Jordan Jordan Breneisen

The land Jordan is located in the Middle East, south of Syria, east of Israel, and northwest of Saudi Arabia. Jordan has desert plateaus in the east, and highlands in the west. The Great Rift Valley runs through the country, separating the east and west banks of the Jordan River.

The Land (cont) Jordan’s natural resources include phosphate, potash, oil, and shale. Jordan has 26 km of coastline along the Dead Sea, and has no significant inland bodies of water other than the Jordan River.

Animals Jordan is home to migratory waterfowl, flamingos, houbara bustards, pin-tailed sand grouse, wolfs, red fox, wild cat, goitered gazelles, cape hares, wild boars, badgers, crested porcupine, vipers, lizards, and geckos. Note: Information provided above may entail a broader region than the region stated.

Population Population is approximately 6,269,285. (July 2009 est.) 36% are 0-14 years old. 59.4% are years old. 4.6% are 64 and over. Average life expectancy is years. Literacy rate is 89.9%. Jordan’s official language is Arabic, but English is widely understood among the upper and middle class.

Events The death in February 1999 of King Hussein, who ruled for 46 years, left Jordan still struggling for economic and social survival, as well as regional peace. Jordan's reputation as one of the region's safest countries was dealt a blow in late 2005 when dozens of people were killed in suicide bomb attacks on hotels in the capital. Iraq-based Islamic militants claimed responsibility. The king said Jordan had been targeted because of its location and its stances.

Economy 89.9% literacy. Major exports are phosphates, fertilizers, and agricultural products. Jordan has no oil of its own and depends largely on tourism and services. Jordan is proud to have one of the best health services in the region. The monetary unit is the Jordan dinar, which is worth 1,000 fils.

Culture The major religion of Jordan is Islam. Jordanian media tends to be under tight government control, with all the television stations, several radio stations, and the only news agency run by the state. Also, “Radio Fann” is a radio station run by the armed forces. There are several private radio stations, and all press is privately owned. Reporters Without Borders, however, says that authorities "use interference and hidden pressure to control the press".

Places to Visit Amman, the capital of Jordan, is located in the northern bit of Jordan, towards the West Bank. Jordan also has some Dead Sea coastline, and the Jordan River, as well as some interesting geographical features, such as the western highlands and the Great Rift Valley.

Citations Wagner, David. jordanfl.jpg.. Pics4Learning. 17 Mar 2010 Wagner, David. jordan.jpg.. Pics4Learning. 17 Mar factbook/geos/jo.html World Wildlife Fund, Middle East steppe (PA0812). Terrestrial Ecoregions : NatGeo. pa/pa0812.html ( ) factbook/geos/jo.html tm