Jordan Travel Guide
Did you know?
The population of Jordan is around 10.20 mil., which puts the country in 101. place in terms of population (out of 231 countries and dependent territories).
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Amman (JO) and Washington D.C. (US) is 5921 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Amman click here
Country Comparison
Compare Jordan to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Jordan
| Miles | Amman | Petra | Aqaba | Jerash | Irbid | Wadi Rum | Madaba | Wadi Musa |
| Amman | - | 116 | 176 | 22 | 41 | 170 | 18 | 116 |
| Petra | 116 | - | 61 | 137 | 155 | 54 | 98 | 1 |
| Aqaba | 176 | 61 | - | 197 | 214 | 24 | 158 | 62 |
| Jerash | 22 | 137 | 197 | - | 18 | 191 | 39 | 137 |
| Irbid | 41 | 155 | 214 | 18 | - | 209 | 57 | 155 |
| Wadi Rum | 170 | 54 | 24 | 191 | 209 | - | 152 | 54 |
| Madaba | 18 | 98 | 158 | 39 | 57 | 152 | - | 98 |
| Wadi Musa | 116 | 1 | 62 | 137 | 155 | 54 | 98 | - |
A Brief History of Jordan
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
2000 - 1550 B.C.
KingdomsSeveral kingdoms control the area. Later, the Arabic-speaking Nabataeans create a kingdom in the southeast.
63 B.C.
Roman provinceRome, led by Pompey, conquers the region. In 106 A.D., it becomes part of the Roman province of Arabia.
636 A.D.
Muslim ruleKhalid ibnal-Walid brings the region under Muslim rule.
1500s
Turkish ruleThe region comes under Ottoman Turkish rule.
1921
TransjordanAfter World War I, Brittain gains control of the territory that becomes known as Transjordan. In 1923, Britain recognizes Transjordan's independence, but retains a hold on military, financial and foreign affairs.
1946
Abdullah ITransjordan is granted full independence from Britain. Abdullah I is named King.
1949 - 1950
JordanThe country's name is changed to Jordan. After the state of Israel is created, Jordan joins its Arab neighbors to fight the new country. Jordan takes over the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
1951
Assassination of Abdullah IKing Abdullah is assassinated. Later, Hussein is named king. He rules until 1999.
1967
Arab-Israeli WarAfter Israel wins the Six Day Arab-Israeli War, it regains control of Jerusalem and the West Bank. Palestinian refugees flood into Jordan.
1970
Black SeptemberThousands are injured as government forces battle Palestinian fighters.
1994
Peace treatyJordan and Israel sign a peace treaty.
1999
Abdullah bin al-HusseinCrown prince Abdullah bin al-Hussein is sworn in as king.
2001
Economic cooperationKing Abdullah and the Presidents of Syria and Egypt work together on a $300 million electricity-line project that links the three countries.
2009
Political problemsKing Abdullah dissolves parliament.
2011 - 2013
RefugeesWith a civil war raging in Syria, hundreds of thousands of refugees pour into Jordan.
Best Ways to Experience Jordan
- Cuisine
- Art
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreJordanian Dinar (JOD)
- EUR
- GBP
- JOD
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- JOD
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Jordan.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Rabies
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Jordan for tourism
A visa is required, but it is possible to obtain it at selected border crossing points (visa on arrival).
- Allowed stay: 30 days
- Visa on arrival obtainable at most international ports of entry and land border crossings.
- Iris scan is taken upon arrival and departure.
Electricity
230V (50 Hz)
In Jordan the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type C, D, F, G, J sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type C
Type D
Type F
Type G
Type JFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 101 / 231 Ranking | 10 203 134 Arab 98%, Circassian 1%, Armenian 1% |
Area | 102 / 232 Ranking | 34.5 thous. mi² |
Life expectancy | 97 / 221 Ranking | 75.8 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 74.3women 77.4 |
Median age | 97 / 222 Ranking | 23.5 Average age of population expressed in years.men 23.9women 22.9 |
Population growth | 96 / 224 Ranking | 0.82% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 91 / 210 Ranking | 98.2% Ability to read, write and count.men 98.6%women 97.8% |
GDP | 86 / 194 Ranking | 10 351 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
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