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 State and Government
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a constitutional monarchy, ruled
since 1952 by His Majesty King Hussein. With the passing of the
monarch in February of 1999, the King’s eldest son, His Majesty King
Abdullah, ascended the throne. In Jordan, executive power is vested in
the Council of Ministers which is appointed by the King, and which is
accountable to a two house parliament. The 40 members of the Upper
House are appointed by the King, while the 80 deputies of the Lower
House are elected by popular vote. Constitutional provisions define
the rights and duties of Jordanian citizens, while guaranteeing the
right of free worship, opinion, press, association and private
property.
Since 1989 all elements of the Jordanian political spectrum have
demonstrated commitment to increased democracy, liberalization and
consensus building. These reforms, which have been guided by the late
King Hussein, have placed Jordan on an irreversible path toward
democratization.
The result has been greater empowerment and involvement of everyday
citizens in Jordan’s civic life, contributing to increased stability
and institutionalization, which will benefit the county far into the
future.
The remarkably stable political and social climate that Jordan has
enjoyed for decades under the Hashemite Dynasty continues to thrive
under His Majesty King Abdullah’s leadership. The new King has
undertaken his father’s legacy of reform, committing his country to
the goals of privatization, economic liberalization, and
modernization of the law.
Geography & History
Strategically positioned at the convergence of Europe, Asia and
Africa, Jordan’s 89,342 square kilometers present a diversity of
landscapes. From the hills and mountains of the geographic center of
Jordan, the Badia Plains extend in an eastward direction into Saudi
Arabia. The Jordan River, flowing through the fertile Rift Valley,
forms Jordan’s western boundary and terminates in the Dead Sea. This
body of water lies at the lowest point on earth, 400 meters below sea
level. To the south, the Port of Aqaba provides Jordan with a gateway
to the Red Sea
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Climate
Jordan’s climate is arid, and moderate in temperature. Winter
temperatures in Amman average around 7 – 10 ° C in January, with
July temperatures reaching 23 - 27° C. Average annual rainfall
varies from less than 50 mm to over 600 mm in certain parts of the
country. Amman, at over 950 meters elevation, is known for its cool,
dry nights even in full summer.
Population
Jordan’s population of 4.8 million is 92% Jordanian and 8%
non-Jordanian. Gender distribution is fairly even at 52% male, 48%
female. The country is young, with 40% of the population under the
age of 15, and only 3% over the age of 65.
Islam is the predominant religion. 92% of the people are Sunni
Muslims. 6% are Christian, while the remainder are Shia Muslims,
Sunni Circassians, Chechens, Druze, and Bahai. The Muslim New Year
and other Islamic holy days are public holidays.
Language
Arabic is the official language, but English is spoken widely,
especially in business.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JD), and the rate of
exchange is 1 JD = 1.42 US $.
Time
Time is GMT + 2 (in winter, +3 in summer), or 7 hours ahead of US
Eastern Standard Time. Summer time is observed from April through
September.
Working Days & Hours
Most private businesses observe Friday as the weekly holiday, while
banks and government offices close on Fridays and Saturdays. Jordanian
labor law limits most workers to 48 hours per week, the exception
being hotel, restaurant and cinema workers with 54 hours. Annual paid
leave is 14 days, 21 for workers over five years with the same
employer.
Working Permits & Visas
Visas are required for entry into Jordan. Fees and length of stay vary
according to the visitor’s nationality. Visas can be obtained from
either a Jordanian diplomatic mission, or for some nationalities, at
point of entry.
Work permits are required from the Ministry of Labor, and are issued
for a period of one year.
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