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Geographical Information
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a relatively small country situated at the crossroads
of the Middle East. Comprising some 92,300 square kilometers (57,354 squares miles),
it is bordered on the north by Syria at the east by Iraq, and by Saudi Arabia on
the East and South. Also, to the south one finds the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea,
while Israel and Palestine lie to the west. Jordans diverse terrain and landscape
belay its actual size, demonstrating a variety usually found only in large countries.
Population
The population of Jordan has grown rapidly over the last fifty years or so to 6,081,541
million people. Around 70% of the population lives in urban areas, with 2,315,600
million living in the capital, Amman.
Language
The official language of Jordan is Arabic, but English is widely spoken especially
in the cities. Many Jordanians have traveled, or have been educated abroad, so French,
German, Italian and Spanish are also spoken, but to a lesser extent. Speaking Arabic
is easier than you might think; attempting a few basic words will gain you respect
from the locals and is a good way to break the ice. The Jordanian people are extremely
understanding and will help you whenever they are able.
Local Time
October – March: Greenwich Mean Time plus 2 hours (G.M.T. + 2).
April – September: Greenwich Mean Time plus 3 hours (G.M.T. + 3).
Jordan is seven hours ahead of US Eastern Time.
Weather
Jordan is blessed with a Mediterranean climate for pleasurable year-round travel.
Amman is sunny and cloudless from May to October, with average temperatures around
23C (73F). Springtime brings optimal weather, lush with greenery, and autumn equally
mild and pleasant. July and August are hot and dry but not oppressive. Because of
the capital citys elevation, evenings are cool. Aqaba and the Jordan Valley are
ideal winter resorts, with temperature averaging 16-22C (61-72F) between November
and April. There is very little rain in the Aqaba area and in the desert.
Business Hours
Friday is the weekly holiday. Banks, government offices and most businesses are
closed on Saturdays as well. Many businesses, including airline offices, travel
agencies and some shops also close on Thursday afternoon, although department stores
and supermarkets remain open. A few businesses and shops close for some of Sunday
as well.
Currency
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar, symbol JD, also pronounced as “jaydee.”
There are 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 JD notes. The dinar is divided into 100 piasters (pronounced
“pee-asters”) of 1000 fils (“fills”). The fils is the unit most commonly used and
you will usually see prices written as 4,750 (which is 4 JD and 750 fils).
Currency can be exchanged at major banks, exchange booths and at most hotels. Street
money-changers are best avoided. Exchange rates are set daily by the Jordanian Central
Bank.
Credit Card
Credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants and larger shops, including American
Express, Visa, Diners Club, and MasterCard. Please note that many smaller shops
still prefer cash payment in the Jordanian currency, and it’s essential for shopping
in the local souks.
Shopping
Wherever you go in Jordan you will find plenty of opportunities to shop. For visitors
there is a wide range of locally made handicrafts and other goods available at all
the popular sites, as well as within the boutiques of the leading hotels and at
the various visitors' centers. There you will find hand-woven rugs and cushions,
beautifully embroidered items and clothing, traditional pottery, glassware, silver
jewelry embedded with semi-precious stones, Bedouin knives, coffee pots, narghiles
(hubble bubble), marquetry work, antiques and other artcracts. The list is endless
and about as varied as you can imagine. In all cases, the shopkeepers are helpful
and friendly. Most speak at least a little English but even if they don’t, there
is usually someone around who will only be very willing to assist you. After all,
this is Jordan!
Electricity
220 AC volts, 50 cycles, requiring rounded two-prong wall plugs. Visitors from the
US will need a transformer, which most hotels can provide.
Communications
Telephone services within Jordan are efficient and reliable. Directories in Arabic
and English are widely available and international calls can be made from public
and private phones. Fax services are available at most hotels while telegrams can
be sent from post offices. Internet access is widespread via Internet cafes and
hotels.
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