Destination: Jordan

Jordan Highlights
Jordan, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is an Arab country in Western Asia, on the East Bank of the Jordan River. Jordan is bordered by Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria and Israel. The capital is Amman which is Jordan's most populous city as well as the country's economic, political and cultural centre. It has a population of about 10 million people, of which 2.9 million people are non-citizens. 98% of Jordan's population are Arabs. Modern Standard Arabic is the official language of Jordan.

History and Government
Jordan is a land steeped in history. It has been home to some of mankind's earliest settlements and villages, and relics of many of the world's great civilizations can still be seen today. The lands of Jordan and Palestine have served as a strategic nexus connecting Asia, Africa and Europe. Thus, since the dawn of civilization, Jordan's geography has given it an important role to play as a conduit for trade and communications, connecting east and west, north and south. Jordan’s central government is headed by a prime minister appointed by the king, who also chooses the cabinet.

Geography and Environment
Much of Jordan is a barren desert. The north-western part of the country is part of the so-called Fertile Crescent. The other fertile area consists of the highlands forming the eastern edge of the Jordan Valley.

Culture
Jordan’s culture is a pleasant jumble of old and new. Due to its location at the crossroads of the three continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa, the country’s culture is influenced by Arabic, Islamic, and Western elements. Jordan can be regarded for a typically Arab country for its people are very warm, friendly and hospitable. Jordanians are typically happy to forgive foreigners who break the rules of etiquette. However, visitors seen to be making an effort to observe local customs will undoubtedly win favour.

Festivals
Festivals in Jordan are a large part of the culture and community. From the arts to the theatre, dance, and food, various annual festivals in Jordan help to bring both locals and tourists together in a variety of ways. Here are some of the annual festivals in Jordan. Aqaba traditional arts festival, which promotes and preserves the culture of the Bedouin people and community in the region. Azraq festival is one of the biggest cultural events not only in all of the country. The festival is inclusive and attracts both locals from the region and tourists who all want to enjoy the music, dancing, food, and crafts of the festival.

Cuisine
Jordanian cuisine has developed over many centuries. Baking, grilling, roasting, sautéeing, etc., are some of the many techniques used in the cuisine. A wide variety of meat like beef, lamb, goat, and poultry are consumed. Carrots, greens, and eggplants are the most commonly eaten vegetables. Olive oil is an important ingredient and most cooking is done using this oil. Mansaf (lamb cooked in fermented yogurt, and served with rice or bulgur) is Jordan’s national dish. The zarb is another traditional dish consisting of rice served with slow-cooked lamb prepared in a taboon (a submerged oven). Hummus and falafel are also eaten. Baklava, halva, knafeh, etc., are some popular desserts. Turkish coffee and tea flavored with sage and mint are everyday drinks. Arabic coffee is offered on more formal occasions.

Best Time to Visit Jordan
Jordan experiences four seasons - spring, summer, autumn and winter. It's largely considered a year-round destination with long, hot and dry summers and short cool winters. Despite being a relatively small country, Jordan has a diverse landscape and the climate does vary depending on the terrain and altitude. The best time to visit Jordan is during the spring (March - May) and autumn (September to November) months. At these times of the year the temperatures are cool enough to spend your days exploring Jordan's iconic sites.

Tourist Attractions
The Middle Eastern country of Jordan is one of the most modern, safe and friendly nations in the region. It offers visitors a chance to learn about its rich history and culture, glimpse at some of the most spectacular sights in the world, and get in touch with magnificent natural wonders. One of the most popular places to visit in Jordan is Petra, usually tourists’ top reason for choosing Jordan in the first place. A true wonder, the Wadi Rum protected desert in southern Jordan is definitely worth a visit on Jordan tour. The landscapes here are seriously breathtaking. Jordan only has one coastal city – Aqaba, located on the Red Sea. The waters here are warm, the weather is wonderful, and it makes for a great base to explore some nearby sites.