About Jordan
Overview
Jordan, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, borders Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, West Bank and Israel. Over half is desert, the west is fertile.
Climate
Semi-dry summers with 35°C, cold winters around 13°C. Western regions get more rainfall, snowfall occurs in Amman and highlands.
Language
Official language is Arabic. English widely spoken. French, Armenian, Circassian, and Chechen are also present in some communities.
Culture
Culturally diverse with Arab roots. Music, cinema and arts influenced by Arab countries and the West, yet local traditions are strong.
Values & Tradition
Warm, friendly, hospitable people. Respect customs, enjoy coffee or tea with locals, women have full education and freedom.
Globalization
Highly globalized with ICT growth, high investments, outsourcing potential, and strong education and tech infrastructure.
Things to Know About Jordan
What to Wear?
Jordanian men and women are conservative. Men wear long trousers and sleeves, women wear loose-fitting clothes covering shoulders, chest, legs, and stomach. Respect local culture at religious sites.
Working Hours
The working week is Sunday to Thursday. Shops open until 10pm. Government offices, banks, and museums usually operate 8am-2pm. Tourists should check opening hours of attractions.
Coffee Culture
Experience Jordanian coffee culture: Turkish Coffee and Arabic Kahwa are served traditionally. Try the different sweetness levels and enjoy local fortune-reading traditions.
Shopping Districts
Amman offers traditional souks in Downtown and Jabal Amman, modern malls like City Mall, Mecca Mall, Taj Mall, and creative markets like Souq Jara.
Ramadan
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Working hours are reduced, many restaurants close. Eating in public is frowned upon during fasting hours.
Currency
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). US dollars are widely accepted. Currency exchange is available at airports, hotels, banks, or exchange offices.
Transport
In Amman, taxis are safe and convenient. Renting a car is easy but traffic can be chaotic. Private buses are great for guided trips around the country.
Language and Communication
English is widely spoken. Learn a few Arabic phrases to impress locals: Hello: Marhaba, How are you: Keef al Hal, Please: Lutfan, Thank you: Shukran.