JORDAN

Jordan can be described in just a few words as

contrasting,charming and amazing. It is one of the most hospitable
countries in the world, with beautiful landscapes,being a real open-
air museum, where you can see the transition from old to new.
Located at the intersection of the three
continents,Asia,Africa and Europe,Jordan is a cultural and religious
mix.
Officially called the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, it is a
small Arab country in the Middle East. It borders Syria to the north,
Saudi Arabia to the east and south, Israel and the Palestinian
National Authority to the west and Iraq to the northeast.It has
access to the Dead Sea and the Red Sea.The only natural border
is the Jordan River,which divides the territory into the West Bank
and the East Bank.It is a Muslim country whose name has deep
biblical roots, coming from the name of Jordan River,which in turn
comes from Or (pit) and Dan (one of the twelve sons of Jacob in
Genesis).

It has a population of around six million inhabitants.

 The main religion is Sunni Islam, but there is also a
Christian minority.
The official language is Arabic.
Its currency is the Jordanian dinar.
The capital is the city of Amman, the most important city
and an important economic, political and cultural center.
It is administratively divided into 12 governorates, which in
turn are divided into 12 nawahi.
The country’s climate is Mediterrabean combined with
desert,arid.
The national symbol is the black iris ,which groves only in
the Wadi Rum desert and only during spring.
The most common tree in Jordan is the olive tree.
The traditional food is Mansaf, a consistent,interesting and
very tasty Bedouin recipe, made from lamb cooked in a fermented
yogurt sauce and served with rice.
The territory of the country is rich in history, beginning to be
mentioned around 2000 BC.
The state industry is closely linked to the extraction of
phosphates,potassium, iron, nickel, lead and the refining of
oil.Many small industries have been developed-canned fruits and
vegetables,cigarettes, olive oil, soap.Tomatoes, olives, tobacco,
citrus and wheat are mainly grown in agriculture. Unlike other Arab
countries, Jordan does not have its own oil resources.
Jordan is a country rich in tourist attractions, with a strong
religious and historical significance for mankind.It is the cradle of
many religious sites: the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized
by John the Baptist, Sodom and Gomorrah,Mount Nebo.
 One of the most visited tourist attractions is the city of
Amman, the country’s capital. It is a historic city,dressed in white
stone houses,but also modern,flanked by skyscrapers in the new
area. It was once called Philadelphia and was originally built on
seven hills such as Ancient Rome.Not to be missed are the Al
Husseini Mosque,the archeological area of the Citadel Hill, the
Temple of Hercules, the Byzantine Church and the Roman
Theater, the Royal Automobile Museum,but also multitude of
terraces, bars and restaurants that liven up especially in the
evening.

Petra is one of the most famous archeological sites and

one of the seven wonders of the modern world. The ancient
fortress of Petra was carved in a canyon, being a real fortress
unconquerable. Among the temples dug directly into the rock, the
best known is the greek-style “Tresury”, 42 meters high, where the
final part of the film “Indiana Jones” was poured. In ancient times
the city was called Rekem and still bears the name “Rose City”
(because it was dug into a red rock) or “The Lost City Found”.To
everyone’s delight, the famous city was included on the UNESCO
World Heritage List.

The Wadi Rum Desert,known as the Valley of the Moon,is

a paradise for adventurous travelers,a gem of the Jordanian
desert. The name of this place is also linked to the name of Officer
Lawrence ,who,falling in love with these lands,started a war to help
the Muslims free themselves from Ottoman rule.

The lowest land point in the world is the bottom of the

Dead Sea (located 420 meters below the level of the planet’s
ocean).The salinity is very high,so you simply float in the water
whatever you do.The mud and mineral waters of the Dead Sea are
known for their therapeutic and cosmetic properties , so that the
spa and wellness centers in the area are among the most
established in the world.

Aqaba is the only port in Jordan and the most sought after
tourist resort in the country,competing with exclusive destinations
in the United Arab Emirates.

In Madaba there is only one Christian church,dedicated to

Saint George,which houses one of the treasures of history,a map
of the Holy Land,which is believed to be the oldest, being worked in
the form of a mosaic.
Just 10 km from Madaba is Mount Nebo,1000 meters
high,.It is the mountain from which Moses stepped to the Promised
Land and where he died,being a place of pilgrimage for the Jewish
world as well as for Christians.

The city of Jerash is one of the most preserved sites of

Roman architecture in the world.
Such places full of history and culture fuel the desire to visit
them as soon as possible,