Jordan

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Mesha Stele (511142469) (cropped)

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The Madaba Map, part of a floor mosaic in the early Byzantine church of Saint George depicting the Holy Land in the 6th century AD, Madaba, Jordan (34477807231)

Jordan (Arabic: الأردن‎), officially known as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (المملكة الأردنية الهاشمية), is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and the east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north, and Israel and Palestine to the west. The Dead Sea lies along its western borders, and the country has a small shoreline on the Red Sea in its extreme southwest, but is otherwise landlocked. Jordan is strategically located at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe. The capital, Amman, is Jordan's most populous city as well as the country's economic, political, and cultural center.

History

Jordan's history dates back to the Paleolithic period. The country has been inhabited by various civilizations, including the ancient Canaanites and later the Israelites, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Arabs. The Arab Islamic conquest in the 7th century AD established Arab Muslim dominance over the region, which became part of several Islamic empires, including the Umayyad, Abbasid, and Ottoman empires. In the early 20th century, the Ottoman Empire's disintegration led to the establishment of the modern state of Jordan under the leadership of the Hashemite family, who claim descent from the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

Geography

Jordan is characterized by a diverse geography that includes the Jordan Rift Valley, highlands, and the Arabian Desert. The country's only port is at its narrow Red Sea coastline at Aqaba. The majority of Jordan is desert, with a climate that ranges from Mediterranean in the west to desert in the east and south. The highest point is Jabal Umm al Dami, at 1,854 m (6,083 ft) above sea level, and the lowest is the Dead Sea −430 m (−1,410 ft), the lowest point on the surface of the earth.

Government and Politics

Jordan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The monarch is the head of state, the chief executive, and the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The government is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The executive branch is headed by the king and the prime minister. The legislative branch consists of a bicameral parliament, including the House of Representatives and the Senate. The judicial branch is independent and includes the Supreme Court. Jordan has a mixed economy with both private and public sectors. It is considered an upper-middle-income country.

Economy

The Jordanian economy is diverse, with sectors such as finance, tourism, and information technology playing significant roles. The country has a high human development index and is among the highest in the Arab world. However, it faces several challenges, including water scarcity, reliance on foreign aid, and a large influx of refugees from neighboring countries. Jordan's main natural resources are phosphate and potash, among the largest in the world. The country is also making strides in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind energy.

Culture

Jordanian culture is a rich blend of traditional Arab and Islamic elements with influences from the many civilizations that have inhabited the land. The country is known for its historic and cultural sites, including Petra, an ancient Nabatean city carved into the red rock, and the Roman ruins of Jerash. Jordanian cuisine is similar to that of other Levantine countries, featuring dishes such as mansaf, the national dish of lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt and served with rice or bulgur.

Demographics

The population of Jordan is predominantly Arab, with a significant number of Palestinian refugees. Other ethnic groups include Circassians and Chechens. Islam is the state religion, with the majority of Jordanians being Sunni Muslims. There is also a Christian minority.

Education

Jordan has a high literacy rate and places a strong emphasis on education, with numerous universities and colleges across the country. The University of Jordan, located in Amman, is the oldest and most prestigious university in the country.

Tourism

Tourism is one of Jordan's most important economic sectors. The country offers a wide range of attractions, from ancient archaeological sites like Petra and Jerash to natural wonders like the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum. Jordan is also known for its health and wellness tourism, particularly treatments and therapies using the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea.