Here are some quick facts about the country of Jordan that you may find interesting and useful.

Official Name

Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

 

Language

Arabic, English

 

Population

5,760,000

 

Terrain

Mostly desert plateau, with a fertile highland area in the Northwest.

 

Climate

About 75 percent of the country can be described as having a desert climate with very little annual rainfall. July and August are the hottest and driest months of the year, especially in Amman and the Jordan Valley. In the desert areas, temperatures reach over 97°F (36°C). Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to visit with clear, sunny days and moderate temperatures. The winter months from November to April can be very cold, particularly in Amman, with snow, rain and wind, but there is little rainfall in the desert regions.

 

Currency

Dinar, or JD. Subdivided into 1000 fils, or 100 qirsh or piasters. Paper notes of 20, 10, 5, 1, and 0.5 JD denominations. Coins in denominations of 1 JD, or 500, 250, 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5 fils. Daily exchange rate is published in local newpapers. Currency can be exchanged at any bank in Jordan. There is a commission charge for exchanging travelers' checks. There are authorized moneychangers in Amman which usually provide a slightly better rate of excahnge than banks. Hotels of 3 stars and above will also exchange currency but at a slightly less favorable rate. Credit cards are accepted at most large establishments. You can also use your credit card to draw cash at any bank linked with your credit card network. Click here to check the current exchange rate.

 

Tipping

Most better hotels and restaurants will add a 10% gratuity to your bill, while smaller businesses will expect a tip based on service. Taxi drivers are generally not tipped but it is customary to round up the meter price. Change for large bills can be difficult, so be sure to carry plenty of small bills and coins if you plan to use taxis.

 

Weights and Measures

Metric system. Length is counted in meters, distances in kilometers, weight in kilograms, and volume in liters. Land may be measured by dunum, with 1 dunum equivalent to approx. 1000 square meters (10,760 square feet).

 

Electrical Current

220 volts/50 cycles AC. Sockets are typically two-pronged European type, with a variety of other socket types, especially 13 amp square 3-pin plugs. It is recommended to bring a multi-purpose adapter. American equipment requires both an adapter and a transformer.

 

Food

The Middle East enjoys one of the world's most sophisticated and elaborate cuisines, and is rated among the finest foods in the world. Even those that are health conscious will be satisfied, as many dishes are made with grain, cheese, yogurt, fresh and dried fruits and vegetables. Jordan's cuisine is unique and is part of their distinctive culinary heritage. Two Jordanian delicacies are Mansaf, the national dish of Jordan, and Stuffed Baby Lamb.