Jordan

Jordan is a country located in the Middle East that is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful natural landscapes. It is a popular tourist destination for its ancient historical sites, such as the city of Petra, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the ruins of Jerash, which are some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world. Jordan is also home to many natural attractions, including the Dead Sea, which is the lowest point on earth and is known for its therapeutic properties, and the Wadi Rum desert, which is popular for its sandstone cliffs and red sand dunes.

Main Destinations

Umm Qais, Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jerash, Amman, Madaba, The Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum.

The Location

Jordan, an Arab nation on the east bank of the Jordan River, is defined by ancient monuments, nature reserves, and seaside resorts. It’s home to the famed archaeological site of Petra, the Nabatean capital dating to around 300 B.C. Set in a narrow valley with tombs, temples, and monuments carved into the surrounding pink sandstone cliffs, Petra earns its nickname, the "Rose City."

Main Airport

Queen Alia International Airport is an international airport located in Zisya, 30 kilometers south of Amman, Jordan's capital city, as well as the largest city in the nation. The largest airport in the country, it is named after Queen Alia, who died in a helicopter crash in 1977.

Capital City

Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a modern city with numerous ancient ruins. Atop Jabal al-Qaeda’s hill, the historic Citadel includes the pillars of the Roman Temple of Hercules and the 8th-century Umayyad Palace complex, known for its grand dome. Built into a different downtown hillside, the Roman Theater is a 6,000-capacity, 2nd-century stone amphitheater offering occasional events.

Language Spoken

Arabic is a Semitic language spoken primarily across the Arab world. Having emerged in the 1st century, it is named after the Arab people; the term "Arab" was initially used to describe those living in the Arabian Peninsula, as perceived by geographers from ancient Greece.

Currency

The Jordanian dinar has been the currency of Jordan since 1950. The dinar is divided into 10 dirhams, 100 qirsh, or 1000 fouls. It is pegged to the US dollar. The Central Bank of Jordan commenced operations in 1964 and became the sole issuer of Jordanian currency, in place of the Jordan Currency Board.

Emergency Calls

911 is Jordan's centralized emergency line. Call this number should you need immediate police or medical assistance.

Peak Season

The best time to visit Jordan is between March and May, when the weather is perfect, even if you want to travel to the desert. This is the peak season in the country. September to February is also a good time to travel in Jordan, for the weather is fairly good, except for the biting cold nights in the desert areas.

Low season

Jordan's low season occurs during the summer months of June through August. Unless you enjoy sweating in the sweltering summer heat, you should avoid being tempted by ultra-low travel deals to Jordan during these months – the savings just aren't worth temperatures that can climb to 40 degrees Celsius or higher.

Temperature

Winter temperatures in the southern and northern highlands range between 9-13°C, while the desert regions range from 19-22°C. In the Jordanian Valley, summer temperatures range between 38-39°C, while in the desert regions, they vary between 26-29°C.