Location: Middle East, northwest of Saudi Arabia.
Area:
Total: 92,300 sq km
Land: 91,971 sq km
Water: 329 sq km
Land boundaries:
Total: 1,619 km.
Border countries: Iraq 181 km, Israel 238 km, Saudi Arabia 728 km, Syria 375 km, West Bank 97 km.
Coastline: 26 km.
Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 3 NM.
Climate: Mostly arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April).
Terrain: Mostly desert plateau in east, highland area in west; Great Rift Valley separates East and West Banks of the Jordan River.
Elevation extremes:
Lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m.
Highest point: Jabal Ram 1,734 m.
Natural resources: Phosphates, potash, shale oil.


Jordan is a country of culture, beauty and amazing contrasts.
It’s an old land but a modern kingdom which offers to its visitor a fascinating diversity, security and a traditional hospitality.

Amman:
Begin your stay in the capital, Amman, known in history as Rabbath -Ammon and in Graeco Roman times as Philadelphia. Amman is a convenient base for your tours. Your hosts, the Jordanians, are wonderfully gracious and welcoming. Business and Arts are thriving, and there are first rate hotels, restaurants, galleries and shops. Add to this energetic mix the mystique of old Amman, and all your expectations will be surpassed.

Amman consists of an old and more traditional part called “city centre” or “downtown”, and a modern vibrant style “west Amman”.
High above the city, at the ancient citadel are the traces of Amman’s many lives: the regal columns of a roman temple in silhouette against the sky, the elegant capitals of a Byzantine church, endlessly inventive carvings in the Umayyad Palace, fascinating displays in the Archeological Museum… and digs and ruins everywhere you step. At the foot of the citadel, take a seat in the roman theatre, a deep-sided bowl carved into the hill and still used for cultural events.

For a glimpse of recent history, take a ride on the Hijaz Railway. This famous train was sabotages by the Arab troops of Emir Faisal and Lawrence of Arabia to defeat the Ottomans. While the days of Lawrence are long gone, the railway retains its sentimental appeal.

In a quieter vein, wander through Abu Bakr al Siddiq Street (Rainbow Street), with its lovely villas from the 1920s and 1930s. Stroll through shops and souks and find unique treasures to take home. Take in the music that is at the heart of Jordanian culture. Pause in the coffee houses for a game of backgammon, or savor the sweets and mezzeh (appetizers) of traditional Jordanian cuisine.
Above all, enjoy the friendship of the Jordanian people and the heritage and beauty of their land.

The Dead Sea:
The Dead Sea has an historical and spiritual legacy of its own. It is believed to be the site of five biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim and Zoar (Bela). Today its eastern shore is sparsely populated and serenely quiet. With much of the landscape virtually unchanged since ancient times, this is a favorite spot for a holiday drive. Spend the day sunbathing, swimming, or dining. Relax in the gently lapping waters- you cannot sink! Treat yourself top a soothing massage, or try the well known healing powers of minerals from the sea’s muddy floor. If you would like a more leisurely stay, spend the night at a comfortable hotel that looks across the sea to the western banks and up the Moab hills directly behind.

Petra:
Jordan abounds in archeological riches, from Neolithic to the Desert Castles of Umayyad princes. Among these national treasures is the rose red city of Petra, now a UNESCO world heritage site. Petra is the legacy of the Nabataens, an industrious Arab people who settled in south Jordan more than 2000 years ago. Petra became widely admired for its refined culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels. Much of Petra’s appeal comes from its spectacular setting deep inside a narrow desert gorge. From the main entrance, you walk into the chasm, or siq, that ripped through the rock in a prehistoric quake.

Aqaba:
Greatly prized as Jordan’s window to the sea, Aqaba brings a refreshing release from the rose colored desert to the north. Its sandy beaches and coral reefs are the most pristine on the Red Sea, and Jordanians hope to preserve them through careful planning. With several first rate hotels, restaurants and shops, Aqaba caters to a tourist crowd that is tranquil and relaxed, seeking its pleasures more by day than by night.
Indigo colored deep water lies just off shore in Aqaba, bringing kaleidoscopic marine life within reach. Exploring means a leisurely drive to a private spot and a short swim out to the reef. Unusual vertical currents and sea breezes make diving cool and pleasant, even in the heat of the summer.
Aqaba’s reef is healthy and thriving, adorned with untold variety in its coral and fish.
Aqaba boasts some of the world’s best scuba diving by day or night, and a Royal Diving Club. Many other places will organize water sports for you. There is snorkeling, fishing and sailing to pass the time, or glass bottomed boats for those who prefer their marine life at arm’s length.

Jarash:
Second only to Petra in tourist appeal, the ancient city of Jarash is remarkable for its long chain of human occupation. Here at a well watered site in the hills of Gilead, remains from Neolithic times have been found, as well as Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Umayyad and others. Jarash’s golden age, however arrived with Roman rule. Today it is acknowledged as one of the best preserved province cities of the Roman Empire. Jarash was a member of the Decapolis, a dynamic commercial league of ten Graeco Roman cities.