Area 
92.700 Sq.Km

Population 
4.500.000 (official estimate 1997)

Capital 
Amman (with an estimated population of 1.650.000 inhabitants.)

Government 
Jordan is a constitutional monarchy. His Majesty King Hussein Ibn Talal ascended the Throne in 1953. His younger brother, prince Hassan, was appointed Crown prince in 1965. Legislative power is vested in the National Assembly and the King.

Language 
Arabic, English is widely spoken and French is the most common third language.

Religion 
About 90% are Muslim and 10% Christian.

Time 
GMT + 2 in winter and GMT + 3 in summer.

Geography 
Jordan has dry, warm to hot summers and wet, cool to cold winters according to the region. The highlands generally have strong cool breezes on summer nights, and the valley, usually, enjoys pleasant, moderately cool winters. There is a sub-tropical climate in the Jordan valley and Aqaba. Temperatures in the Jordan Valley average about 10 degrees higher than the highlands throughout the year.

Average temperatures 
Amman and the Highlands: November to April: 10° to 20° C; May to October: 20° to 34°C. The Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea: November to April: 17 to 30ºC; May to October: 25 to 40ºC.

Airlines
National Carrier: Royal Jordanian Airlines The most European airlines have regular flights: Air France, Lufthansa, Alitalia, KLM

Airports- International traffic 
International Airport of Amman; International Airport of Aqaba

Visa formalities 
All non-Arab visitors require a visa to enter Jordan. It can be obtained at the Jordanian Embassies or Consulates, but also upon arrival. For groups of min. 8 persons, a collective Visa can be obtained.

Customs 
Visitors are allowed 200 cigarettes or 200 gr. tobacco and one liter of wine or spirits. Further, all articles classified as travel equipment are exempt from customs.

Currency 
The Jordanian Dinar is divided in 1000 Fils. Bank notes of: JD 20, JD 10, JD 5, JD 1, and JD0.5. For smaller denominations, coins are used. There is no currency restriction in Jordan.

Banking Hours 
Banks are open from 9.30 AM till 1.30 PM, every morning except on Fridays. Most banks reopen in the afternoon, but it is advisable to check with the individual branch

Credit Cards 
Credit cards are accepted at the leading hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and in various shops. Carrying some cash in small denominations might be useful when travelling to smaller sites where change may not be available.

Current 
220 volts- AC. 50 HZ - European Style 2-pin plugs.

Clothing 
In summer a hat and light cotton clothing and for those travelling to the Highlands, a woolen jacket is always advisable even in summer, for cooler nights. In winter, do not forget an umbrella or raincoat next to the usual winter wardrobe! Sunglasses and a good pair of walking shoes are no luxury items when travelling in Jordan.

Health 
No special requirements are requested for travelling in Jordan.

Drinking water 
Water in urban areas is potable, but it remains advisable to use bottled water -certainly -when visiting out-of-the-way sites.

Departure Tax 
Depends on the duration of your stay in Jordan and in case applicable 10 JD per person will be charged.

Shopping 
Genuine old jewelry, hand-stitched fabrics, sand paintings and hand blown glass are the most famous items looked for by foreign visitors. Prices are usually fixed and bargaining can only be done in the local bazaars.