Jordan

Middle East

Middle East, northwest of Saudi Arabia.

Allah Al-Watan Al-Malek "God,Homeland, The King"		31.5878945N 36.7932129E
King of Jordan Abdullah II of Jordan	Prime Minister Samir Rifai

Capital

Amman

Government

Constitutional monarchy

Religion

Sunni Muslim 92% (official), Christian 6% (majority Greek Orthodox, but some Greek and Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and Protestant denominations), other 2% (several small Shia Muslim and Druze populations). 

Population

6,508,271

Ethnic group

Arab 98%, Circassian 1%, Armenian 1%.

National Language                   

Arabic

          

National Day

25 May 1946 (from U K)

Anthem

The Royal Anthem of Jordan (As-salam al-malaki al-urdoni)

Currency

Jordanian dinar (JOD)

Attractions

Dead Sea,  Jerash,  Mount Nebo,  Wadi Rum

Website  

Art & Cultural

The ICON

Qasr Amra Qasr Amra often Quseir Amra or Qusayr Amra, is the best-known of the desert castles located in present-day eastern Jordan. It was built early in the 8th century (probably between 711 and 715) by the Umayyad caliph Walid I whose dominance of the region was rising at the time. It is considered one of the most important examples of early Islamic art and architecture. The building is actually the remnant of a larger complex that included an actual castle, of which only the foundation remains. What stands today is a small country cabin, meant as a royal retreat, without any military function. It is most notable for the frescoes that remain on the ceilings inside, which depict hunting, naked women and, above one bath chamber, an accurate representation of the zodiac. These have led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of three in the country. That status, and its location along Jordan's major east-west highway, relatively close to Amman, have made it a frequent tourist destination.

Petra