1. World's Lowest Point
Jordan houses the world's lowest point on dry land - the Dead Sea. At 434 meters below sea level, it's not just the lowest land point, but also presents an extraordinary experience. The sea is so salty that it allows people to float on the water without any support!
2. A Producer of Renowned Poets and Writers
Throughout history, Jordan has been a wellspring of literary talents. Poets and writers like Mustafa Wahbi - known as Arar, Tayseer Sboul, Amjad Nasser, and Samih al-Qasim have made significant contributions to Arabic literature from the heart of Jordan.
3. One of the Oldest Inhabited Places
The city of Amman, Jordan's capital, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities worldwide. Its history can be traced back as far as 7250 BC, and it has been occupied by many ancient civilizations: the Ammonites, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans.
4. Jordan's Famous Bedouin Hospitality
Jordan's Bedouin culture is deeply rooted in hospitality. Visitors are often pleasantly surprised by the warmth and friendliness they receive from locals, reflecting the Bedouin belief in the honor of guests. Expect to be offered endless cups of Arabic coffee when you visit a Jordanian house!
5. Birthplace of the Alphabet
The ancient city of Ugarit, now in modern-day Jordan, is believed to be the birthplace of the alphabet. Archaeologists discovered clay tablets dating back to approximately 1400 BC, marking the region as the site where the first alphabet was used.
6. A Treasured UNESCO Site
The treasured archaeological city of Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This famed archaeological site dates back to the 4th century BC and is known for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system.
7. Water Scarcity
Despite its historical abundance, Jordan, unfortunately, suffers from extreme water scarcity today, ranking among the top 10 water-scarce countries in the world. The government has introduced strict water rationing to manage the issue.
8. Rich Culinary Tradition
The Jordanian cuisine is a mouth-watering feast, with recipes handed down through generations. Featuring a variety of dishes like Mansaf (the national dish), Maklouba, and Falafel, food is certainly a cornerstone of Jordanian culture.
9. A Country of Many Tales
Jordan is renowned for its folklore, legends, and fairy-tale-like stories that have been passed down for generations. These fascinating stories, often steeped in ancient mythology and Bedouin culture, offer a remarkable glimpse into Jordan's past.
10. Modern Jordan Founded by King Abdullah I
Modern Jordan was established by King Abdullah I after World War I. Previously, the region was part of the Ottoman Empire. He ruled as the king from the establishment of Jordan in 1921 until his assassination in 1951.
11. Jordan’s Significant Role in Star Wars
The galaxy far, far away is actually quite close! Jordan's Wadi Rum desert served as the alien landscape for several pivotal scenes in the famous Star Wars series, including Rogue One and The Rise of Skywalker.
12. Renowned for its Ancient Mosaics
Jordan houses some of the most exquisite ancient mosaics in the world. The Madaba Map, a 6th-century floor mosaic in the Byzantine church of Saint George in Madaba, Jordan, is the oldest known geographic floor mosaic in art history.
13. Home to a Wide Range of Wildlife
Although Jordan is primarily desert, it has a diverse wildlife, with 420 species of birds, 102 species of mammals, and over 2000 plant species being recorded in the country. Despite its dry climate, Jordan's unique ecosystems make it a hotspot for biological diversity.
14. The Ancient City of Jerash
Known for the ruins of the ancient city of Gerasa, Jerash is considered one of the most important and best preserved Roman cities in the East. Its theatres, temples, and colonnaded streets are a must-see and are popular among tourists.
15. An Important Biblical Reference
Jordan features various locations mentioned in the Bible. Mount Nebo, where Moses is believed to have seen the promised land before he died, and Bethany Beyond The Jordan, where some biblical scholars believe Jesus was baptized are key religious sites in Jordan.
16. Clothing Culture
In Jordan, the traditional dress for men is the shmagh—a red and white or black and white checked head cloth—while women often wear beautifully embroidered dresses known as thobes. Both reflect the native Bedouin culture of the region.
17. Home to the Dead Sea Scrolls
The Dead Sea Scrolls, one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, were found in eleven caves along the northwest shore of the Dead Sea between 1947 and 1956. The scripts contain significant religious and historical documents.
18. Capital with Seven Hills
Amman, the bustling capital of Jordan, was originally built on seven hills. Now expanding, this city provides a harmonious blend of old and new, offering ancient Roman ruins and traditional souks beside modern shopping malls and art galleries.
19. A Country of Refugees
Throughout its modern history, Jordan has been a haven for refugees. From Palestinians in the mid-20th century to Iraqis after the 2003 Iraq war and Syrians ongoing since 2011, Jordan has opened its doors and played a significant humanitarian role.
20. Main Economic Activities are Largely Service-based
Jordan's economy primarily relies on the service sector, which accounts for nearly 70% of the nation's GDP. Key industries include tourism, information technology, healthcare, and education. These not only provide employment opportunities but also contribute significantly to the country's growth.