Difference between revisions of "Jordan" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
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[[category:countries]]
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{{Infobox Country or territory
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[[category:nations and places]]
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|native_name              = <span style="line-height:1.33em;"><big>'''المملكة الأردنية الهاشمية'''</big><br/>''Al-Mamlakah al-Urdunniyyah al-Hāšimiyyah''</span>
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'''THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN ABANDONED BUT IS BEING RE-CLAIMED BY MARY ANGLIN FOR MIKE BUTLER. THANKS.'''
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|conventional_long_name  = <span style="line-height:1.33em;">Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan</span>
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|common_name              = Jordan
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|image_flag              = Flag of Jordan.svg
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|image_coat              = Jordan coa.png
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|image_map                = LocationJordan.svg
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|national_anthem          = <big> عاش المليك </big><br/>''[[As-salam al-malaki al-urdoni]]''{{spaces|2}}<small>([[transliteration]])<sup>1</sup><br/>''Long live the King''</small>
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|official_languages      = [[Arabic language|Arabic]]
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|capital                  = [[Amman]]
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|latd=31 |latm=57 |latNS=N |longd=35 |longm=56 |longEW=E
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|largest_city            = capital
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|government_type          = {{nowrap|[[Constitutional monarchy]]}}
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|leader_title1            = [[List of Kings of Jordan|King]]
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|leader_name1            = [[Abdullah II of Jordan|Abdullah II]]
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|leader_title2            = [[Prime Minister of Jordan|Prime Minister]]
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|leader_name2            = [[Marouf al-Bakhit]]
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|area                    = 89,342
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|areami²                  = 45,495 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]—>
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|area_rank                = 112th
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|area_magnitude          =
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|area_highest point      = Jabal Ramm
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|area_lowest point        = Dead Sea
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|percent_water            = negligible
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|population_estimate      = 5,350,000 <!--UN WPP—>
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|population_estimate_year = July 2005
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|population_estimate_rank = 110th
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|population_census        = 4,755,000
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|population_census_year  = 2003
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|population_density      = 64
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|population_densitymi²    = 166 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]—>
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|population_density_rank  = 131st
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|GDP_PPP_year            = 2005
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|GDP_PPP                  = $27.96 billion <!--IMF—>
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|GDP_PPP_rank            = 97th
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|GDP_PPP_per_capita      = $4,825
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|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank  = 103rd
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|HDI_year                = 2004
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|HDI                      = {{increase}} 0.760
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|HDI_rank                = 86th
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|HDI_category            = <font color="#ffcc00">medium</font>
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|Gini                    = 38.8
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|Gini_year                = 2002–03
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|Gini_category            = <font color="#ffcc00">medium</font>
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|sovereignty_type        = [[Independence]]
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|established_event1      = End of [[United Kingdom|British]] [[League of Nations mandate]]
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|established_date1        = <br/>[[25 May]] [[1946]]
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|currency                = [[Jordanian dinar]]
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|currency_code            = JOD
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|time_zone                = [[UTC]]+2
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|utc_offset              = +2
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|time_zone_DST            = [[UTC]]+3
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|utc_offset_DST          = +3
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|cctld                    = [[.jo]]
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|calling_code            = 962
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|ISO_3166-1_alpha2        = JO
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|ISO_3166-1_alpha3        = JOR
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|ISO_3166-1_numeric      = 400
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|sport_code              = JOR
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|vehicle_code            = JOR
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|footnote1                = Also serves as the [[Royal anthem]].
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}}
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The '''Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan''', commonly called '''Jordan''', is an Arab country in the [[Middle East]]. It is bordered by [[Syria]] to the north, [[Iraq]] to the northeast, [[Saudi Arabia]] to the east and south, and [[Israel]] and the [[West Bank]] to the west. It shares with Israel the coastlines of the Gulf of Aqaba and the [[Dead Sea]]. Jordan's principal religion is [[Islam]], and its main language is Arabic.
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The desert that comprises much of Jordanian territory is essentially the same desert that dominates Saudi Arabia. Most of the populace, though, resides in or near the capital, Amman. The size of the country, at more than 90,000 km², is close to that of Maine, but the population, under six million, is similar to Missouri's.
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==Geography==
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[[Image:Jo-map.png|thumb|Map of Jordan]]
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{{main|Geography of Jordan}}
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Jordan is a [[Middle East]]ern country, bordered by [[Syria]] to the north, [[Iraq]] to the northeast, [[Saudi Arabia]] to the east and south and both [[Israel]] and the [[West Bank]] to the west. All these border lines add up to 1,619 kilometers (1,006&nbsp;[[mile|mi]]). The [[Gulf of Aqaba]] and the [[Dead Sea]] also touch the country, and thus Jordan has a coastline of 26 kilometers (16&nbsp;mi).
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Jordan consists mostly of arid [[desert]] plateau in the east, with Highland area in the west. The [[Great Rift Valley]] of the [[Jordan River]] separates Jordan and Israel. The highest point in the country is [[Jabal Ram]] (1,734&nbsp;m; 5,689&nbsp;[[foot (unit of length|ft]]), while the lowest is the [[Dead Sea]] (-486&nbsp;m; -1,594&nbsp;ft). Jordan is part of a region considered to be "the [[Civilization|cradle of civilization]]".
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Major cities include the capital [[Amman]] in the northwest, [[Irbid]] and [[Az Zarqa]], both in the north.
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The climate in Jordan is dry and hot, since the country is mainly desert. However, the western part of the country receives greater precipitation during the rainy season from November to March.
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==History==
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[[Image:Petra Treasury.jpg|thumb|150px|left|The ancient city of [[Petra]].]]
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{{main|History of Jordan}}
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With the break-up of the  [[Ottoman Empire]] at the end of [[World War I]], the [[League of Nations]] created the French Mandate Syria and British Mandate Palestine. Approximately 80% of the [[British Mandate of Palestine]] was east of the [[Jordan river]] and was known as "[[Transjordan]]". In 1921, the British gave semi-autonomous control of Transjordan to the future [[Abdullah I of Jordan]], from the [[Hashemite]] family, who had lost their civil war with the [[House of Saud]] for control of Mecca and Medina.
  
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{| border=1 align=right cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=300 style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"
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Abdullah I was assassinated in 1951 but the Hashemites continued to rule Transjordan under British supervision until after [[World War II]]. In 1946, the British requested that the United Nations approve an end to British Mandate rule in Transjordan. Following this approval, the Jordanian Parliament proclaimed King Abdullah the first ruler of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. In 1950, Transjordan annexed the [[West Bank]], which had been under its control since the armistice that followed the [[1948 Arab-Israeli war]]. The annexation was recognized only by Great Britain (''de facto'' in the case of East Jerusalem).
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|+<big><big>المملكة الأردنّيّة الهاشميّة'''<br />Al Mamlakah al Urdunnīyah al Hāshimīyah</big></big>
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[[Image:Kingabdullahbinhussein.jpg|thumb|150px|right|King Abdullah I.]]
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|-
 
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| style="background:#efefef;" align="center" colspan=2 |
 
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{| border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"
 
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| align="center" width="140px" | [[Image:600px-Flag of Jordan.png|125px|]]
 
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| align="center" width="140px" | [[Image:Hashemitearms.jpg|125px|]]
 
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|-
 
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| align="center" width="140px" | Flag of Jordan
 
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| align="center" width="140px" | Coat of Arms of Jordan
 
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|}
 
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|-
 
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| align=center colspan=2 | [[image:LocationJordan.png|Location of Jordan]]
 
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|-
 
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| '''Official language'''
 
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| Arabic
 
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|-
 
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| '''Capital'''
 
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| Amman
 
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|-
 
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| '''King'''
 
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| Abdullah II
 
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|-
 
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| '''Prime minister'''
 
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| Marouf al-Bakhit
 
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|-
 
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| '''Area'''<br>&nbsp;- Total
 
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| [[Ranked 111th]] <br> 92,300 km²
 
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|-
 
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| '''Population'''<br>&nbsp;- Total (2005 est.)<br>&nbsp;- Density
 
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| [[Ranked 104th]]<br> 5,729,732<br> 62/km²
 
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|-
 
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| '''Independence'''
 
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| 1946
 
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|-
 
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| '''National anthem'''
 
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| ''As-Salam al-malaki al-Urduni''<br><small>(''Long Live the King of Jordan'')
 
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|-
 
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| '''Currency'''
 
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| Jordanian dinar
 
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|-
 
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| '''Time zone'''
 
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| Universal Time +2
 
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|-
 
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| '''Internet TLD'''
 
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| .jo
 
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|-
 
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| '''Country calling code'''
 
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| 962
 
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|}
 
  
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The '''Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan''', commonly called '''Jordan''', is an Arab country in the [[Middle East]]. It is bordered by [[Syria]] to the north, [[Iraq]] to the northeast, [[Saudi Arabia]] to the east and south, and [[Israel]] and the [[West Bank]] to the west. It shares with Israel the coastlines of the Gulf of Aqaba and the [[Dead Sea]]. Jordan's principal religion is [[Islam]], and its main language is Arabic.
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In [[1965]] there was an exchange of land between [[Saudi Arabia]] and Jordan. Jordan gave up a relatively large area of inland desert in return for a small piece of sea-shore near [[Aqaba]].
  
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The desert that comprises much of Jordanian territory is essentially the same desert that dominates Saudi Arabia. Most of the populace, though, resides in or near the capital, Amman. The size of the country, at more than 90,000 km², is close to that of Maine, but the population, under six million, is similar to Missouri's.
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Jordan signed a mutual defence pact in May 1967 with Egypt, and it participated in the [[Six Day War|June 1967 war]] against [[Israel]] along with [[Syria]], [[Egypt]], and [[Iraq]]. During the war, Jordan lost the [[West Bank]] and East [[Jerusalem]] to Israel (the western sector having been under Israeli control). In 1988, Jordan renounced all claims to the West Bank but retained an administrative role pending a final settlement, and its 1994 treaty with Israel allowed for a continuing Jordanian role in Muslim and Christian holy places in Jerusalem.
  
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== Geography ==
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===Refugees and Black September===
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The 1967 war led to a dramatic increase in the number of Palestinians, especially from the West Bank, living in Jordan. Its Palestinian refugee population — 700,000 in 1966 — grew by another 300,000 from the West Bank. The period following the 1967 war saw an upsurge in the power and importance of Palestinian resistance elements (''fedayeen'') in Jordan. The heavily armed ''fedayeen'' constituted a growing threat to the sovereignty and security of the Hashemite state, and open fighting erupted in June 1970. The battle in which Palestinian fighters from various [[Palestinian Liberation Organization]] (PLO) groups were expelled from Jordan is commonly known as [[Black September in Jordan|Black September]].
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[[Image:King-hussein.png|150px|thumb|right|King Hussein]]
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Other Arab governments attempted to work out a peaceful solution, but by September, continuing ''fedayeen'' actions in Jordan — including the destruction of three international airliners hijacked by the [[Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine]] and held in the desert east of [[Amman]] — prompted the government to take action to regain control over its territory and population. In the ensuing heavy fighting, a Syrian tank force invaded northern Jordan to support the ''fedayeen'' but subsequently retreated. It is said by some people, such as [[Ahmad Jubreel]]<!-- Who is he? How his saying is relevant? —>, that King [[Hussein of Jordan|Hussein]] asked for help from Israel,<ref name = "Jazeera">{{ar icon}} [http://www.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/F8CB417C-1AB0-47B7-9F7D-7EBCFB6D2FC5 Aljazeera.net article].</ref> then Israel threatened that it would invade Jordan if Syria intervened.<ref name = "HistoryCentral">[http://www.historycentral.com/mideast/BlkSept.html Black September] at History Central.</ref><ref name = "PalestineFacts">[http://www.palestinefacts.org/pf_1967to1991_jordan_expel_plo.php Jordan Expels the PLO in 1970], Palestine Facts.</ref> By [[September 22]], Arab foreign ministers meeting at Cairo had arranged a cease-fire beginning the following day. Sporadic violence continued, however, until Jordanian forces led by [[Habis Al-Majali]], won a decisive victory over the ''fedayeen'' on July 1971, expelling them from the country.
  
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Jordan consists mostly of arid desert plateau in the east, with Highland area in the west. The Great Rift Valley of the Jordan River separates Jordan and Israel. The highest point in the country is Jabal Ram, while the lowest is the Dead Sea. Jordan is considered to be part of the "Cradle of Humanity."
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At the [[Rabat summit conference]] in 1974, Jordan agreed, along with the rest of the [[Arab League]], that the PLO was the "sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people", thereby relinquishing to that organization its role as representative of the West Bank Palestinians.
  
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Besides Amman, located in the country's northwest, major cities include Irbid and Zarqa, both in the north. The hilly northwest is a farming region known in biblical times as Gilead.  
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===Post Black September and Peace Treaty===
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No fighting occurred along the 1967 Jordan River cease-fire line during the [[Yom Kippur War|October 1973 Arab-Israeli war]], but Jordan sent a brigade to Syria to fight Israeli units on Syrian territory. Jordan did not participate in the [[Gulf War]] of 1990–91. In 1991, Jordan agreed, along with Syria, [[Lebanon]], and [[Palestinian]] fedayeen representatives, to participate in direct peace negotiations with Israel at the [[Madrid Conference]], sponsored by the U.S. and [[Russia]]. It negotiated an end to hostilities with Israel and signed a declaration to that effect on [[July 25]], [[1994]] (see [[Washington Declaration]]). As a result, an [[Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace|Israeli-Jordanian peace treaty]] was concluded on [[October 26]], [[1994]]. Following the outbreak of Israel-Palestinian Authority fighting in September 2000, the Jordanian government offered its good offices to both parties. Jordan has since sought to remain at peace with all of its neighbors.
  
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Due to the desert, the climate in Jordan is dry and hot. However, the western part of the country receives greater precipitation during the rainy season that lasts from November through April.
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===Recent events===
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On [[November 9]], [[2005]] Jordan experienced [[2005 Amman bombings|three simultaneous bombings]] at hotels in Amman.  At least 57 people died and 115 were wounded. "[[Al-Qaeda]] in [[Iraq]]", a group led by terrorist [[Abu Musab al-Zarqawi]], [[Abu Musab al-Zarqawi#Biography|a native Jordanian]], claimed responsibility.
  
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Jordan has one of the world's shortest national coastlines, 26 km at the Gulf of Aqaba.
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On [[September 4]], [[2006]], a 38-year-old known criminal, took a pistol to a Roman amphitheatre in the capital of Amman and proceeded to shoot at a group of Western tourists. One British man was killed and five others tourists wounded, including a Jordanian tourist security guard. Later, in December of the same year, he was sentenced to death by hanging.
  
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== History ==
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==Politics==
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[[Image:KingAbdullah2.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Abdullah II of Jordan|King Abdullah II]], Jordanian Head of State.]]
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{{main|Politics of Jordan}}<!--Please add new information to relevant articles of the series—>
  
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The land that became present-day Jordan forms part of the history-rich [[Fertile Crescent]] region. Its known history began around 2000 B.C.E., when Semitic Amorites settled around the [[Jordan River]] in the area called [[Canaan]]. Subsequent invaders and settlers included Hittites, Egyptians, Israelites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arab Muslims, Christian Crusaders, Mameluks, Ottoman Turks, and, finally, the British. At the end of [[World War I]], the territory now comprising Israel, Jordan, the West Bank, the [[Gaza Strip]], and [[Jerusalem]] was awarded to the [[United Kingdom]] by the [[League of Nations]] as the mandate for [[Palestine]]. In 1922, in an attempt to assuage Arab anger resulting from the [[Balfour Declaration]], with the approval of the League of Nations, the British created the semi-autonomous '''Arab Emirate of Transjordan''' in all Palestinian territory east of the Jordan River. The British installed the Hashemite Prince Abdullah I while continuing the administration of Palestine and Transjordan under a single British high commissioner. The mandate over Transjordan ended in 1946, and the country became the independent '''Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan'''. It ended its special defense treaty relationship with the U.K. in 1957.
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===Constitution===
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Jordan is a [[constitutional monarchy]] based on the [[constitution]] promulgated on [[January 8]] [[1952]]. [[Executive authority]] is vested in the [[King of Jordan|king]] and his council of ministers. The king signs and executes all [[law]]s. His [[veto]] power may be overridden by a two-thirds vote of both houses of the [[National Assembly of Jordan|National Assembly]]. He appoints and may dismiss all judges by decree, approves [[constitutional amendment|amendment]]s to the constitution, declares [[war]], and commands the [[Military of Jordan|armed forces]]. [[Cabinet]] decisions, [[court]] judgments, and the national [[currency]] are issued in his name. The council of ministers, led by a [[prime minister]], is appointed by the king, who may dismiss other cabinet members at the prime minister's request. The cabinet is responsible to the [[Chamber of Deputies of Jordan|Chamber of Deputies]] on matters of general policy and can be forced to resign by a two-thirds vote of "no confidence" by that body.
  
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Transjordan opposed the creation of Israel in 1948 and took part in the warfare between the Arab states and the newly founded state of Israel. The armistice agreements of 1949 left Jordan in control of the West Bank and provided that the armistice demarcation lines be without prejudice to future territorial settlements or boundary lines.
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The constitution provides for three categories of courts: [[civil court|civil]], religious, and special. Administratively, Jordan is divided into twelve [[governor]]ates, each headed by a governor appointed by the king. They are the sole authorities for all government departments and development projects in their respective areas.
  
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In 1950, Transjordan annexed the West Bank, and the country was renamed '''the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan''' to reflect this. The annexation was recognised only by Britain.
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The Royal Armed Forces and [[General Intelligence Department]] of Jordan are under the control of the king.
  
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Jordan signed a mutual defense pact in May 1967 with Egypt, and it participated in the [[Six Day War]] the next month against Israel along with Syria, [[Egypt]], and [[Iraq]]. During the war, Jordan lost its control of the West Bank and all of Jerusalem. In 1988, Jordan renounced all claims to the West Bank but retained an administrative role pending a final settlement, and its 1994 treaty with Israel allowed for a continuing Jordanian role in Muslim and Christian holy places in Jerusalem. The international community, as represented in the [[United Nations]], considers the West Bank to be territory occupied by Israel and believes that its final status should be determined through direct negotiations among the parties concerned on the basis of UN Security Council resolutions.
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===Legal system and legislation===
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Jordan's legal system is based on [[Islam|Islamic]] law and [[France|French]] codes. Judicial review of legislative acts occurs in a special High Tribunal. It has not accepted compulsory [[International Court of Justice]] jurisdiction.
  
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The 1967 war led to a dramatic increase in the number of Palestinians, especially from the West Bank, living in Jordan. Its Palestinian refugee population &ndash; 700,000 in 1966 &ndash; grew by another 300,000 from the West Bank. The period following the 1967 war saw an upsurge in the power and importance of Palestinian resistance elements (''fedayeen'') in Jordan. The heavily armed ''fedayeen'' constituted a growing threat to the sovereignty and security of the Hashemite state, and open fighting erupted in June 1970. The battle in which Palestinian fighters from various Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) groups were expelled from Jordan is commonly known as Black September.
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[[Legislature|Legislative]] power rests in the [[bicameral]] National Assembly. The 110-member Chamber of Deputies, elected by [[universal suffrage]] ("one person, one vote"), to a four-year term, is subject to dissolution by the king. Nine seats are reserved for Christians, six for women, and three for [[Circassians]] and [[Chechens]]. The forty-member [[Senate]] is appointed by the king for a four-year term.
  
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Other Arab governments attempted to work out a peaceful solution, but by September, continuing ''fedayeen'' actions in Jordan &ndash; including the destruction of three international airliners hijacked by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and held in the desert east of Amman &ndash; prompted the government to take action to regain control over its territory and population. In the ensuing heavy fighting, a Syrian tank force took up positions in northern Jordan to support the ''fedayeen'' but subsequently retreated. By 22 September, Arab foreign ministers meeting at Cairo had arranged a cease-fire beginning the following day. Sporadic violence continued, however, until Jordanian forces led by Habis Al-Majali won a decisive victory over the ''fedayeen'' in July 1971, expelling them from the country.
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===Kings of Jordan and political events===
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King Abdullah I ruled Jordan after independence from Britain. After the assassination of King Abdullah I in 1951, his son [[Talal of Jordan|King Talal]] ruled briefly. King Talal's major accomplishment was the Jordanian constitution. King Talal was removed from the throne in 1952 due to mental illness. At that time his son, [[Hussein of Jordan|Hussein]], was too young to rule, and hence a committee ruled over Jordan.
  
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At the Rabat summit conference in 1974, Jordan agreed, along with the rest of the [[Arab League]], that the PLO was the "sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people," thereby relinquishing to that organization its role as representative of the West Bank Palestinians.
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After Hussein reached 18, he ruled Jordan as king from 1953 to 1999, surviving a number of challenges to his rule, drawing on the loyalty of his military, and serving as a symbol of unity and stability for both the Bedouin-related and [[Palestinian]] communities in Jordan. King Hussein ended [[martial law]] in 1991 and [[Legalization|legalized]] [[Political party|political parties]] in 1992. In 1989 and 1993, Jordan held free and fair [[parliament]]ary elections. Controversial changes in the election law led [[Islam]]ist parties to boycott the 1997 elections.  
  
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No fighting occurred along the 1967 Jordan River cease-fire line during the [[Yom Kippur War]] of 1973, but Jordan sent a brigade to Syria to fight Israeli units on Syrian territory. Jordan did not participate in the [[Gulf War]] of 1990-91. In 1991, Jordan agreed, along with Syria, [[Lebanon]], and Palestinian representatives, to participate in direct peace negotiations with Israel sponsored by the U.S. and [[Russia]]. It negotiated an end to hostilities with Israel and signed a declaration to that effect in July 1994. As a result, an Israeli-Jordanian peace treaty was concluded that October. Following the outbreak of Israeli-Palestinian fighting in 2000, the Jordanian government offered its good offices to both parties. Jordan has since sought to remain at peace with all of its neighbors.
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[[Abdullah II of Jordan|King Abdullah II]] succeeded his father Hussein following the latter's death in February 1999. Abdullah moved quickly to reaffirm Jordan's [[Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace|peace treaty]] with [[Israel]] and its relations with the [[United States]]. Abdullah, during the first year in power, refocused the government's agenda on economic reform.
  
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In 2005, Jordan experienced three simultaneous bombings at hotels in Amman. At least 57 people died and 115 were wounded. [[Al-Qaeda]] in Iraq, a group led by native Jordanian Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, claimed responsibility.
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Jordan's continuing structural economic difficulties, burgeoning population, and more open political environment led to the emergence of a variety of political parties. Moving toward greater independence, Jordan's parliament has investigated corruption charges against several regime figures and has become the major forum in which differing political views, including those of political Islamists, are expressed. While King Abdullah remains the ultimate authority in Jordan, the parliament plays an important role.
  
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== Politics ==
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==Governorates==
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[[Image:Jo-map.png|thumb|Map of Jordan]]
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[[Image:Jordan.geohive.gif|thumb|250px|right|[[Governorates of Jordan]]]]
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{{main|Governorates of Jordan|Nahias of Jordan}}
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Administratively, Jordan is divided into 12 [[Governorates of Jordan|governorates]], each headed by a governor appointed by the king. They are the sole authorities for all government departments and development projects in their respective areas. The governorates are:
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*[[Ajlun Governorate|Ajlun]]
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*[[Amman Governorate|Amman]]
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*[[Aqaba Governorate|Aqaba]]
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*[[Balqa]]
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*[[Irbid Governorate|Irbid]]
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*[[Jerash Governorate|Jerash]]
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*[[Kerak Governorate|Kerak]]
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*[[Ma'an Governorate|Ma'an]]
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*[[Madaba Governorate|Madaba]]
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*[[Mafraq Governorate|Mafraq]]
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*[[Tafilah Governorate|Tafilah]]
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*[[Zarqa Governorate|Zarqa]]
  
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Jordan is a constitutional monarchy, with executive authority is vested in the king and his council of ministers. Legislative power rests in the bicameral national assembly.
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The governorates are subdivided into approximately fifty-two ''[[nahia]]s''.
  
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King Hussein ruled Jordan from 1953 to 1999, surviving a number of challenges to his rule, drawing on the loyalty of his military, and serving as a symbol of unity and stability for both the ''East Bank'' and Palestinian communities in Jordan. Hussein ended martial law in 1991 and legalized political parties the next year.
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==Economy==
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[[Image:Four Seasons Amman.jpg|thumb|250px|right|One of [[Amman]]'s (Jordan's [[capital]]) hotels.]]
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{{main|Economy of Jordan}}
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Jordan is a small country with limited [[natural resources]]. The country is currently exploring ways to expand its limited water supply and use its existing water resources more efficiently, including through regional cooperation. Jordan also depends on external sources for the majority of its energy requirements. During the 1990s, its crude petroleum needs were met through imports from [[Iraq]] and neighboring countries. Since early 2003, oil has been provided by some [[Gulf Cooperation Council]] member countries. In addition, the [[Arab Gas Pipeline]] from [[Egypt]] to the southern port city of [[Aqaba]] was completed in 2003.  The government plans to extend this pipeline north to the Amman area and beyond. Since 2000, exports of light manufactured products, principally textiles and garments manufactured in the Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZ) that enter the United States tariff and quota free, have been driving economic growth. Jordan exported €5.6 million ($6.9 million) in goods to the U.S. in 1997, when two-way trade was €321 million ($395 million); it exported €538 million ($661 million) in 2002 with two-way trade at €855 million ($1.05 billion). Similar growth in exports to the United States under the bilateral [[US-Jordan Free Trade Agreement]] that went into effect in December 2001, to the European Union under the bilateral Association Agreement, and to countries in the region, holds considerable promise for diversifying Jordan's economy away from its traditional reliance on exports of phosphates and potash, overseas remittances, and foreign aid. The government has emphasized the information technology (IT) and tourism sectors as other promising growth sectors.  The low tax and low regulation Aqaba Special Economic Zone ([[ASEZ]]) is considered a model of a government-provided framework for private sector-led economic growth.
  
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King Abdullah II succeeded his father Hussein following the latter's death in 1999. Abdullah moved quickly to reaffirm Jordan's peace treaty with Israel and its relations with the U.S. During his first year in power, he refocused the government's agenda on economic reform.
+
The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States<ref name = "JUSFTA">[http://www.jordanusfta.com  Jordan-US FTA].</ref> that went into effect in December 2001 will phase out duties on nearly all goods and services by 2010. The agreement also provides for more open markets in communications, construction, finance, health, transportation, and services, as well as strict application of international standards for the protection of intellectual property. In 1996, Jordan and the United States signed a civil aviation agreement that provides for "open skies" between the two countries, and a U.S.-Jordan treaty for the protection and encouragement of bilateral investment entered into force in 2003. Jordan has been a member of the [[World Trade Organization]] since 2000.
  
−
Jordan's continuing structural economic difficulties, burgeoning population, and more open political environment led to the emergence of a variety of political parties. Moving toward greater independence, Jordan's parliament has investigated corruption charges against several regime figures and has become the major forum in which differing political views, including those of political Islamists, are expressed. While Abdullah remains the ultimate authority in Jordan, the parliament plays an important role.
+
[[Textile]] and [[clothing]] exports from Jordan to the United States shot up 2,000 percent from 2000 to 2005, following introduction of the FTA. According to the [[National Labor Committee]], a U.S.-based NGO, Jordan has experienced sharp increases in [[sweatshop]] conditions in its [[export]]-oriented [[manufacturing]] sector.<ref name="NLCNet">[http://www.nlcnet.org/live/searchresults.php?country=Jordan NLCNet].</ref>
  
 +
Jordan is classified by the [[World Bank]] as a "lower middle income country." The per-capita [[GDP]] was approximately $1,817 (€1,479) for 2003 and 14.5% of the economically active population, on average, was unemployed in 2003. The GDP per capita in 2005 is at $USD 4,200. Education and literacy rates and measures of social well-being are relatively high compared to other countries with similar incomes. Jordan's population growth rate is high, but has declined in recent years, to approximately 2.8% currently. One of the most important factors in the government’s efforts to improve the well-being of its citizens is the macroeconomic stability that has been achieved since the 1990s. However, unemployment rates remain high, with the official figure standing at 12.5%, and the unofficial around 30%. Rates of price inflation are low, at 2.3% in 2003, and the currency has been stable with an exchange rate fixed to the U.S. dollar since 1995.
  
−
== Economy ==
+
While pursuing economic reform and increased trade, Jordan's economy will continue to be vulnerable to external shocks and regional unrest. Without calm in the region, economic growth seems destined to stay below  potential. On the positive side, however, there is huge potential in the solar energy falling on Jordan's deserts, not only for the generation of pollution-free electricity but also for such spin-offs as [[desalination|desalination of sea water]] (see [[Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy Cooperation]] (TREC)).
−
(((Consider eliminating a lot of this)))
 
−
Jordan is a small country with limited natural resources. The country is currently exploring ways to expand its limited water supply and use its existing water resources more efficiently, including through regional cooperation. Jordan also depends on external sources for the majority of its energy requirements. During the 1990s, its crude petroleum needs were met through imports from neighboring Iraq. Since early 2003, oil has been provided by some Gulf Cooperation Council member countries. In addition, a natural gas pipeline from Egypt to the southern port city of Aqaba was completed that year. The government plans to extend this pipeline north to the Amman area and beyond. Since 2000, exports of light manufactured products, principally textiles and garments manufactured in the Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZs) that enter the U.S. tariff- and quota-free, have been driving economic growth. Jordan exported $6.9 million in goods to the U.S. in 1997, when two-way trade was $395 million; it exported $661 million in 2002 with two-way trade at $1.05 billion. Similar growth in exports to the U.S. under the bilateral Free Trade Agreement that went into effect in 2001, to the European Union under the bilateral Association Agreement, and to countries in the region, holds considerable promise for diversifying Jordan's economy away from its traditional reliance on exports of phosphates and potash, overseas remittances, and foreign aid. The government has emphasized the information-technology and tourism sectors as other promising growth sectors. The low tax and low regulation Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) is considered a model of a government-provided framework for private sector-led economic growth.
 
  
−
The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the U.S. isw scheduled to phase out duties on nearly all goods and services by 2010. The agreement also provides for more open markets in communications, construction, finance, health, transportation, and services, as well as strict application of international standards for the protection of intellectual property. In 1996, Jordan and the U.S. signed a civil aviation agreement that provides for "open skies" between the two countries, and a U.S.-Jordan treaty for the protection and encouragement of bilateral investment entered into force in 2003.
+
===Tourism===
 +
[[Image:Corinthian Column Head Jerash.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The Corinthian column is a popular tourist attraction in [[Jerash]].]]
 +
{{main|Tourism in Jordan}}
 +
Tourism is a very important sector of the Jordanian economy, contributing between 10 percent and 12 percent to the country's Gross National Product in 2006. In addition to the country's political stability, the geography offered makes Jordan an attractive tourism destination. Jordan's major tourist activities include numerous ancient places, its unique desert castles and unspoilt natural locations to its cultural and religious sites. The best known attractions include:
  
−
Jordan is classified by the World Bank as a "lower middle income country." The per capita GDP was approximately $1,817 for 2003, and 14.5% of the economically active population, on average, was unemployed that year. Education and literacy rates and measures of social well-being are relatively high compared to other countries with similar incomes. Jordan's population growth rate is high, but has declined in recent years, to approximately 2.8%. One of the most important factors in the government’s efforts to improve the well-being of its citizens is the macroeconomic stability that has been achieved since the 1990s. Rates of price inflation are low, at 2.3% in 2003, and the currency has been stable with an exchange rate fixed to the U.S. dollar since 1995.
+
*Ancient sightseeing
 +
**[[Petra]] in [[Ma'an]], the home of the [[Nabateans]], is a complete city carved in a mountain. The huge rocks are colorful, mostly pink, and the entrance to the ancient city is through a 1.25km narrow gorge in the mountain - called the [[Siq]]. In the city are various structures, all (except 2) are carved into rock, including al Khazneh - known as the [[Treasury (Jordan)|Treasury]] - which is now nominated by the New Seven Wonders organisation to be one of the New [[Seven Wonders of the World]]. Other major sites of interest in Petra include the Monastery, the Roman theatre, the Royal Tombs, the High Place of Sacrifice. Petra was rediscovered for the western world by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812.
 +
**[[Umm Qais]], a town located on the site of the ruined [[Hellenistic]]-[[Ancient Rome|Roman]] city of Gadara.
 +
**[[Ajlun]], famous for the [[Islam|Islamic]] al-[[Rabadh Castle]].
 +
**[[Jerash]], famous for its its ancient [[Roman architecture]], including the colonnaded streets, arches, Roman theatres, and the Oval Plaza.[[Image:First Glimpse.jpg|thumb|left|The treasury, as seen from al-Siq.]]
 +
**[[Amman]] contains the [[Roman theater (Jordan)|Roman theater]], in addition to several museums, where one may find remains of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
 +
[[Image:Al Azrak castle2.jpg|thumb|250px|right|An Arabian Desert castle in Al Azrak ]]
 +
**[[Al Karak]] contains an important [[castle]] from the times of Salah al-Din, known as Al-Karak Castle.
 +
*Religion-related
 +
**[[Madaba]], well known for its mosaics, as well as important religious sites such as:
 +
***The [[Madaba Map]].
 +
***The [[River Jordan]], which is the [[river]] where [[Jesus Christ]] was [[Baptism|baptised]], by [[John the Baptist]].
 +
***[[Mount Nebo (Jordan)|Mount Nebo]], where Moses was said to have gone to get a view of the Promised Land before he died.
 +
*Seaside
 +
**The [[Dead Sea]] - It is the lowest point on earth, 402 [[meter]]s below [[sea level]],<ref>[http://ccrs.nrcan.gc.ca/radar/spaceborne/radarsat1/action/int/jor/index_e.php The Dead Sea], NPR</ref> and becomes 1 meter lower each year.<ref>[http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?  The high concentration of salt in the Dead Sea makes it virtually impossible to sink in the water.
 +
storyId=6673668 Dead Sea's Water Level Receding Fast], NPR</ref> It is located near [[River Jordan]].
 +
**[[Aqaba]] is a town on the shore of the [[Gulf of Aqaba]] with numerous shopping centers, [[hotel]]s and access to water sports.
 +
[[image:spring in jordan22.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Spring in northern Jordan]]
 +
*Other Tourist Sites
 +
**[[Wadi Rum]] is a [[desert]] full of [[mountain]]s and hills located south of Jordan. It is popular for its
 +
sights in addition to a variety of sports that are practiced there, such as rock-climbing.  It is also known for its connection to Lawrence of Arabia.
 +
**Amman is a very modern city with lots of [[shopping mall]]s, shopping centers, hotels and an ancient Roman amphitheatre etc.
 +
**[[Mahis]] with important religious sites, and wonderful landscape.
 +
**Al-Omwia's Palace which is placed to the north east of Jordan, with Islamic design
  
−
While pursuing economic reform and increased trade, Jordan's economy will continue to be vulnerable to external shocks and regional unrest. Without calm in the region, economic growth seems destined to stay below its potential.
+
===Influence of the Middle East conflict===
 +
The ongoing [[Arab-Israeli conflict]], the [[Gulf War]], and other conflicts in the [[Middle East]] have made huge impacts on the economy of Jordan. The fact that Jordan has [[peace treaty|peace]] with the surrounding countries, combined with its stability, has made it a preference for many [[Palestinian people|Palestinians]], [[Lebanon|Lebanese]], and people from the [[Persian Gulf]] [[immigrant]]s and [[refugee]]s. Though this may have resulted in a more active economy, it has also damaged it by substantially decreasing the amount of resources each person is entitled to. Jordan has a law that states that any Palestinian may immigrate and obtain Jordanian citizenship, but must remit his/her Palestinian claim. It should also be noted that Palestinians are not allowed to purchase land unless they give up their Palestinian citizenship. This violence has also led to a rise of extremism in Jordan. In November 2005, King Abdullah called for a "war on extremism" in the wake of three suicide bombings in [[Amman]].
  
 
==Foreign relations==
 
==Foreign relations==
 +
[[Image:Abdullah II.jpg|thumb|250px|right|King Abdullah II on a visit to The Pentagon.]]
 +
{{main|Foreign relations of Jordan}}
 +
Jordan has consistently followed a pro-Western foreign policy and traditionally has had close relations with the United States and the United Kingdom. These relations were damaged by Jordan's neutrality and maintaining relations with Iraq during the first [[Gulf War]]. Jordan has a well earned reputation for usually following a pragmatic and non-confrontational foreign policy, leading to fair relations with its neighbours.
 +
 +
Following the Gulf war, Jordan largely restored its relations with Western countries through its participation in the Middle East peace process and enforcement of UN sanctions against Iraq. Relations between Jordan and the Gulf countries improved substantially after King Hussein's death. Following the fall of the Iraqi regime, Jordan has played a pivotal role in supporting the restoration of stability and security to Iraq. The Government of Jordan signed a memorandum of understanding with the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq to facilitate the training of up to 30,000 Iraqi police cadets at a Jordanian facility.
 +
 +
Jordan signed a nonbelligerency agreement with Israel (the Washington Declaration) in Washington, DC, on [[25 July]] [[1994]]. [[Hussein of Jordan|King Hussein]] and [[Yitzhak Rabin]] negotiated this treaty. [[Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace|Jordan and Israel signed a historic peace treaty]] on [[26 October]] [[1994]], witnessed by President [[Bill Clinton]], accompanied by US Secretary, [[Warren Christopher]]. The U.S. has participated with Jordan and Israel in trilateral development discussions in which key issues have been water-sharing and security; cooperation on Jordan Rift Valley development; infrastructure projects; and trade, finance, and banking issues. Jordan also participates in the multilateral peace talks. Jordan belongs to the UN and several of its specialized and related agencies, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and World Health Organization (WHO). Jordan also is a member of the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Nonaligned Movement (NAM), and Arab League.
 +
 +
Since the outbreak of the [[Al-Aqsa Intifada]] in September 2000, Jordan has worked hard, in a variety of forums, to maintain lines of communication between the Israelis and the Palestinians to counsel moderation and to return the parties to negotiations of outstanding permanent status issues.
 +
 +
Following the Al-Aqsa Intifada, though, Jordan along with Egypt withdrew its ambassadors from Israel.  Following the Sharm-al-Sheik Summit in Egypt on [[8 February]] [[2005]], both countries announced plans to return ambassadors to the country.
 +
 +
==Demographics==
 +
[[Image:Jordan pop.png|right|thumb|400px|Graph showing the population of Jordan from [[1960]] to [[2005]].]]
 +
{{main|Demographics of Jordan}}
 +
Jordan has a population of 6 million. Most of the Bedouin population descend from the Hejaz.<ref name="atlapedia">[http://www.atlapedia.com/online/countries/jordan.htm Jordan], Atlapedia Online</ref> or tribal origins and account for around 40-45% of the population[http://www.jordanembassyus.org/hmka05072002.htm].<ref name="atlapedia"/> However, 50 to 55%[http://www.palestinemonitor.org/nueva_web/infos_materials/reports/palestinians_in_diaspora.htm] of Jordan’s population are from Palestinian origins, many of whom fled from Palestine to Transjordan and gained citizenship after the Arab-Israeli wars in 1948 and 1967.<ref>[http://www.columbiagazetteer.org/public/Jordan.html Jordan Demographics and Geography], Columbia Gazetteer</ref>  The remaining 5% of the population come from different ethnic minorities such as Circassians, Chechens, Armenians ([[Armenian diaspora|13th largest in the world]]) and Kurds. Many Jordanians are also of Turkish and East European descent, as many Jordanian expatriates who reside in East European countries marry there.
 +
 +
The number of Lebanese permanently settling in Jordan since the [[2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict]] has not been established, and is estimated to be very little.
 +
 +
Christians form approximately 6% of the population and have 9% of the seats in parliament. Most Christians belong to the Greek Orthodox church (called "Room Urthudux" in Arabic). The rest are Roman Catholics (called "Lateen"), Eastern Catholics (called "Room Katoleek" to distinguish them from "Western Catholics"), and various Protestant communities including Baptists. Christians in Jordan are of many nationalities, as evinced, for example, by the Catholic mass being celebrated in Arabic, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Tagalog and Sinhala, as well as in Iraqi dialects of Arabic.
 +
 +
Since the [[Iraq War]],{{Fact|date=February 2007}} many Christians from Iraq have settled permanently or temporarily in Jordan.
 +
 +
The official language is [[Arabic language|Arabic]], but [[English language|English]] is used widely in commerce and government and among educated people. Arabic and English are obligatorily taught at public and private schools. French is taught at some public and private schools but is not obligatory.
 +
 +
About 3 million people registered as Palestinian refugees and displaced persons reside in Jordan, most as citizens. Since 2003 many Iraqis fleeing the [[Iraq War]] have settled in Jordan; latest estimates indicate between 700,000 and 1.7 million Iraqis living in Jordan; mainly in Amman, the capital.<ref>[http://hiidunia.blogspot.com/2007/01/new-iraqi-diaspora.html The New Iraqi Diaspora], Hii Dunia, January 2007</ref>
 +
 +
==Culture==
 +
{{main|Culture of Jordan}}
 +
*[[Music of Jordan]]
 +
*[[Religion in Jordan]]{{spaces|2}}{{smaller|([[Islam in Jordan]], [[Christianity in Jordan]])}}
 +
*[[Sports in Jordan]]
 +
*[[Restaurants in Jordan]]
 +
*[[Art in Jordan]]
 +
*[[Public holidays in Jordan|Public Holidays in Jordan]]
 +
 +
==Education==
 +
{{main|Education in Jordan}}
 +
Jordan has given great attention to education in particular. Its educational system is of international standards and its secondary education program is accepted in world-class universities.
  
−
Jordan has consistently followed a pro-Western foreign policy and traditionally has had close relations with the U.S. and the U.K. These relations were damaged by Jordan's neutrality and maintaining relations with Iraq during the Gulf War. Although the government of Jordan stated its opposition to the Iraqi occupation of [[Kuwait]], popular support for Iraq was driven by Jordan's Palestinian community, which favored [Saddam Hussein]] as a champion against Western supporters of Israel.
+
===School education===
 +
{{seealso|Tawjihi|List of private schools in Jordan}}
 +
School education in Jordan could be categorized into two sections:
 +
*'''[[Secondary education]]''', which consists of two years of school study, for students who have completed the 10-year basic cycle. It comprises two major tracks:
 +
:#'''Secondary education''', which can either be academic or [[vocational]]. At the end of the two-year period, students sit for the general secondary examination ([[Tawjihi]]) in the appropriate branch and those who pass are awarded the Tawjihi (General Secondary Education Certificate). The academic stream qualifies students for entrance to [[university|universities]], whereas the vocational or technical type qualifies for entrance to [[Community college]]s or universities or the [[job market]], provided they pass the two additional subjects.
 +
:#'''Vocational secondary education''', which provides intensive vocational training and [[apprenticeship]], and leads to the award of a Certificate (''not'' the Tawjihi). This type of education is provided by the Vocational Training Corporation, under the control of the Ministry of Labour / Technical and Vocational Education and Training Higher Council.
  
−
Following the Gulf War, Jordan largely restored its relations with Western countries through its participation in the Middle East peace process and enforcement of UN sanctions against Iraq. Relations between Jordan and the Gulf countries improved substantially after King Hussein's death. Following the fall of the Iraqi regime in 2003, Jordan has played a pivotal role in supporting the restoration of stability and security to Iraq. Jordan signed a memorandum of understanding with the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq to facilitate the training of up to 30,000 Iraqi police cadets at a Jordanian facility.
+
====Foreign secondary education programs====
 +
After completing the 8 or 10 years of basic education, Jordanians are free to choose any foreign secondary education program instead of the [[Tawjihi]] examinations (8 for IGCSE, 10 for SAT and IB). Such programs are usually offered by [[private school]]s. These programs include:
 +
*[[IGCSE]]
 +
*[[SAT]]
 +
*[[International Baccalaureate]]
 +
Private schools in Jordan also used to offer [[GCSE]] examinations, but they have now been replaced by IGCSE examinations.
  
−
Jordan signed a nonbelligerency agreement with Israel in Washington in 1994. The U.S. has participated with Jordan and Israel in trilateral development discussions in which key issues have been water-sharing and security, cooperation on Jordan Rift Valley development, infrastructure projects, and trade, finance, and banking issues. Jordan also participates in the multilateral peace talks.
+
Upon graduation, the ministry of Higher Education, through a system similar to that of the [[UK]] [[tariff]] points, transforms the Grades/Marks of these foreign educational programs, into the same marks used in grading Tawjihi students. This system is controversial, both as to the conversion process and the number of places allocated to non-Tawjihi applicants.  
  
−
Since the outbreak of the Intifadah in 2000, Jordan has worked hard, in a variety of fora, to maintain lines of communication between the Israelis and the Palestinians to counsel moderation and to return the parties to negotiations of outstanding permanent-status issues.
+
Another source of trouble is the system used to transform exam results of foreign education programs into the Tawjihi scale, which is a percentage out of 100. Again, some see the system as fair and in fact over lenient with non-Tawjihi graduates, while others see it as unfair.
  
−
Following the Intifadah, though, Jordan along with Egypt withdrew its ambassadors from Israel.  After the Sharm-al-Sheik Summit in Egypt in 2005, both countries announced plans to return ambassadors to the country.
+
===Higher education===
 +
{{seealso|List of universities in Jordan}}
 +
Access to higher education is open to holders of the General Secondary Education Certificate who can then choose between [[privately owned|private]] Community Colleges, [[publicly owned|public]] Community Colleges or universities (public and private). The credit-hour system, which entitles students to select courses according to a study plan, is implemented at universities.  At present, there are eight public universities plus two newly- licensed ones, and thirteen private universities plus four newly-licensed ones. All post-secondary education is the responsibility of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The Ministry includes the Higher Education Council and the Accreditation Council.
  
−
== Demographics ==
+
===Stages of studies===
 +
====Non-university level post-secondary studies====
 +
Non-university and vocational studies are offered in community colleges, access to which is open to holders of all types of general secondary education certificates. The two-to three-year programme encompasses many fields, such as Arts, Science, Management, Business Administration and Engineering.  As of 1997, all public Community Colleges are under the supervision of Al-Balqa Applied University. At the end of the two- or three-year course, students sit for a comprehensive examination (Al-Shamel). Those who pass are awarded the Associate Degree / Diploma.
  
−
Jordanians are Arab Semitic Levantines, except for a few small communities of Chechens, Circassians, Armenians, and [[Kurds]] who have adapted to Arab culture. The official language is [Arabic, but English is used widely in commerce and government. About 70% of Jordan's population is urban; less than 6% of the rural population is nomadic or semi-nomadic. Most people live where the rainfall supports agriculture. About 2.6 million persons registered as Palestinian refugees and displaced persons reside in Jordan, most as citizens.
+
====University level studies====
 +
*First stage: [[Undergraduate]] level
 +
The universities in Jordan follow the English-American education systems and associated with many American and English universities. Bachelor's Degrees normally take four years. In Dentistry, Pharmacy and Engineering, studies last for five years. In  Medicine, they last for six years, followed by an Internship which lasts for one year. The Bachelor's Degree requires a total of 126-164 credit hours, depending on the field of study.
  
−
== Culture ==
+
*Second stage: [[Postgraduate]] level
 +
A [[Master's degree]] is awarded after a further one to two years' study following a Bachelor's Degree. It can be obtained either by course work and a thesis (c. 24 credit hours of courses and nine credit hours of research), or by course work (c. 33 credit hours) and a comprehensive examination. Candidates should hold the Bachelor's Degree with "good" as a minimum rating.
  
 +
*Third stage: [[Doctorate]]
 +
A Doctorate Degree is awarded after three to five years of further study and the submission of an original dissertation. It requires, depending on the subject, 24 credit hours of course work and 24 credit hours of research. Candidates should hold a Master's Degree with "very good" as a minimum rating.
  
 +
*Teacher education: Training of pre-primary and primary/basic [[school teacher]]s
 +
Basic school teachers must hold a Bachelor's Degree.
 +
Training of secondary school teachers:
 +
Secondary school teachers must hold a Bachelor's Degree and a one-year postgraduate Higher Diploma in Education.
 +
Training of higher education teachers:
 +
They must hold a Doctorate (PhD). In some cases a Master's Degree is sufficient.
  
 +
*Non-traditional studies: Distance higher education
 +
This type of education is offered at the newly-established branch of the Arab Open University.
  
 +
====Lifelong higher education====
 +
Lifelong education is offered at public and private universities, public and private community colleges, the Jordan Institute of Public Administration, The Jordan Geographic Center and The Royal Scientific Society, as well as in other institutions. Courses are offered in Engineering, Industry, Agriculture, Foreign Languages, Computer Sciences, Managerial Sciences, Secretarial Studies, Physical Education and subjects that can help the local community. Courses last between one week and six months at the end of which students obtain a Certificate of Attendance or Achievement. The qualifications needed depend on the subject and level of the course.  Some are designed for specific occupations, in which case a work experience in the relevant field is needed to attend such courses.
  
−
+
==See also==
 +
{{columns|width=240px
 +
|col1=
 +
*[[Communications in Jordan]]
 +
*[[Foreign relations of Jordan]]
 +
*[[Gay rights in Jordan]]
 +
*[[Hashemite]]
 +
*[[Human rights in Jordan]]
 +
*[[List of Jordanians]]
 +
*[[List of Prime Ministers of Jordan]]
 +
*[[Tourism in Jordan]]
 +
|col2=
 +
*[[Military of Jordan]]
 +
*[[Public holidays in Jordan]]
 +
*[[Royal Jordanian Air Force]]
 +
*[[Royal Jordanian|Royal Jordanian Airlines]]
 +
*[[Jordanian Association for Boy Scouts and Girl Guides|Scouting and Guiding in Jordan]]
 +
*[[Transport in Jordan]]
 +
*[[Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy Cooperation|TREC]]*
 +
}}
 +
{{smaller|* Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy Cooperation}}
  
 +
==Notes and references==
 +
<div class="references-small">
 +
<references/>
 +
*[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/jo.html  CIA World Factbook]
 +
*[http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3464.htm  US State Department]
 +
*[http://www.britannica.com/nations/Jordan  Encyclopaedia Britannica]
 +
*[http://ccrs.nrcan.gc.ca/radar/spaceborne/radarsat1/action/int/jor/index_e.php National Resources Canada: Earth Sciences Sector]
 +
*[http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=6673668 npr.org]
 +
*[http://www.atlapedia.com/online/countries/jordan.htm atlapedia]
 +
*[http://www.atlapedia.com/online/countries/jordan.htm atlapedia]
 +
*[http://www.columbiagazetteer.org/public/Jordan.html  columbiagazetteer]
 +
*[http://www.macalester.edu/geography/courses/geog261/lwhite/Religion_and_demogrphics.html macalester]
 +
</div>
  
−
== External links ==
+
==External links==
 +
 
 +
 
 +
*[http://www.nic.gov.jo/En/nitce.htm National Information System (NIS)] Official Government Site ]
 +
*[http://www.film.jo/ The Royal Film Commission]
 +
*[http://www.ssc.gov.jo/ Social Security Corporation ]
 +
*[http://www.jordanembassyus.org Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Washington, D.C.]
 +
*[http://www.mohe.gov.jo  MOHE]
  
−
'''Government'''
 
−
* [http://www.nic.gov.jo/en/index.html National Information System (NIS)] Official Government Site
 
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
−
* [http://www.al-bab.com/arab/countries/jordan.htm Arab Gateway - ''Jordan'']
+
*[http://www.jiblondon.org Jordan Information Bureau in London]
−
* [http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/jo.html CIA World Factbook - ''Jordan'']
+
*[http://www.ruralpovertyportal.org/english/regions/asia/jor/index.htm Rural poverty in Jordan] ([[IFAD]])
−
* [http://dmoz.org/Regional/Middle_East/Jordan Open Directory Project - ''Jordan''] directory category
+
*[http://www.al-bab.com/arab/countries/jordan.htm Arab Gateway - ''Jordan'']
−
* [http://www.state.gov/p/nea/ci/jordan/ US State Department - ''Jordan''] includes Background Notes, Country Study and major reports
+
*[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/jo.html CIA World Factbook - ''Jordan'']
 +
*[http://digital.library.unt.edu/govdocs/crs/search.tkl?q=jordan&search_crit=subject&search=Search&date1=Anytime&date2=Anytime&type=form  Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports regarding Jordan]
 +
*[http://dmoz.org/Regional/Middle_East/Jordan Open Directory Project - ''Jordan''] directory category
 +
*[http://www.state.gov/p/nea/ci/jordan/ US State Department - ''Jordan''] includes Background Notes, Country Study and major reports
 +
*[http://www.visitjordan.com Jordan Tourism Board]
 +
 
 +
'''King and Queen'''
 +
*[http://www.kingabdullah.jo/homepage.php ''Homepage of King Abdullah II'']
 +
*[http://www.kinghussein.gov.jo ''Homepage of King Hussein''] - Tribute to [[King Hussein]]
 +
*[http://www.queenrania.jo/ ''Homepage of Queen Rania Al-Abdullah '']
 +
*[http://www.noor.gov.jo/index.htm ''Homepage of Queen Noor'']
 +
 
 
'''News'''
 
'''News'''
−
* [http://www.petra.gov.jo/Default.asp Jordan News Agency (Petra)]
+
*[http://www.petra.gov.jo/Default.asp Jordan News Agency (Petra)]  
−
* [http://www.jordanplanet.net/ Jordan Planet]
+
*[http://jordantimes.com/ Jordan Times] News
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* [http://www.jordanfirst.com/ Jordan First]
+
*[http://news.yahoo.com/fc/World/Jordan Yahoo! Full Coverage - ''Jordan''] headline links
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* [http://jordantimes.com/ Jordan Times] News
 
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* [http://news.yahoo.com/fc/World/Jordan Yahoo! Full Coverage - ''Jordan''] headline links
 
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'''Other'''
 
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* [http://www.come2jordan.com/ Jordan - The Ancient, Holy Land...]
 
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* [http://www.come2jordan.com/money/ Coins and Currency of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan]
 
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* [http://www.asinah.net/jordan.html Asinah - Jordan guide]
 
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* [http://www.go2petra.com Go2Petra] guide to Petra and other places in Jordan
 
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* [http://www.jordanlinks.com/ Jordanlinks Portal]
 
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* [http://www.jolug.org Jordan Linux Users Group]
 
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* [http://www.pa-chouvy.org/Photos/Jordanie/Jordanie2005.htm Photos of Jordan (Petra, Jerash, Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, Amman, etc.)]
 
  
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Revision as of 02:23, 16 May 2007

المملكة الأردنية الهاشمية
Al-Mamlakah al-Urdunniyyah al-Hāšimiyyah
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Flag of Jordan Coat of arms of Jordan
Flag Coat of arms
Anthem: عاش المليك
As-salam al-malaki al-urdoni (transliteration)1
Long live the King
Location of Jordan
Capital Amman
31°57′N 35°56′E
Largest city capital
Official languages Arabic
Government Constitutional monarchy
 - King Abdullah II
 - Prime Minister Marouf al-Bakhit
Independence  
 - End of British League of Nations mandate
25 May 1946 
Area
 - Total 89,342 km² (112th)
45,495 sq mi 
 - Water (%) negligible
Population
 - July 2005 estimate 5,350,000
 - 2003 census 4,755,000
 - Density 64/km²
166/sq mi
GDP (PPP) 2005 estimate
 - Total $27.96 billion
 - Per capita $4,825
HDI  (2004) Green Arrow Up (Darker).png 0.760 (medium)
Currency Jordanian dinar (JOD)
Time zone UTC+2 (UTC+2)
 - Summer (DST) UTC+3 (UTC+3)
Internet TLD .jo
Calling code +962

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, commonly called Jordan, is an Arab country in the Middle East. It is bordered by Syria to the north, Iraq to the northeast, Saudi Arabia to the east and south, and Israel and the West Bank to the west. It shares with Israel the coastlines of the Gulf of Aqaba and the Dead Sea. Jordan's principal religion is Islam, and its main language is Arabic.

The desert that comprises much of Jordanian territory is essentially the same desert that dominates Saudi Arabia. Most of the populace, though, resides in or near the capital, Amman. The size of the country, at more than 90,000 km², is close to that of Maine, but the population, under six million, is similar to Missouri's.

Geography

Map of Jordan

Jordan is a Middle Eastern country, bordered by Syria to the north, Iraq to the northeast, Saudi Arabia to the east and south and both Israel and the West Bank to the west. All these border lines add up to 1,619 kilometers (1,006 mi). The Gulf of Aqaba and the Dead Sea also touch the country, and thus Jordan has a coastline of 26 kilometers (16 mi).

Jordan consists mostly of arid desert plateau in the east, with Highland area in the west. The Great Rift Valley of the Jordan River separates Jordan and Israel. The highest point in the country is Jabal Ram (1,734 m; 5,689 ft), while the lowest is the Dead Sea (-486 m; -1,594 ft). Jordan is part of a region considered to be "the cradle of civilization".

Major cities include the capital Amman in the northwest, Irbid and Az Zarqa, both in the north.

The climate in Jordan is dry and hot, since the country is mainly desert. However, the western part of the country receives greater precipitation during the rainy season from November to March.

History

The ancient city of Petra.

With the break-up of the Ottoman Empire at the end of World War I, the League of Nations created the French Mandate Syria and British Mandate Palestine. Approximately 80% of the British Mandate of Palestine was east of the Jordan river and was known as "Transjordan". In 1921, the British gave semi-autonomous control of Transjordan to the future Abdullah I of Jordan, from the Hashemite family, who had lost their civil war with the House of Saud for control of Mecca and Medina.

Abdullah I was assassinated in 1951 but the Hashemites continued to rule Transjordan under British supervision until after World War II. In 1946, the British requested that the United Nations approve an end to British Mandate rule in Transjordan. Following this approval, the Jordanian Parliament proclaimed King Abdullah the first ruler of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. In 1950, Transjordan annexed the West Bank, which had been under its control since the armistice that followed the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. The annexation was recognized only by Great Britain (de facto in the case of East Jerusalem).

File:Kingabdullahbinhussein.jpg
King Abdullah I.

In 1965 there was an exchange of land between Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Jordan gave up a relatively large area of inland desert in return for a small piece of sea-shore near Aqaba.

Jordan signed a mutual defence pact in May 1967 with Egypt, and it participated in the June 1967 war against Israel along with Syria, Egypt, and Iraq. During the war, Jordan lost the West Bank and East Jerusalem to Israel (the western sector having been under Israeli control). In 1988, Jordan renounced all claims to the West Bank but retained an administrative role pending a final settlement, and its 1994 treaty with Israel allowed for a continuing Jordanian role in Muslim and Christian holy places in Jerusalem.

Refugees and Black September

The 1967 war led to a dramatic increase in the number of Palestinians, especially from the West Bank, living in Jordan. Its Palestinian refugee population — 700,000 in 1966 — grew by another 300,000 from the West Bank. The period following the 1967 war saw an upsurge in the power and importance of Palestinian resistance elements (fedayeen) in Jordan. The heavily armed fedayeen constituted a growing threat to the sovereignty and security of the Hashemite state, and open fighting erupted in June 1970. The battle in which Palestinian fighters from various Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) groups were expelled from Jordan is commonly known as Black September.

File:King-hussein.png
King Hussein

Other Arab governments attempted to work out a peaceful solution, but by September, continuing fedayeen actions in Jordan — including the destruction of three international airliners hijacked by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and held in the desert east of Amman — prompted the government to take action to regain control over its territory and population. In the ensuing heavy fighting, a Syrian tank force invaded northern Jordan to support the fedayeen but subsequently retreated. It is said by some people, such as Ahmad Jubreel, that King Hussein asked for help from Israel,[1] then Israel threatened that it would invade Jordan if Syria intervened.[2][3] By September 22, Arab foreign ministers meeting at Cairo had arranged a cease-fire beginning the following day. Sporadic violence continued, however, until Jordanian forces led by Habis Al-Majali, won a decisive victory over the fedayeen on July 1971, expelling them from the country.

At the Rabat summit conference in 1974, Jordan agreed, along with the rest of the Arab League, that the PLO was the "sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people", thereby relinquishing to that organization its role as representative of the West Bank Palestinians.

Post Black September and Peace Treaty

No fighting occurred along the 1967 Jordan River cease-fire line during the October 1973 Arab-Israeli war, but Jordan sent a brigade to Syria to fight Israeli units on Syrian territory. Jordan did not participate in the Gulf War of 1990–91. In 1991, Jordan agreed, along with Syria, Lebanon, and Palestinian fedayeen representatives, to participate in direct peace negotiations with Israel at the Madrid Conference, sponsored by the U.S. and Russia. It negotiated an end to hostilities with Israel and signed a declaration to that effect on July 25, 1994 (see Washington Declaration). As a result, an Israeli-Jordanian peace treaty was concluded on October 26, 1994. Following the outbreak of Israel-Palestinian Authority fighting in September 2000, the Jordanian government offered its good offices to both parties. Jordan has since sought to remain at peace with all of its neighbors.

Recent events

On November 9, 2005 Jordan experienced three simultaneous bombings at hotels in Amman. At least 57 people died and 115 were wounded. "Al-Qaeda in Iraq", a group led by terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a native Jordanian, claimed responsibility.

On September 4, 2006, a 38-year-old known criminal, took a pistol to a Roman amphitheatre in the capital of Amman and proceeded to shoot at a group of Western tourists. One British man was killed and five others tourists wounded, including a Jordanian tourist security guard. Later, in December of the same year, he was sentenced to death by hanging.

Politics

File:KingAbdullah2.jpg
King Abdullah II, Jordanian Head of State.


Constitution

Jordan is a constitutional monarchy based on the constitution promulgated on January 8 1952. Executive authority is vested in the king and his council of ministers. The king signs and executes all laws. His veto power may be overridden by a two-thirds vote of both houses of the National Assembly. He appoints and may dismiss all judges by decree, approves amendments to the constitution, declares war, and commands the armed forces. Cabinet decisions, court judgments, and the national currency are issued in his name. The council of ministers, led by a prime minister, is appointed by the king, who may dismiss other cabinet members at the prime minister's request. The cabinet is responsible to the Chamber of Deputies on matters of general policy and can be forced to resign by a two-thirds vote of "no confidence" by that body.

The constitution provides for three categories of courts: civil, religious, and special. Administratively, Jordan is divided into twelve governorates, each headed by a governor appointed by the king. They are the sole authorities for all government departments and development projects in their respective areas.

The Royal Armed Forces and General Intelligence Department of Jordan are under the control of the king.

Legal system and legislation

Jordan's legal system is based on Islamic law and French codes. Judicial review of legislative acts occurs in a special High Tribunal. It has not accepted compulsory International Court of Justice jurisdiction.

Legislative power rests in the bicameral National Assembly. The 110-member Chamber of Deputies, elected by universal suffrage ("one person, one vote"), to a four-year term, is subject to dissolution by the king. Nine seats are reserved for Christians, six for women, and three for Circassians and Chechens. The forty-member Senate is appointed by the king for a four-year term.

Kings of Jordan and political events

King Abdullah I ruled Jordan after independence from Britain. After the assassination of King Abdullah I in 1951, his son King Talal ruled briefly. King Talal's major accomplishment was the Jordanian constitution. King Talal was removed from the throne in 1952 due to mental illness. At that time his son, Hussein, was too young to rule, and hence a committee ruled over Jordan.

After Hussein reached 18, he ruled Jordan as king from 1953 to 1999, surviving a number of challenges to his rule, drawing on the loyalty of his military, and serving as a symbol of unity and stability for both the Bedouin-related and Palestinian communities in Jordan. King Hussein ended martial law in 1991 and legalized political parties in 1992. In 1989 and 1993, Jordan held free and fair parliamentary elections. Controversial changes in the election law led Islamist parties to boycott the 1997 elections.

King Abdullah II succeeded his father Hussein following the latter's death in February 1999. Abdullah moved quickly to reaffirm Jordan's peace treaty with Israel and its relations with the United States. Abdullah, during the first year in power, refocused the government's agenda on economic reform.

Jordan's continuing structural economic difficulties, burgeoning population, and more open political environment led to the emergence of a variety of political parties. Moving toward greater independence, Jordan's parliament has investigated corruption charges against several regime figures and has become the major forum in which differing political views, including those of political Islamists, are expressed. While King Abdullah remains the ultimate authority in Jordan, the parliament plays an important role.

Governorates

Governorates of Jordan

Administratively, Jordan is divided into 12 governorates, each headed by a governor appointed by the king. They are the sole authorities for all government departments and development projects in their respective areas. The governorates are:

  • Ajlun
  • Amman
  • Aqaba
  • Balqa
  • Irbid
  • Jerash
  • Kerak
  • Ma'an
  • Madaba
  • Mafraq
  • Tafilah
  • Zarqa

The governorates are subdivided into approximately fifty-two nahias.

Economy

One of Amman's (Jordan's capital) hotels.

Jordan is a small country with limited natural resources. The country is currently exploring ways to expand its limited water supply and use its existing water resources more efficiently, including through regional cooperation. Jordan also depends on external sources for the majority of its energy requirements. During the 1990s, its crude petroleum needs were met through imports from Iraq and neighboring countries. Since early 2003, oil has been provided by some Gulf Cooperation Council member countries. In addition, the Arab Gas Pipeline from Egypt to the southern port city of Aqaba was completed in 2003. The government plans to extend this pipeline north to the Amman area and beyond. Since 2000, exports of light manufactured products, principally textiles and garments manufactured in the Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZ) that enter the United States tariff and quota free, have been driving economic growth. Jordan exported €5.6 million ($6.9 million) in goods to the U.S. in 1997, when two-way trade was €321 million ($395 million); it exported €538 million ($661 million) in 2002 with two-way trade at €855 million ($1.05 billion). Similar growth in exports to the United States under the bilateral US-Jordan Free Trade Agreement that went into effect in December 2001, to the European Union under the bilateral Association Agreement, and to countries in the region, holds considerable promise for diversifying Jordan's economy away from its traditional reliance on exports of phosphates and potash, overseas remittances, and foreign aid. The government has emphasized the information technology (IT) and tourism sectors as other promising growth sectors. The low tax and low regulation Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) is considered a model of a government-provided framework for private sector-led economic growth.

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States[4] that went into effect in December 2001 will phase out duties on nearly all goods and services by 2010. The agreement also provides for more open markets in communications, construction, finance, health, transportation, and services, as well as strict application of international standards for the protection of intellectual property. In 1996, Jordan and the United States signed a civil aviation agreement that provides for "open skies" between the two countries, and a U.S.-Jordan treaty for the protection and encouragement of bilateral investment entered into force in 2003. Jordan has been a member of the World Trade Organization since 2000.

Textile and clothing exports from Jordan to the United States shot up 2,000 percent from 2000 to 2005, following introduction of the FTA. According to the National Labor Committee, a U.S.-based NGO, Jordan has experienced sharp increases in sweatshop conditions in its export-oriented manufacturing sector.[5]

Jordan is classified by the World Bank as a "lower middle income country." The per-capita GDP was approximately $1,817 (€1,479) for 2003 and 14.5% of the economically active population, on average, was unemployed in 2003. The GDP per capita in 2005 is at $USD 4,200. Education and literacy rates and measures of social well-being are relatively high compared to other countries with similar incomes. Jordan's population growth rate is high, but has declined in recent years, to approximately 2.8% currently. One of the most important factors in the government’s efforts to improve the well-being of its citizens is the macroeconomic stability that has been achieved since the 1990s. However, unemployment rates remain high, with the official figure standing at 12.5%, and the unofficial around 30%. Rates of price inflation are low, at 2.3% in 2003, and the currency has been stable with an exchange rate fixed to the U.S. dollar since 1995.

While pursuing economic reform and increased trade, Jordan's economy will continue to be vulnerable to external shocks and regional unrest. Without calm in the region, economic growth seems destined to stay below potential. On the positive side, however, there is huge potential in the solar energy falling on Jordan's deserts, not only for the generation of pollution-free electricity but also for such spin-offs as desalination of sea water (see Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy Cooperation (TREC)).

Tourism

The Corinthian column is a popular tourist attraction in Jerash.

Tourism is a very important sector of the Jordanian economy, contributing between 10 percent and 12 percent to the country's Gross National Product in 2006. In addition to the country's political stability, the geography offered makes Jordan an attractive tourism destination. Jordan's major tourist activities include numerous ancient places, its unique desert castles and unspoilt natural locations to its cultural and religious sites. The best known attractions include:

  • Ancient sightseeing
    • Petra in Ma'an, the home of the Nabateans, is a complete city carved in a mountain. The huge rocks are colorful, mostly pink, and the entrance to the ancient city is through a 1.25km narrow gorge in the mountain - called the Siq. In the city are various structures, all (except 2) are carved into rock, including al Khazneh - known as the Treasury - which is now nominated by the New Seven Wonders organisation to be one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Other major sites of interest in Petra include the Monastery, the Roman theatre, the Royal Tombs, the High Place of Sacrifice. Petra was rediscovered for the western world by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812.
    • Umm Qais, a town located on the site of the ruined Hellenistic-Roman city of Gadara.
    • Ajlun, famous for the Islamic al-Rabadh Castle.
    • Jerash, famous for its its ancient Roman architecture, including the colonnaded streets, arches, Roman theatres, and the Oval Plaza.
      File:First Glimpse.jpg
      The treasury, as seen from al-Siq.
    • Amman contains the Roman theater, in addition to several museums, where one may find remains of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
File:Al Azrak castle2.jpg
An Arabian Desert castle in Al Azrak
    • Al Karak contains an important castle from the times of Salah al-Din, known as Al-Karak Castle.
  • Religion-related
    • Madaba, well known for its mosaics, as well as important religious sites such as:
  • Seaside
    • The Dead Sea - It is the lowest point on earth, 402 meters below sea level,[6] and becomes 1 meter lower each year.[7] It is located near River Jordan.
    • Aqaba is a town on the shore of the Gulf of Aqaba with numerous shopping centers, hotels and access to water sports.
File:Spring in jordan22.jpg
Spring in northern Jordan
  • Other Tourist Sites
    • Wadi Rum is a desert full of mountains and hills located south of Jordan. It is popular for its

sights in addition to a variety of sports that are practiced there, such as rock-climbing. It is also known for its connection to Lawrence of Arabia.

    • Amman is a very modern city with lots of shopping malls, shopping centers, hotels and an ancient Roman amphitheatre etc.
    • Mahis with important religious sites, and wonderful landscape.
    • Al-Omwia's Palace which is placed to the north east of Jordan, with Islamic design

Influence of the Middle East conflict

The ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict, the Gulf War, and other conflicts in the Middle East have made huge impacts on the economy of Jordan. The fact that Jordan has peace with the surrounding countries, combined with its stability, has made it a preference for many Palestinians, Lebanese, and people from the Persian Gulf immigrants and refugees. Though this may have resulted in a more active economy, it has also damaged it by substantially decreasing the amount of resources each person is entitled to. Jordan has a law that states that any Palestinian may immigrate and obtain Jordanian citizenship, but must remit his/her Palestinian claim. It should also be noted that Palestinians are not allowed to purchase land unless they give up their Palestinian citizenship. This violence has also led to a rise of extremism in Jordan. In November 2005, King Abdullah called for a "war on extremism" in the wake of three suicide bombings in Amman.

Foreign relations

King Abdullah II on a visit to The Pentagon.

Jordan has consistently followed a pro-Western foreign policy and traditionally has had close relations with the United States and the United Kingdom. These relations were damaged by Jordan's neutrality and maintaining relations with Iraq during the first Gulf War. Jordan has a well earned reputation for usually following a pragmatic and non-confrontational foreign policy, leading to fair relations with its neighbours.

Following the Gulf war, Jordan largely restored its relations with Western countries through its participation in the Middle East peace process and enforcement of UN sanctions against Iraq. Relations between Jordan and the Gulf countries improved substantially after King Hussein's death. Following the fall of the Iraqi regime, Jordan has played a pivotal role in supporting the restoration of stability and security to Iraq. The Government of Jordan signed a memorandum of understanding with the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq to facilitate the training of up to 30,000 Iraqi police cadets at a Jordanian facility.

Jordan signed a nonbelligerency agreement with Israel (the Washington Declaration) in Washington, DC, on 25 July 1994. King Hussein and Yitzhak Rabin negotiated this treaty. Jordan and Israel signed a historic peace treaty on 26 October 1994, witnessed by President Bill Clinton, accompanied by US Secretary, Warren Christopher. The U.S. has participated with Jordan and Israel in trilateral development discussions in which key issues have been water-sharing and security; cooperation on Jordan Rift Valley development; infrastructure projects; and trade, finance, and banking issues. Jordan also participates in the multilateral peace talks. Jordan belongs to the UN and several of its specialized and related agencies, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and World Health Organization (WHO). Jordan also is a member of the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Nonaligned Movement (NAM), and Arab League.

Since the outbreak of the Al-Aqsa Intifada in September 2000, Jordan has worked hard, in a variety of forums, to maintain lines of communication between the Israelis and the Palestinians to counsel moderation and to return the parties to negotiations of outstanding permanent status issues.

Following the Al-Aqsa Intifada, though, Jordan along with Egypt withdrew its ambassadors from Israel. Following the Sharm-al-Sheik Summit in Egypt on 8 February 2005, both countries announced plans to return ambassadors to the country.

Demographics

Graph showing the population of Jordan from 1960 to 2005.

Jordan has a population of 6 million. Most of the Bedouin population descend from the Hejaz.[8] or tribal origins and account for around 40-45% of the population[1].[8] However, 50 to 55%[2] of Jordan’s population are from Palestinian origins, many of whom fled from Palestine to Transjordan and gained citizenship after the Arab-Israeli wars in 1948 and 1967.[9] The remaining 5% of the population come from different ethnic minorities such as Circassians, Chechens, Armenians (13th largest in the world) and Kurds. Many Jordanians are also of Turkish and East European descent, as many Jordanian expatriates who reside in East European countries marry there.

The number of Lebanese permanently settling in Jordan since the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict has not been established, and is estimated to be very little.

Christians form approximately 6% of the population and have 9% of the seats in parliament. Most Christians belong to the Greek Orthodox church (called "Room Urthudux" in Arabic). The rest are Roman Catholics (called "Lateen"), Eastern Catholics (called "Room Katoleek" to distinguish them from "Western Catholics"), and various Protestant communities including Baptists. Christians in Jordan are of many nationalities, as evinced, for example, by the Catholic mass being celebrated in Arabic, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Tagalog and Sinhala, as well as in Iraqi dialects of Arabic.

Since the Iraq War,[citation needed] many Christians from Iraq have settled permanently or temporarily in Jordan.

The official language is Arabic, but English is used widely in commerce and government and among educated people. Arabic and English are obligatorily taught at public and private schools. French is taught at some public and private schools but is not obligatory.

About 3 million people registered as Palestinian refugees and displaced persons reside in Jordan, most as citizens. Since 2003 many Iraqis fleeing the Iraq War have settled in Jordan; latest estimates indicate between 700,000 and 1.7 million Iraqis living in Jordan; mainly in Amman, the capital.[10]

Culture

  • Music of Jordan
  • Religion in Jordan (Islam in Jordan, Christianity in Jordan)
  • Sports in Jordan
  • Restaurants in Jordan
  • Art in Jordan
  • Public Holidays in Jordan

Education

Jordan has given great attention to education in particular. Its educational system is of international standards and its secondary education program is accepted in world-class universities.

School education

School education in Jordan could be categorized into two sections:

  • Secondary education, which consists of two years of school study, for students who have completed the 10-year basic cycle. It comprises two major tracks:
  1. Secondary education, which can either be academic or vocational. At the end of the two-year period, students sit for the general secondary examination (Tawjihi) in the appropriate branch and those who pass are awarded the Tawjihi (General Secondary Education Certificate). The academic stream qualifies students for entrance to universities, whereas the vocational or technical type qualifies for entrance to Community colleges or universities or the job market, provided they pass the two additional subjects.
  2. Vocational secondary education, which provides intensive vocational training and apprenticeship, and leads to the award of a Certificate (not the Tawjihi). This type of education is provided by the Vocational Training Corporation, under the control of the Ministry of Labour / Technical and Vocational Education and Training Higher Council.

Foreign secondary education programs

After completing the 8 or 10 years of basic education, Jordanians are free to choose any foreign secondary education program instead of the Tawjihi examinations (8 for IGCSE, 10 for SAT and IB). Such programs are usually offered by private schools. These programs include:

  • IGCSE
  • SAT
  • International Baccalaureate

Private schools in Jordan also used to offer GCSE examinations, but they have now been replaced by IGCSE examinations.

Upon graduation, the ministry of Higher Education, through a system similar to that of the UK tariff points, transforms the Grades/Marks of these foreign educational programs, into the same marks used in grading Tawjihi students. This system is controversial, both as to the conversion process and the number of places allocated to non-Tawjihi applicants.

Another source of trouble is the system used to transform exam results of foreign education programs into the Tawjihi scale, which is a percentage out of 100. Again, some see the system as fair and in fact over lenient with non-Tawjihi graduates, while others see it as unfair.

Higher education

Access to higher education is open to holders of the General Secondary Education Certificate who can then choose between private Community Colleges, public Community Colleges or universities (public and private). The credit-hour system, which entitles students to select courses according to a study plan, is implemented at universities. At present, there are eight public universities plus two newly- licensed ones, and thirteen private universities plus four newly-licensed ones. All post-secondary education is the responsibility of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The Ministry includes the Higher Education Council and the Accreditation Council.

Stages of studies

Non-university level post-secondary studies

Non-university and vocational studies are offered in community colleges, access to which is open to holders of all types of general secondary education certificates. The two-to three-year programme encompasses many fields, such as Arts, Science, Management, Business Administration and Engineering. As of 1997, all public Community Colleges are under the supervision of Al-Balqa Applied University. At the end of the two- or three-year course, students sit for a comprehensive examination (Al-Shamel). Those who pass are awarded the Associate Degree / Diploma.

University level studies

  • First stage: Undergraduate level

The universities in Jordan follow the English-American education systems and associated with many American and English universities. Bachelor's Degrees normally take four years. In Dentistry, Pharmacy and Engineering, studies last for five years. In Medicine, they last for six years, followed by an Internship which lasts for one year. The Bachelor's Degree requires a total of 126-164 credit hours, depending on the field of study.

  • Second stage: Postgraduate level

A Master's degree is awarded after a further one to two years' study following a Bachelor's Degree. It can be obtained either by course work and a thesis (c. 24 credit hours of courses and nine credit hours of research), or by course work (c. 33 credit hours) and a comprehensive examination. Candidates should hold the Bachelor's Degree with "good" as a minimum rating.

  • Third stage: Doctorate

A Doctorate Degree is awarded after three to five years of further study and the submission of an original dissertation. It requires, depending on the subject, 24 credit hours of course work and 24 credit hours of research. Candidates should hold a Master's Degree with "very good" as a minimum rating.

  • Teacher education: Training of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers

Basic school teachers must hold a Bachelor's Degree. Training of secondary school teachers: Secondary school teachers must hold a Bachelor's Degree and a one-year postgraduate Higher Diploma in Education. Training of higher education teachers: They must hold a Doctorate (PhD). In some cases a Master's Degree is sufficient.

  • Non-traditional studies: Distance higher education

This type of education is offered at the newly-established branch of the Arab Open University.

Lifelong higher education

Lifelong education is offered at public and private universities, public and private community colleges, the Jordan Institute of Public Administration, The Jordan Geographic Center and The Royal Scientific Society, as well as in other institutions. Courses are offered in Engineering, Industry, Agriculture, Foreign Languages, Computer Sciences, Managerial Sciences, Secretarial Studies, Physical Education and subjects that can help the local community. Courses last between one week and six months at the end of which students obtain a Certificate of Attendance or Achievement. The qualifications needed depend on the subject and level of the course. Some are designed for specific occupations, in which case a work experience in the relevant field is needed to attend such courses.

See also

  • Communications in Jordan
  • Foreign relations of Jordan
  • Gay rights in Jordan
  • Hashemite
  • Human rights in Jordan
  • List of Jordanians
  • List of Prime Ministers of Jordan
  • Tourism in Jordan
  • Military of Jordan
  • Public holidays in Jordan
  • Royal Jordanian Air Force
  • Royal Jordanian Airlines
  • Scouting and Guiding in Jordan
  • Transport in Jordan
  • TREC



* Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy Cooperation

Notes and references

  1. ↑ (Arabic) Aljazeera.net article.
  2. ↑ Black September at History Central.
  3. ↑ Jordan Expels the PLO in 1970, Palestine Facts.
  4. ↑ Jordan-US FTA.
  5. ↑ NLCNet.
  6. ↑ The Dead Sea, NPR
  7. ↑ [http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php? The high concentration of salt in the Dead Sea makes it virtually impossible to sink in the water. storyId=6673668 Dead Sea's Water Level Receding Fast], NPR
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Jordan, Atlapedia Online
  9. ↑ Jordan Demographics and Geography, Columbia Gazetteer
  10. ↑ The New Iraqi Diaspora, Hii Dunia, January 2007

External links

General information

King and Queen

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