Jordan
POPULATION
The population of Jordan has grown rapidly over the last fifty years or so to 6,113,000 million people.
Around 82.6% of the population live in urban areas, with 2,367,000 million living in the capital, Amman.
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).
LANGUAGE
The official language of Jordan is Arabic, but English is widely spoken, especially in the cities.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
The cost of one entry visa for all nationalities is 20 JD (around $30) obtained upon arrival at the airport; for multiple entries for all nationalities it is 60 JD (around $85) and can be obtained at the nearest embassy/consulate.
Arrivals at Aqaba, either through the port, the airport or at the crossing from Israel or Saudi Arabia, are granted a free visa to Jordan. There is no obligation associated with this visa, provided that they leave the country from the same border and within 1 month of arrival, and that they do not need to renew their visa.
Exit service fee applies for land and sea border points. 8.00 JD per passenger and 5.00 JD per vehicle.
No visas are required in advance for North American travellers. Visas can be obtained upon landing in country. Note: Airport Assistance and Visa processing are included in the cost of any Travelous tour to Jordan. Tourist Visas are free of charge when booked through a tour operator. Travelers must submit a scanned copy of their passport prior to travel.
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).
For Example: 1.00 JOD is 1.4 USD (approximately)
ELECTRICAL CURRENT
220 AC volts, 50 cycles, requiring rounded two-prong wall plugs. Visitors from the US will need a transformer, which most hotels can provide.
JORDAN WEATHER
http://www.weather.com/weather/today/Amman+Jordan+JOXX0002?lswe=amman&from=searchbox
ALCOHOL
Alcohol is widely available at bars and hotels across Jordan. During Ramadan, drinks are only available to visitors (non-muslims) in their hotels. Alcohol can also be bought from supermarkets.
WATER
Water is a precious resource in Jordan and visitors are encouraged not to waste it. Hotels rated 3 stars and up have their own water filtering systems and their water is considered safe to drink. Elsewhere, bottled water is inexpensive and readily available. Note: While water is safe for ice cubes in your drinks and brushing your teeth at the hotels, it is recommended that bottled water be drank at all times.
ATTIRE
Jordan is a primarily Muslim country, although the freedoms of all religions are protected. Muslim women’s clothing often covers their arms, legs and hair. Western women are not subject to these customs, but very revealing clothing is never appropriate and conservative dress is advisable for both men and women in the old part of Amman (downtown) and outside the cities. Shorts are rarely worn by either sex, and would be out of place in the downtown Amman area. Topless sunbathing is prohibited and one-piece swimsuits are preferred, although two-piece swimsuits are acceptable at hotel pools or on a private beach.
VALUES & TRADITION
Jordan can be regarded for a typically Arab country for its people are very warm, friendly and hospitable. Jordanians are typically happy to forgive foreigners who break the rules of etiquette. However, visitors seen to be making an effort to observe local customs will undoubtedly win favour.
Joining local people for a cup of tea or coffee can be a wonderful way to learn more about local culture. If you are invited yet are unable to attend, then it is perfectly acceptable to decline. Place your right hand over your heart and politely make your excuses.
Many families, particularly in rural areas, are very traditional and, if you visit their house, you may well find it is divided between the men and women. Foreign women are often treated as "honorary" men.
Local women in Jordan enjoy considerable freedom when compared with many other countries in the region. Women are entitled to a full education, they can vote, drive cars, and often play significant roles in business and politics. Arranged marriages and dowries are still common.
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
Public displays of affection are rare; however, it is not considered unusual for friends to hold hands, regardless of their gender.
RELIGION
Jordan is an ideal destination for those seeking cultural knowledge and spiritual enrichment. Jordan values its ethnically and religiously diverse population, consequently providing for the cultural rights of all its citizens. This spirit of tolerance and appreciation is one of the central elements contributing to the stable and peaceful cultural climate flourishing in Jordan. More than 92% of Jordanians are Sunni Muslims and approximately 6% are Christians. The majority of Christians belong to the Greek Orthodox Church, but there are also Greek Catholics, a small Roman Catholic community, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and a few Protestant denominations. Several small Shi'a and Druze populations can also be found in Jordan.
Information courtesy of Jordan Tourism Board.
Learn more... www.visitjordan.com