Looking for interesting facts about Jordan the country? Then you are in the right place. This post will give you some information you may already know, but probably a lot more Jordan facts that you do not know!
Jordan is a Young Country with a Long History
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a young country, but the land that is now Jordan has been occupied since the Palaeolithic period. The recorded history goes back to 12000 BC. Ruled by King Abdullah II, Jordan has only been in existence since 1946 and at its inception, it was known as the Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan. It was renamed the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 1948 after the Arab-Israeli War of 1948. Jordan is a constitutional monarchy, where King Abdullah II holds significant power, but has limits prescribed in law.
Jordan is part of the Holy Land
The Holy Land is not just the land that makes up Israel and the Palestinian territories, it also includes the land that is now called Jordan. While most Biblical tours focus heavily on Israel and Palestine, the best ones includes important sites in Jordan as well.
Two of these important sites are the Madaba Map and Mount Nebo.
WANT TO VISIT MADABA AND MOUNT NEBO ON A DAY TOUR? Check out this tour from Amman
Jordan is Home to the Lowest Point on Earth, The Dead Sea
Jordan is famous for being the country where one can float at the Dead Sea! The Dead Sea lies at the lowest point on Earth, 400 meters below sea level. It is so far away from the sun that harmful UV rays do not reach it. Although it is hotter than higher elevations in the area, those enjoying the sun are protected from its harmful, cancer-causing rays.
Its position at the lowest point on Earth offers more than a salty dip. The air has a higher oxygen concentration in this area and its mineral-rich properties bring people from all over the world who are suffering from various types of skin diseases and rheumatism. While few visit the Dead Sea for sunbathing, it is a bucket list experience and one of the most popular beach activities in Jordan
READ MORE: Dead Sea Tips for Visitors, How to Get from Amman to the Dead Sea
WANT TO BOOK A TOUR TO THE DEAD SEA? Check out a popular tour here.
Jordan’s Population is mostly First and Second-generation Refugees from Palestine
Most of Jordan’s population were refugees who came to Jordan in 1948 and 1967. But towns and villages existed before Transjordan and the bedouin tribes have always inhabited the land. Before 1948 there was a lot of East-West trade between the Palestinians and the towns and villages in Transjordan. When the Palestinans fled the Israelis, naturally they went West, to communities they already had trade ties with.
Jordan is Home to Petra One of the Wonders of the World
Undoubtedly, the most popular thing to do in Jordan is to visit Petra, the Red Rose city of the Nabatean Kingdom.
Petra, the rock-cut capital of the Nabataens, is what seduces almost a million visitors to the kingdom each year. Lost for hundreds of years, this World Wonder is well worth its title. From its secret entrance down a narrow Siq, to the stunning Treasury views, every visitor leaves awe inspired.
While some visitors only have half a day, it is well worth having two or three days to explore the hiking trails, take pictures from all angles and absorb the enormity of what was build by the Nabataens, almost 2000 years ago!
The best time to visit Petra is in the late spring and fall.
READ MORE: Where to Eat in Petra, Where to Stay Near Petra
WANT TO BOOK A TOUR TO PETRA: Check out a popular tour here
Jordan is a Modern Country
Despite photos of stunning landscapes and camels, Jordan is a modern country full of cell phone shops, five star hotels, multi story shopping malls and new cars! Want a fun fact about Jordan? It is one of the few places that you see Samsung stores everywhere instead of Apple stores!
You will likely find many differences between Jordan and your home country, but they do not lack any modern comforts.
If you plan on visiting Jordan with kids, you are in for a treat. Kids are treated very well by locals, well all visitors to Jordan are in fact. But read my guide to Amman with kids so you know what to expect.
