luxury excursions.  Airports are located in Amman, Aqaba, Ma’an, and near Wadi Rum. 
• We saw the following types of vehicles:  Mercedes, Volvo, BMW, Chevy, Ford, Kia, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Honda, Tesla, and a few Dongfeng Forthing (Chinese).   
• Some trucks that deliver gas cylinders for home use play whimsical music (like an ice cream truck), which acts as an audible alert so residents know to come out and buy or exchange their tanks.
• It is common for middle- and upper-class Jordanians to hire live-in helpers from other countries to help with cooking, cleaning, child care and elder care.  One family shared they pay $3,000 US per year for their “assistant”. 
• Dress varies greatly from traditional/conservative Arab to conventional western dress.  Some women wear the full abaya covering.  Some wear just a hijab (head covering).  In general, I did not see local women wearing shorts or skirts above the knees in public.  I only saw a few local women wearing tank tops.  Some men wore thobes (long loose-fitting robe, usually white) and/or ghutras (a square white or red checked scarf) on their heads secured by an agal (black cord around their head).  Few shorts are worn by local men, usually when doing sport activities. 
• The conversion rate while we were in Jordan was 1 Jordanian Dinar (JD) = $1.41 US.  Most places took Visa and Mastercard.  We did need to use cash about 25% of the time. 
• Most of the housing in towns seem to be apartment buildings and not individual homes.  The home we visited in Wadi Musa cost about $300,000 US when it was built two years ago.  It has four bedrooms and four bathrooms.  It has a large patio and a very nice and spacious Airbnb apartment downstairs (where we stayed). 
• Roof top and underground water storage tanks are the norm in Jordan, due to the country’s chronic water scarcity and intermittent supply system.  Most homes receive piped water once or twice a week depending on the schedule managed by the Water Authority of Jordan.  Homes receive enough water to cover one week’s supply between 264 and 528 gallons.  NOTE:  A typical U.S. family of four uses up to 8 times as much (about 2,300 gallons of water per week at home).  Water conservation is a daily reality, and shortages can affect daily life.
• There are very few bicycles or motorbikes.  Probably because there are extremely steep hills everywhere and narrow streets. 
• They work and go to school Sunday through Thursday.  Friday is the weekly day of worship in Islam.  Muslims gather for the Friday noon prayer, which includes a sermon and communal worship.  Many businesses and schools are closed or operate on reduced hours to accommodate religious practices.  Saturday is a day of rest and leisure, similar to Sunday in many Western countries. 
• Shishas (hookahs) are very popular. 
• It is dusty.  You can write your name on most cars.  We saw several dust devils in fields as we were driving across the country.  Some can reach up to 60 mph. 
• Most of the Jordanian flags we saw looked like they were made of satin.  They were shiny and bright.  We saw Jordanian flags everywhere across the country.  The white seven-pointed star on the flag is for the first seven verses of the Holy Qu’ran. 

• Some of the most famous tourist sites include: 

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Petra was carved into rose-red rock by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago. It features over 800 tombs and was famously featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. 

Jerash boasts some of the best-preserved Roman architecture outside Italy, including colonnaded streets and amphitheaters. 

Mount Nebo is believed to be the site where Moses saw the Promised Land, offering panoramic views of the Dead Sea and Jordan River.

Wadi Rum desert area.

• Bedouins (desert dwellers) refers to nomadic Arab tribes historically spread across the deserts of the Middle East and North Africa.  In Jordan, Bedouins have traditionally lived in the vast desert regions, especially east of the Desert Highway.  Their iconic black goat-hair tents, known as “houses of hair,” are a hallmark of their mobile lifestyle.  Bedouins are known for herding camels, goats, and sheep, moving with the seasons to find grazing land.  While some still live as nomads, many have adopted a semi-nomadic or settled lifestyle, blending tradition with modernity. Pickup trucks and plastic water containers are common modern additions.  Hospitality is a cornerstone of Bedouin culture. Guests are welcomed with coffee, tea, and stories—no traveler is turned away.  Their society is organized into clans and tribes, with strong loyalty and honor codes that maintain social order.  Traditional arts like storytelling, music, poetry, and crafts help preserve their heritage.  The Jordanian government supports Bedouin communicates with education, housing, and health services, recognizing them as the “backbone” of the Kingdom.  Bedouins also play a key role in tourism, offering desert tours, cultural experiences, and authentic hospitality to visitors.  
• Traditional foods include:  Mansaf – Jordan’s national dish…lamb cooked in a fermented yogurt sauce called jameed, served over rice and thin bread (shrak);  Makloubeh – “Upside-down” rice dish with layers of rice, meat (usually lamb or chicken), and vegetables like eggplant and cauliflower.  Many of their dishes are a blend of regional cuisine.  We didn’t get tired of the food.  Most of it seemed healthy and fresh.  We ate a lot of pita bread and various flavors of delicious hummus.  We loved the fresh squeezed pomegranate juice (along with other fresh juices like orange, mango, and lemon with mint). 
• We saw Jamba Juice, Krispie Kreme, Starbucks, IKEA, KFC, Popeyes, Subway, McDonalds, Hardee’s, Baskin Robbins, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Pizza Hut, and Cinnabon.
• Many restaurants bring you placemats and silverware after your order.  A couple of older traditional places would calculate our bill by looking at our dishes, after we were done eating, to see what we ate. 
• A movie ticket cost $11.20 per person, and a large popcorn cost $9.20.  People were chatting during the movie, looking at their phones and would go in and out of the theater frequently during the movie. 
• Taxis will give a short beep when they are near you to let you know they are there if you want a ride. 
• The mall in Amman had metal detectors at the entrances.    
• On main roads, people will wave metal pie pans (or other objects that reflect brightly in the sun) to get drivers’ attention to visit their shop or restaurant. 
• Many people were smoking while working.  Many restaurants allow smoking. 
• Some very small concrete houses in the countryside have open windows (no glass or coverings). 
• Children were interested in us.  They would say hello and ask us our name and where we were from.
• Evidence of the pandemic remains everywhere we go.  We see the footprint stickers or paint on the floor of buildings to help with social distancing. 
• I am finally realizing that the word “long” is not a word that people who do not speak English as their first language understand.  I use it frequently when asking questions….“how long have you lived here”, “how long have you been married”?  I try to catch myself and ask “when did you move here”, when did you get married”?
• We saw USAID logos on many tourist sites. According to co-pilot:  USAID funding in Jordan faced a temporary freeze starting in early 2025, following an executive order issued by President Donald Trump that suspended foreign aid allocations for 90 days. This directive aimed to review all new and extended programs to ensure alignment with the administration’s “America First” policy.  While some development aid remains frozen, Jordan continues to receive substantial U.S. support—estimated at $1.45 billion annually, making it one of the top recipients globally.
• Jordanians vacation in Aqaba (the Red Sea resort town, which is Jordan’s only true shoreline and just 16 miles long), where there is world-class diving among coral reefs.  The Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, Petra, Jerash and Dana Biosphere Reserve are other popular vacation areas.  International destinations include:  Turkey, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, France, Italy, and Germany. 
• We were invited to people’s homes for dinner twice.  Both times the meal was served immediately upon arrival.  Then additional conversation takes place afterwards over refreshments and coffee or tea, and maybe dessert. 
• Purchasing the Jordan Pass is definitely the way to go.  It’s a brilliant idea and easy process.  It covers your visa charges to visit the country and admission to many of the tourist attractions, including Petra.  We purchased the three-day Petra pass.  You have to use it on consecutive days.  On our third day, they told us we could come back for free the next day. 
• The tourist areas of Jerash and Petra have higher pressure shop and restaurant owners than other areas of the country. 
• Like everywhere in the world, the pandemic impacted tourism.  Jordan didn’t even have time to recover from COVID, when the war started in Isreal in 2023.  It was so sad to see the lack of tourists.  There is a robust tourism structure in Jordan.  Prior to COVID, Petra had up to 6,000 visitors per day.  The estimates while we were there were less than 1,300 per day.   When we drove by the Dead Sea area, we saw huge parking lots that were completely empty.  It is heartbreaking.  People are scared to come to Jordan due to the war and the middle east conflicts. It is safe in Jordan.  There are no issues in the country.  Many of the locals we talked with said they feel safe in Jordan.  However, other locals are very scared.  Jordanians can see missiles flying overhead.  One family shared with us when they saw the missiles flying overhead in June of 2025, their family gathered and said, “if we die, we will all die together”.   We saw a missile get intercepted overhead, when we were in Wadi Rum on September 9^th.  We couldn’t get specific details; however the locals indicated it was probably a missile from Yemen to Israel, and it was shot down by Israel.  It was very unsettling for us and gave us a true understanding of what the Jordanians experience living in the middle of conflict.  I was consumed with worry that the Jordanian airspace may close again (like it was in June of 2025).  Mike encouraged me to channel my inner Jordanian, since they deal with this often.  I expressed my worry that we may have to stay in Jordan for an undefined period.  His response was “would that be so bad”? No, of course not as Jordan is amazing.  Later, I learned that we could take a ferry from Aqaba to Egypt if the Jordan airspace was closed.
• We need to come back so we can visit our friends (Ayda, Hani, Eysa, Naya, Talia, Ola, Ahmed, Salma and Hashem in Amman; David and Wessan in Wadi Musa) and explore the Dana Biosphere Reserve.  Favorite memories: Our dinner at Ayda and Hani’s house which left a true imprint on our hearts (see my post:  Forever Imprints on Our Hearts in Amman, Jordan).  Learning more about Petra at David and Wessan’s house for dinner.  The stargazing evening with a campfire and Bedouin tea in Wadi Rum.  Walking down the Siq in Petra and seeing the Treasury between the high stone walls.  Hearing the call of prayer from multiple mosques, all at once, while exploring the Citadel in Amman. And Mike being able to add Jordan to his list of countries where he has played pickleball. 

Where we spent our time in Jordan