Jordan is a secular state. Arab country Jordan - Kingdom of Jordan: description

Jordan is a country in the Middle East. It was founded relatively recently in 1946. Officially, the name of the state sounds like the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Here is a new wonder of the world - Petra (ancient city). There are only seven such objects worldwide. These include famous architectural structures.

a brief description of

Jordan (the country of Jordan) is lost in the east among the deserts, which occupy more than 90% of the entire territory of the state. It borders Syria on the north side, Iraq on the northeast, Palestine on the west, and Saudi Arabia on the south and east. In the west the country is washed by the Dead Sea, in the south-west by the Red Sea. The border between Jordan and Israel is the river. Jordan. The area of ​​the state is only 92.3 thousand square meters. km, the capital is Amman. It ranks 110th in the world in terms of area.

Let's look into history

Thanks to archaeological excavations, it has been found out that the first people lived in the territory of the valley) as early as 250 thousand years ago. These were Neanderthals and ancient Homo sapiens. This is evidenced by the found remains and tools. In ancient times, the territory belonged first to the Greeks, and then to the Roman Empire. At this time, the first cities began to be built - Amman, Pela, Dion, Jarash. In the Middle Ages, Jordan (the country of Jordan) was part of. During this period, Islam was planted here. From 1517 to 1918 it belonged to the Ottoman Empire, and at the beginning of the 20th century it passed to Great Britain. Jordan gained independence only in 1946.

Climatic features and relief

Most of the territory lies within the borders of a desert plateau with an average height of 800-1000 m. There are low hills and mountains. The highest point that Jordan (the country of Jordan) has is the city of Umm ed-Dami (1,854 m). On the local territory there is a unique geographical object - the lowest land on the planet - the Dead Sea (-465m).

Jordan is a country with a hot and dry climate. Deserts have a great influence on its formation. Precipitation is only 200 mm/year. Only in the western part of the country, due to its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, there is a more humid climate and a rainy season in autumn.

Population

The population density is 68 people per 1 km 2. About 9 million people live in Jordan. For many Palestinian refugees, the Arab country of Jordan has become home. The population allows Jordan to take 106th place in the world.

The vast majority (95%) are Arabs. Circassians, Armenians, Kurds, Chechens also live in the country. By religious affiliation, the majority of the inhabitants are Muslims (more than 90%), 6% are Christians (Orthodox, Catholics, Protestant societies). The rest belongs to religious minorities - Ismailis, Baha'is. There are practically no atheists in the country.

Language and controls

The official language of Jordan is Arabic. It conducts office work, documentation, publishes newspapers, speaks on television and on the radio. However, a long period in the British kingdom also left its mark - English is also common in the country, which is studied in schools.

Jordan (country Jordan) is a kingdom where the form of government is the head of state - the king. He has the executive power, and the legislative power is limited to Parliament. At present, Abdullah II is the heir to the Hamish dynasty - direct descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. He is also the commander-in-chief.

Administrative divisions and transport

According to the administrative-territorial division, Jordan is divided into 12 regions (governors). Each region is headed by a governor who is appointed by the king. Regions, in turn, are divided into districts. There are 52 of them in Jordan.

Transport in the country is developed. There is a large airport not far from the capital, a railway line passes through the territory, and buses run in and between cities.

Economy

During its existence, Jordan experienced many economic crises. In the late 90s, with the coming to power of a new king, the country embarked on a course of various reforms in all spheres of life. Despite the fact that it belongs to the Middle East region, there are no oil and gas reserves here. Also, the economic situation is aggravated by the inability to develop agriculture due to the lack of fertile land. Of the minerals in the kingdom, there are a large number of deposits of phosphates, marble, limestone, dolomite and salt.

Tourism in the country is developing, but at a slow pace. Travelers are repelled by the region's reputation for being politically unstable - that's how the media portrays the situation in Jordan. The Arab country of Jordan, whose sights are known all over the world, is an interesting destination for Russians. The most frequently visited by tourists are the Dead Sea, the ancient city of Petra, the Siq canyon, the place of the baptism of Christ, the temples of Zeus and Artemis.

• 50,000-4000 BC e. Hunting weapons of this time have been found in Wadi Rum and Azraq. The first settled settlements and the beginning of agriculture in the Jordan Valley.
• 4000-1200 BC Exodus from Egypt of the Jews led by Moses. 1250 BC e. - Joshua took the city of Jericho and divided Palestine between the 12 tribes of Israel.
• 1200-539 BC e. The kingdoms of Ammon, Moab and Edom, located east of Jordan, and Wadi Araba are in constant conflict with the Israelite tribes. 800-539 BC e. - Assyrians and Babylonians conquer Jordan.
• 538 BC e. The Nabataeans come to power in the south; Petra becomes their capital.
• 332 BC e. Alexander the Great (Macedonian) conquers Palestine.
• 63 BC e. The Romans, led by Pompey, conquer Palestine and Jerusalem.
• 63 BC e. - 106 n. e. The Decapolis is formed, a federation consisting of ten cities in northern Jordan, and joins Syria, a Roman province, in which it remains until 106 AD. e.
• 37 BC e. - 4 n. e. Dominion over Judea by Herod the Great, an Idumean by origin, who converted to Judaism.
• 4 BC e. - 30 n. e. The birth and life of Jesus Christ.
• 106 n. e. The Romans conquer the Nabataean kingdom and annex it to the province of Arabia.
• 324 Christianity becomes the state religion of the Roman Empire.
• 636 Battle of Yarmouk. The Arabs defeat the Byzantines and force them to withdraw from Jordan, Palestine and Syria. Islam triumphs in Jordan.
• 661-750 The Umayyad dynasty - Islamic caliphs with the capital of the caliphate in Damascus.
• 1095-1187 Crusaders. 1099 - Jerusalem fell to the crusaders. 1171-1187 - Saladin liberated Jerusalem; his Ayyubid dynasty rules over the region.
• 1263-1516 Mamluk rule in the region under the leadership of Baibar from Egypt.
• 1520-1566 Suleiman the Magnificent extended the power of the Ottoman Empire to the entire Arabian Peninsula.
• 1916 The Ottoman Empire enters the First World War on the side of Germany. Arab uprising of tribes fighting for independence.

• 1917-1918 Arabs capture Aqaba. Allies capture Jerusalem. General Allenby fights the Turks in Palestine and Syria. End of Ottoman dominance over the Arab countries.
• 1920-1946 Transjordan and Palestine become mandated territories of the British Empire.
• 1946 Declaration of Independence of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
• 1948 Establishment of the State of Israel in the mandated territory of Palestine. The first wave of Palestinian refugees arrives in the West Bank.
• 1950 Jordan annexes the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
• 1952 Hussein becomes king at the age of 17, after the murder of his father.
• 1967 Six Day War. Israel is reclaiming the richest region of the kingdom, the West Bank of the Jordan River, and part of Jerusalem from Jordan, and the Gaza Strip and Sinai from Egypt.
• 973 Israel captures the Golan Heights in the Yom Kippur War.
• 1980-1988 First Iran-Iraq war. Jordan supported Iraq, giving it the opportunity to use the port of Aqaba and sending its volunteers to Iraq.
• 1990-1991 Iraq invades Kuwait. The United States, with the support of the Gulf States, Syria and Egypt, is trying to liberate Kuwait. Jordan is isolated from the rest of the Arab world for refusing to condemn Saddam Hussein.
• 1994 Jordan signs a peace treaty with Israel ending 46 years of formal state of war. US ends boycott of Jordan.
• 1999 Death of King Hussein. His son Abdullah becomes King of Jordan.
• 2000-2006 A series of terrorist attacks in Amman is ruining Jordan's reputation as a calm country open to tourism.

Politics

Associated inextricably and in many ways with the destinies of Israel and Palestine, with which it borders, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan faces a choice in many respects. It began its existence as a mandated emirate of Transjordan under the rule of Emir Abdullah (of the Khaishmit clan) in 1921 and achieved independence in 1946 when Britain withdrew its mandate. During its short but turbulent history, the country has experienced many crises, most of which were caused by the influx of Palestinian refugees from the West Bank, who now make up 40% of the country's population.

parliamentary system

An elected parliament discusses and approves legislation issued by the king and his government, but the real power still rests with the king. Democratization has made significant progress - 19 political parties are registered in the country. The last elections were held in 2003 under the "one person - one vote" system approved by the Constitution, with quotas for women, religious minorities and ethnic groups.

Relations with Israel

In 1994, Jordan signed a historic peace treaty with Israel in which the parties agreed to remove economic barriers and cooperate on security and water issues. The agreement resulted in large-scale assistance from the United States and the International Monetary Fund (IMF)- Their economic plan was to stabilize the country's finances in order to reduce its dependence on subsidies that wreaked havoc on food prices. In 1999, Jordan formally renounced its claims to the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Relations with Israel are now quite tense, but they can be called completely pragmatic - in 2002, both countries worked out a joint plan to save the Dead Sea, which provides for the construction of a pipeline from the Red Sea. The cost of the project is 800 million US dollars, this is the largest joint project ever carried out in the world. Jordan reopened its embassy in Israel in 2005 (ambassador was recalled in 2000 after a riot by Palestinian rebels). Relations became tense again when King Abdullah II delivered an anti-Israeli speech in the US in the summer of 2006 after the Israeli army attacked Lebanon.

The problem of Arab unity

First King of Jordan Abdullah (1882-1951) gave a vivid description of the difficulties experienced by the Arabs in 1945 in the formation of the Arab League. It was, he said, "like a sack with seven heads sticking out (seven first Arab countries), tied with ropes of foreign power and Arab impotence. You can breathe in this state, but any attempt to move is tantamount to suffocation.

Choice of the future

The death of King Hussein in 1999, after 46 years of rule, left the country in an uncertain position. The new king, Abdullah, Hussein's eldest son by his second wife, Tony Gardiner, an Englishwoman, was to join the struggle for stability and at the same time try to implement a series of political, economic and social reforms. He is assisted in this by his wife, Rania, a Palestinian, but the country's close ties to the US are not popular among the people, especially among the Palestinians, and reforms have proven difficult. Another problem for the country is to restore the image of a safe region after al-Qaeda attacks on the capital's hotels in late 2005.

culture

Amman was chosen as the Capital of Arab Culture by UNESCO in 2002. The city's contribution to novelistics and poetry was also recognized, although Jordan boasts many internationally recognized contemporary artists. There is also a highly developed handicraft culture in the country with the most popular areas - embroidery and jewelry. Folk arts and crafts are supported by numerous public organizations and foundations, such as the Queen Hyp al-Hussein Foundation and the Jordan River Foundation. Music and dancing are not very popular - musicians and dancers can only be seen and heard at such folk festivals as the festival in Jerash.

Literature

Prior to the 1970s, literature in Jordan was poorly represented; Cairo and Beirut were considered recognized centers of education and literature. But in the mid-1980s, poet and artist Salma Khadra Jayusi founded the PROTA Foundation to support translations from Arabic, and works by Jordanian authors began to appear in English.

In Jordan, there were originally traditions of oral literary creativity: singing poetry to the accompaniment of musical instruments and stories about the history of the tribes. Until now, this folklore has only been translated into European languages ​​to a small extent, so that only Arabic scholars can get acquainted with it. But the Palestinians have a rich literary tradition that goes back hundreds of years, so the world knows best, for example, the works of such authors as Haydar Mahmoud, Mahmoud Darwish and Ibrahim Nasrallah.

Modern Art

Cultural life in Jordan is developing very actively with the support of the Amman House of Arts (Darat-al-Funun), widely regarded as one of the leading contemporary art centers in the Arab world.

Modern art originated in the region in the 1880s, during the Ottoman rule, when Ottoman army officers were required to learn the basics of drawing and topographic surveying.

The first significant Jordanian artist was former Ottoman army officer Ziyadin Suleiman, an impressionist whose first solo exhibition in Amman was held in 1938. The royal family patronized him and other artists who began working at that time, buying their work and thus setting an example of patronage to other wealthy families.

After 1948 and the first Arab-Israeli war, many Palestinian artists ended up in Amman as refugees and joined the cultural life of Jordan.

In the 50s of the XX century. A remarkable constellation of Jordanian female artists arose in the country, including the famous Afaf Arafat, the first Jordanian citizen who studied abroad, in the English city of Bath, on a government scholarship.

The Six-Day War of 1967 halted the cultural development of Jordan for several years, and many Palestinian artists emigrated to the United States and Europe. By the end of the 1970s, with the advent of the Royal Society of Fine Arts, founded in 1979 as a non-profit organization, the culture in the country began to revive. The first museum appeared - the National Gallery of Fine Arts.

In the 1990s, the Shoman Charitable Foundation, founded by the artist Suha Shoman, created Darat al-Funun, a wonderful exhibition center. Several galleries have sprung up in Amman sponsored by leading Jordanian banks and companies.

Beginning as predominantly impressionistic, Jordanian contemporary art does not have a distinct direction. Sometimes national motifs are used, such as Nabataean, but the overall nature of the work is deeply personal and experimental.

Festivals and holidays

In summer, folklore concerts and performances are held in Amman, in the Roman Amphitheater and Odeon, as well as in the cities of Salt and Fuheis. But the main cultural event of the year is the festival in Jerash.

The festival lasts for about two weeks in late July - early August. Established by Queen Hyp in 1981, it began as a six-day festival but has since grown into a longer one. The program always includes costumed folk dances, performances by Jordanian military bands with bagpipes, Arabic plays, and even performances by gymnasts and trapeze acrobats. A Western girl in a bikini hanging upside down from a trapeze suspended from the ceiling, and a woman wrapped in black from head to toe admiring her, is a very curious sight. Most of the concerts take place in the two theaters of Jerash and the Oval Hall, while the traditional venue for official events is the Amman Royal Cultural Center. Special children's events are held at the Haya Cultural Center. Some events are also celebrated in the theaters of Umm Qais and Mount Nebo.

Religious holidays

Muslim religious holidays have "floating" dates, as they are associated with the lunar calendar and therefore shift annually by 11 days. The Muslim calendar starts from 622 AD. e., the year when the Prophet Muhammad moved from Mecca to Medina, where he founded the first mosque. This year is considered the first year of Hijri. (translated from Arabic "resettlement"). Saudi Arabia is the only Arab state still using this reckoning; the rest switched to the standard Gregorian system, the same as we have in the West.

There are two main religious holidays celebrated in all Arab countries, and the main one is the national holiday of Eid al-Adha, a four-day feast of sacrifice; Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac is noted. The second holiday - Eid al-Fitr, a three-day holiday of breaking the fast after the end of the fast, is celebrated at the end of the month of Ramadan.

Both holidays are marked by visits to relatives and friends, joint eating of sweets, drinking coffee, and other delicious things. Children are given new clothes and other gifts.

Ramadan

In Ramadan, paradoxically, more is eaten than on any other day of the year, especially meat and sweets; this is due to the fact that Muslims observe fasting all day and begin to eat only after sunset. Government agencies and commercial firms are shortening their working hours and working half-heartedly - not because of fasting, but because of lack of sleep caused by a sleepless night spent on food and entertainment.

Ideally, visiting Jordan should take at least a week, but in practice, most tourists spend much less time there, combining a visit to this country with a trip to Israel, Syria or Egypt. A thorough trip would take two weeks - the country is small, the roads here are good, and there are practically no traffic jams outside Amman.

You won't need an SUV to visit most of the sights, except that Wadi Rum may be an exception. There are practically no railways in Jordan, but the bus service (JETT) well developed. Renting a car is easy; this will give you more freedom of movement on the suggested routes. Within Amman, it is better to use a taxi service - you can catch it anywhere, and it is inexpensive. In winter, the days are short: it gets light at 6.30 and gets dark at 17.00 - keep this in mind when planning your movements. Traveling by bus will take you a little longer.

long weekend

• Day 1. Arrival to Amman.
• Day 2. Visit the citadel in Old Amman with its Roman temples, museum and recent excavations of Umayyad ruins. Then, heading north, see the great Roman city of Jerash with its two theatres, oval forum, cobbled streets, temples and churches. Stay overnight at the Dead Sea.
• Day 3 After swimming in the Dead Sea, drive to Petra. Stay overnight in Petra.
• Day 4 Spend the day exploring Petra. It will take you several hours to climb the paths carved into the rocks. A good level of physical fitness is welcome.
• Day 5 Return to Amman and flight home.

One week

Two weeks

When to go

The most convenient time of the year to visit Jordan is March, April, May; you can go in the fall - in September, October or the first half of November. But the best month is April: it's not too hot yet and everything is in bloom. Christmas and New Year in Jordan are also quite popular. If you are going to go at the indicated time, book a hotel room in advance, especially if you are going to a place where the number of places in hotels is limited, in particular to Petra or to a nature reserve, such as Dana or Azraq - if there is no free house for you, it will be better to stay just nowhere.

Variety of natural conditions

Despite the fact that the territory of the country is small, the climate here is very diverse. The main determining factor is the height above sea level. On the central plateau, located at a height of 1000 meters, a cool breeze blows in summer, and icy winds in winter; snowfalls are frequent. In the lowlands, around the Dead Sea, it is much hotter and more humid; in July and August it is simply unbearable: the temperature rises to 40 ° C and even higher.

In South Jordan, in the region of Aqaba and the Red Sea, the climate is milder: in winter, when it snows in Amman, you can swim in the sea here.

Aqaba

Jordan's Red Sea resorts have become popular winter holiday destinations and are striving to keep up with their closest competitor, Eilat in Israel. In January, the average temperature here is about 20 ° C, so it is quite possible to swim, although it is best to come to these resorts in spring and autumn. In summer, sea water has the temperature of a very warm bath.

Petra

At the height of summer it is better not to come to Petra - it will be very difficult for you to climb uphill under the scorching sun; however, you can do it at dawn or just before sunset.

It's nice here in winter, especially if it snows - then everything looks just fabulous.

Do not forget to take a warm sweater with you - it will come in handy in the evenings.

Daylight hours

Jordan has a short daylight hours, so it is better to start any trip or excursion early. See the sights in the morning before the crowds of tourists come running. Below is the time of sunrise and sunset - this table will help you plan your day.

	sunrise	sunset
March 21	5.40	17.45
21st of June	5.30	19.45
September 21	6.30	18.30
21 December	6.30	16.30

Transport

Public transport in Jordan is primarily a very well developed bus system linking the main cities. If you want to travel away from populated areas, such as Jerash, Pella, desert castles or Umm Qais, traveling by car is the best choice.

By bus

Comfortable, air-conditioned buses run from Amman, from the Abdali Central Bus Station, to most major cities in Jordan, as well as to Damascus. The national bus company is called JETT (Amman, Al-Malek Al-Hussein Street, Shmeisani. Tel: 06-566-4146) and provides excellent passenger service.

For a trip to Damascus, it is better to choose the Challenge bus (Abdali bus station. Tel: 06-465-4004)- it runs twice a day, the journey takes 3-4 hours, including crossing the border, and such a trip is inexpensive, about 12 dinars.

In a comfortable bus you will be offered sweets and carbonated drinks. At the border, you can go out and stretch your legs, go to the toilet and buy some food or visit a duty-free shop.

By car

Major car rental firms such as Avis, Hertz and Europcar have offices in Amman and at the airport; there are also many local businesses. The minimum rental period is two days, the driver must be at least 21 years old. An international driver's license is not required; enough rights issued in your country, with a photo. The services of large firms will cost much more, especially when ordering a car in advance, through a website. On the spot, you will most likely be given significant discounts. A small car will cost you about 25 dinars per day with unlimited mileage; jeep type 4x4 - almost twice as expensive. Carefully read the terms of insurance - its total amount is often higher than indicated; must be included in the contract as a separate clause. If you plan to put someone in the back seats, check if the seat belts work. Child seats are rare here - you are unlikely to get them.

You can rent a car with a driver if local conditions scare you - the prices for such a service are quite reasonable, about 25 dinars per day, so that the driver can pay for food and accommodation. Some drivers are also trained to provide guides and interpreters, which can come in handy.

You can use a credit card to pay. Rental cars have green numbers, private cars have white numbers, and government cars have red numbers.

By own car

You can enter Jordan with your car if you have an import customs clearance from the Automobile Owners Association (AA) or the automobile club of the country of residence. Such a document gives permission for the temporary import of a vehicle into the country for a period not exceeding three months. Insurance (for a third of the amount) bought at the border. International driving license is desirable but not required.

Road network

In general, the roads in Jordan are good - some of the best in the Middle East; highways and two-lane roads link Amman with Aqaba in the south; Irbid and the Syrian border in the north. Outside the cities, traffic is usually very calm. Secondary roads are well maintained, the surface is even, without potholes and potholes, so driving on them in remote areas is a real pleasure. Driving at night is more difficult, so try to calculate your route in such a way that by the night - bearing in mind that the night comes early here, especially in winter - get to the place of lodging for the night.

By Middle Eastern standards, drivers in Jordan and Amman are relatively competent and well-mannered, not least because driving licenses are hard to get and impossible to buy. Even vision has to be checked every time, "updating" the rights, that is, every 10 years.

Gasoline, by European standards, is cheap. Unleaded gasoline is a rarity and can only be obtained in Amman. Be careful not to run your tank more than a quarter empty away from the cities - the distances between gas stations are sometimes very long here, especially in desert areas such as Azraq, where there is only one gas station outside the city, on the Iraqi highway.

By plane

Domestic flights are operated only between Amman and Aqaba using Royal Wings aircraft, subsidized by the Royal Jordanian. Flights are daily, the flight takes 45 minutes, the ticket price is 40 dinars one way; it's much faster than going the same way on the Desert Highway (the road will take you 4-5 hours and most of it will be quite boring).

Sitting at the window on the plane on the way to Aqaba, you can enjoy a bird's eye view of the desert scenery and mountains around Wadi Rum.

By taxi

There are yellow taxis in cities and towns - they are comfortable and the prices are reasonable - you can get to almost anywhere in Amman for 1 dinar. Tipping taxi drivers do not expect. In addition, there are "shuttle" taxis - usually large cars like Peugeots or Mercedes with seven seats for passengers, stopping at certain points within the city. Traveling by them is no faster than by bus, they are less convenient and more expensive. They do not run on schedule, leaving the stop when they are full of passengers.

By train

The only branch of the passenger railway, from Amman to Damascus, was once part of the Damascus-Hijaz railway, built at the beginning of the 20th century. Turkish soldiers to transport pilgrims from Damascus to Mecca. This railway fully functioned throughout its entire length until 1914, when it was bombed; she helped the pilgrims reach their goal in three hours - and before they rode camels for 50 days! The section from Amman to Aqaba is now used only for the transport of goods, mainly phosphates.

Accommodation

Jordan offers accommodation for every taste, from five-star international luxury hotels to one-star hotels; you can also settle in a camp site in the reserve, among the wild. There is a YMCA in Amman (Young Christian Association), and camping in the desert is possible anywhere except in the protected area of ​​Wadi Rum or the territory of the reserve. In small towns such as Madaba, there is practically nowhere to settle - keep this in mind when planning your trip. Outside of Amman, Petra and Aqaba, you can find a hotel in Irbid, Ajlun, Azraq, Pella, the Dead Sea, Zarqa Main, Kerak and Wadi Rum.

Top class

Four- and five-star hotels in Jordan meet all international standards; chains such as Kempinski, Intercontinental, Marriott and Movenpick are represented here, and ultra-luxury hotels on the Dead Sea are recognized as one of the best spa complexes in the world. Prices are high, but with an overabundance of high-end hotels, especially in Amman, you can always count on significant discounts that will cost you as much to stay in a luxury hotel as in Europe - a three-star accommodation. Always be interested in discounts and book a room in advance to achieve the maximum discount.

Middle class

There are no more old, luxurious hotels in Jordan; the last, the Philadelphia Hotel, built in the 1920s across from the Roman Forum, was bulldozed in the 1980s. Preference is given to glitz and glamor, the "oriental atmosphere" is now out of favor. A few exceptions are the Taybet Zaman hotels in Amman and Petra, where they try to recreate a traditional ethnic village atmosphere, and the camp sites in nature reserves, where the very closeness to nature creates an atmosphere of simplicity - but living here is surprisingly expensive.

budget class

There is no shortage of cheap housing in Jordan; few people like the shower and toilet "on the floor", so, as a rule, only students and hikers stay here. Women traveling alone should avoid such places.

Seasonal Options

The high season here usually lasts from March to May and from September to October inclusive. At this time, the hotels are full, because the weather is wonderful. Of course, after the terrorist attacks, mass travel cancellations begin, and this can be used to obtain exceptional conditions. Arab tourists from the Persian Gulf usually come in July - August, when it is especially hot in their countries, but they prefer to stay in boarding houses with kitchens, so they do not affect hotel occupancy.

Aqaba has a particularly large influx of visitors to hotels in winter, as well as from October to April, and the low season here lasts from May to September, and at this time you can get discounts on accommodation.

Rooms in luxury hotels on the Dead Sea must be booked in advance, as various conferences are often held here and tourist groups settle; in addition, rich people from Amman constantly come here for weekends.

Food and drink

Food is the main event of any Islamic holiday. Sharing a meal with someone means making friends, it's almost a ritual. Food for satiety is a personal matter, it is combined with relaxation and takes place at home. Therefore, until recently, eating in restaurants was considered bad form here.

Breakfast

Breakfast in hotels is usually served from 6.30 to 10.00; standard breakfast is a buffet with standard European dishes such as cereals, toast, juices, yogurt, fresh fruits and dried fruits; hot dishes such as boiled eggs, omelettes, fried sausages and mashed potatoes are also served.

A typical Arabic breakfast consists of fuula (cold beans) in olive oil with white cheese, olives and pita (Arabic flatbread). You will also be offered tea and coffee. Arabs don't drink tea with milk, so you'll have to specifically ask for it, or add milk to your tea from a milk jug meant for cereal. Usually there is also an assortment of pastries and croissants.

Dinner and supper

Lunch is usually served in Amman restaurants from 13.00 to 15.00 and dinner after 20.00. In other cities, the schedule is more flexible. The cuisine in most restaurants is international; in some places you will be offered Middle Eastern and Jordanian national dishes. Below we will talk about some of them.

Daoud Pasha

It is a ball of rice stuffed with onions, pine nuts and tomatoes.

This meat dish is taken only with the right hand from the common dish, sitting on the floor. Meat - lamb, sometimes camel meat - is boiled, coarsely cut and laid out on a dish with rice. Sometimes pine nuts and spices are added to it for flavor and poured with a sauce of whipped yogurt and lamb fat for juiciness.

It is a traditional Bedouin food and is prepared on special occasions such as weddings or religious holidays. Don't be surprised if the conversation over this dish falls silent. An Arabic proverb says: "When the food is served, the conversation is silent."

Makluba

This Jerusalem dish is meat with vegetables, usually eggplant and cauliflower.

These are snacks, cold and hot, very diverse, some of them will completely replace the second. Lebanon has the best mezze, and Jordan takes an honorable second place.

Here are some standard cold mezzes: hummus (chickpeas with sesame gravy); baba ganuy (eggplant sauce); mutabbal (eggplant sauce with pea paste); tahina (sesame paste); tabbouleh (chopped tomatoes, mint and croutons) and labneh (creamy yogurt with walnuts).

Hot meals are kibbeh (balls of minced meat with nuts, onions and croutons), fatair (triangular flour products with cheese or spinach) and falafel (balls of peas fried in oil).

Muluhiya

This is a meat dish. (usually lamb) with vegetables like spinach. It is sometimes served in cafes along the Desert Highway. It's actually an Egyptian dish.

This dish is prepared in the West Bank of the Jordan. It consists of chicken fried in olive oil, onion and sumac; all this is mixed, put on bread and covered with onions on top.

Vegetarian dishes

In Jordan, as in all Arab countries, it's not difficult to be a vegetarian, as there are plenty of easy-to-prepare cold cuts made from fresh vegetables, chickpeas, and sesame seeds. They are very varied, and as a second course you will be offered an omelette. Cheese is rarely served - usually it is a liquid substance like homemade cheese, or melted triangles (Penguin or La Vache Qui Pit), or melted slices for sandwiches. But everywhere there is an abundance of fresh fruit.

Fast food

The Middle East has its own, wonderful fast food - these are stalls that stand in the center of cities and in other crowded places. Usually they sell falafel in a pita with salad - this is a standard cheap snack; shawarma (similar to Turkish doner kebab)- lamb, planed from a rotating and gradually roasting piece; it is also wrapped in pita with salad. In Amman and Aqaba, and now in Petra, you can also buy a hamburger and Kentucky fried chicken - American fast food costs more than traditional Arabic, but is nevertheless popular among wealthy local youth.

Alcohol and soft drinks

Local wines are not bad - vintage reds, whites and rosés, all produced in the West Bank. Good restaurants serve imported wines, but they are very expensive. Local beer "Amstel" is also quite expensive. Arak, aniseed vodka that turns cloudy when diluted with water, is the national drink throughout the Levant. It is 40% ABV and is softer than ouzo, its Greek counterpart. If you drink it with ice and water, then it goes well with lamb and other fatty meat dishes. Alcohol can be bought at any store and supermarket.

In the Lower City of Amman and some small towns, you will find street stalls where you will be offered freshly squeezed juices: orange, pomegranate, strawberry and banana; It is very nice to freshen up with such juice on a hot day.

Mineral water without gas is cheap and sold everywhere - it is better to drink it than tap water. It is produced by several companies, and usually the water bears the name of the source from which it is extracted. It tastes almost the same.

Where to buy food and drinks

Everything for a picnic can be bought in mini-supermarkets in Amman and most major cities. The easiest way to stock up on bread, cheese, tomatoes and various fruits - bananas and oranges, as well as nuts and salty chips (there is a large selection of them here). For drinks, buy a large bottle of Coke or Seven Up. There are also health food stores here, but there are far fewer of them in Jordan than in other Middle Eastern countries.

Tips

In all top-class restaurants, 10% of the order value is automatically added to the bill. In luxury restaurants, it is also customary to round the bill up.

In ordinary restaurants and cafes, it is not customary to tip and nothing is added to the bill.

Entertainment

People don't come to Jordan for entertainment and nightlife - in this sense, it has practically nothing to offer. Except for the festival of folklore music and dance in Jerash, there is no way outside the capital. you will not find entertainment - except for holidays in large hotels in Aqaba and Petra, which are devoted mainly to food.

Entertain yourself

There are many opportunities to have fun on your own in Jordan. Local residents visit each other and sometimes gather in restaurants - on special occasions. Of course, many people have satellite TV at home and thus are aware of everything that happens in the world. There are CD and DVD rentals in big cities.

Cultural life in Amman

At the reception of any large hotel, you can get a free monthly Jordan Today magazine, in which you will find a schedule of all cultural events taking place in the city. These events are also covered in the English weekly Jordan Times.

Cinema

There are several modern cinemas in Amman, where the latest world cinema is shown. Foreign films are always shown in their original language with Arabic subtitles. Tickets cost about five dinars. Cinemas in the Lower City are more likely to show films about martial arts, such as kung fu, dubbed into Arabic. Such films are swarmed by the local youth, full of "fighting spirit", so that Western tourists, especially women, should not go to such cinemas.

Concerts and shows

Jordanian and foreign cultural centers in Amman regularly organize performances by musicians and artists; they usually take place in the conference rooms of large international hotels.

Exhibitions and musical evenings

Amman has two cultural centers that put on concerts and performances, usually in Arabic; foreign cultural centers also organize exhibitions, musical performances and lectures, inviting artists from their countries. Amman also has a modern exhibition center and fine arts gallery.

Night clubs

Almost all metropolitan night and disco clubs are located in the buildings of large hotels. They are often visited by wealthy Arabs, so we do not advise women to go there alone - this can be misunderstood.

Buy an apartment

A non-standard way to have fun in Aqaba is to buy an apartment here. A few hours flight from Europe, it's warm all year round - the average temperature is 20°C even in January, and real estate prices here are the lowest in the region. So if you are looking for a place in the sun, this is worth considering. Jordan has liberal property laws that allow foreigners to buy property here, so you can buy an apartment in the city itself or in one of the ever-growing seaside suburbs. Some enterprising people have already appreciated the benefits of this opportunity to relax at any time and escape from winter. Aqaba has an airport from where you can fly to Egypt and any country on the coast of the Persian Gulf.

Purchases

Although Amman cannot be compared with Damascus, Jerusalem, Aleppo (Aleppo) and Cairo, where there are wonderful oriental bazaars, traditional Bedouin and Palestinian folk crafts also exist here, and there are many places in the capital of Jordan where you can buy such products. In addition, gold is surprisingly cheap here.

Souvenirs

All large four- and five-star hotels have souvenir shops, but their prices are an order of magnitude higher than in the shops of the Lower City; besides, no matter how many things you buy here, you will not get a discount.

In large cities such as Petra and Jerash, stalls sell local craftsmanship, most of which are outright kitsch, such as leather camels, colorful bottled sand, and onyx animal figurines.

It is worth paying attention to Bedouin silverware and Palestinian clothes embroidered in red on a black background. You can also find antique items made of copper and brass here - when buying, you should bargain in order to achieve an acceptable price.

In the Amman area, it is best to buy souvenirs in the village of Kann Zaman, near the airport. From the city center you can get there in 20 minutes. This is a reconstructed village of the 19th century. The cobbled streets are full of shops and boutiques selling high-quality goods; you can see how carpets and decorations are made. There are also cafes and restaurants serving freshly baked traditional bread.

Another good place in Amman - Jordan Design and Trade Center (Jordanian Center for Design and Commerce) in front of Amman Orchid Hotel in Shmeisani (open: Sat-Thu 8.00-19.00). Handmade carpets, high-quality ceramics, embroidery and hand-made paper are on display here. All this is the result of Queen Hyp's charitable campaign aimed at reviving ancient crafts and creating jobs for thousands of women from remote areas. There are branches of the store in the tourist centers of Petra and Jerash, in Aqaba opposite the fort and in Madaba on Haret Jdoudna street.

Gold

There is a gold market in the Lower City of Amman (bitch); there are shops selling gold in every major city in Jordan.

Gold is sold here by weight, and its prices are among the lowest in the world. Outside Jordan, products of the same quality and samples are sold for three to four times more. You will not find samples, look for a stamp indicating the content of pure gold in 1000 g: 875 is equivalent to 21 carats, 750 - 18 carats. Upon purchase, you will receive two receipts - one indicates the weight of the product, the other - the cost of work. Gold merchants value their reputation very highly, so don't be afraid - you won't be deceived.

As for precious stones, they are very expensive in Jordan, as they are brought from abroad, and you should not buy them here.

Market (bitch) in Amman. Near King Faisal St, in a maze of streets between Cairo Amman Bank and Arab Bank. Open: Sat-Thu 8.30-19.00.

Sports and recreation

Jordan has plenty of opportunities for extreme sports, such as rock climbing and camel rides in Wadi Rum, as well as hiking in nature reserves. Applications for participation in such events must be submitted in advance through local travel agencies, such as Wild Jordan, or through local guides directly in the reserves. The Red Sea in Aqaba has everything you need for water sports and diving - this can be found at the hotel. There are many spa complexes on the Dead Sea, where you will be offered a full range of treatments, from massage to skin care.

Football is a national spectator sport. The Premier League championship lasts for six winter months. In addition to the ubiquitous football, spectator sports such as camel and horse racing, held at Amman's only hippodrome, are popular here. Most major competitions, including the Pan Arab Games, take place at the large Sports City stadium in northern Amman. Two road and desert rallies are organized annually: the 700 km Jordan International Rally and the 50 km Amman-Dead Sea Marathon (www.deadseamarathon.com).

Air sports

Royal Aerosports Club (Royal Aero Sports Club) located at Aqaba airport (Tel: 06-487-3261. www.fly.to/rpacj). It is one of the leading clubs of its kind in the Middle East. On a two-seat light aircraft, you can take a number of sightseeing flights, from a simple 20-minute flight along the coast for 25 dinars to a flight to Wadi Rum (300 dinars for five passengers), during which you will get a unique experience by seeing the mountains and the desert from above. You can also fly a tandem paraglider from 3,000 meters and take a one and a half hour hot air balloon flight over Wadi Rum.

There is also a hang gliding club in Amman. (Royal Jordanian Gliding Club) (Tel: 06-487-4587), based at Marka airport; here you will be offered to fly over the capital for 20 dinars per hour.

Climbing enthusiasts can make serious climbs in Wadi Rum, where there are steep cliffs and deep canyons. All the details - in the book by Tony Howard "Hiking and climbing in Wadi Rum" (Tony Howard. Treks and Climbs in the Wadi Rum. Cicerone, 1994)- in it the ascents are ranked according to the degree of difficulty. Here you can go mountain climbing all year round, so it is very convenient to come here when the climbing season in Europe is over.

Experienced local instructors are available to accompany you. The easiest ascents, such as the Burda Rock Bridge, can be made without special training, but a certain level of physical fitness and dexterity is required.

Walks and Hiking

Thanks to the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature) (PO Box 1215, Amman, 11941. Tel: 06-533-7931. www.rscn.org.jo) walking and hiking have become a popular pastime in Jordan.

The Dana and Wadi Mujib reserves have well-signposted trekking routes ranging from short hikes of a few kilometers to full-day hikes. The Wadi Rum Conservation Area also has marked desert walking trails, ranging from hour-long to overnight hikes, as well as camel rides ranging from hour-long to two- and even seven-day tours, for those who want to fully experience the “desert” look. life.

Water sports

All types of scuba diving are based in Aqaba - there are several professional diving centers located on the 27 km coastline between Aqaba and the Saudi Arabian border. The hotels in Aqaba have everything you need for water skiing, windsurfing, as well as catamarans for skiing along the coast.

Children

Like all Arabs, Jordanians love children; they will be glad to see them in hotels and restaurants. Local children are allowed to stay up late at restaurants with their parents, and by Western standards, they may seem spoiled, but you rarely see a cranky or irritated child here. As for food, children receive small portions of the same dishes that parents order - there is no special "children's table" for them - so there are no problems with food, and there are simply no children here who are picky eaters.

About the smallest

Small children are carried in special backpacks on their backs, and they can be fed with dry mixes diluted with mineral water from a bottle.

A variety of juices are sold everywhere, and they can also be diluted with water to the desired concentration.

About kids who can walk

Children who can already walk pose a problem, as they are not able to travel long distances, which is necessary, for example, when visiting Petra or Jerash, and the road surfaces here are not suitable for wheelchairs. So, if you have such a child, it is better to limit yourself to a beach holiday in Aqaba or the Dead Sea.

The older the better

The best age for a child to take with you to Jordan is over 10 years old. Children at this age have enough strength and energy to hike long distances, and they will get a lot of pleasure from climbing the rocks to the castles of the Crusaders and camel rides in Wadi Rum. And these children will remember their impressions, unlike toddlers. They will also be happy to look at ostriches and musk oxen in the Shaumari reserve, sit by candlelight at the camp site in the Dana reserve.

Children who love water will enjoy coming to the Dead Sea and riding a catamaran or a boat, and in Aqaba, those who are younger will admire the coral reefs through the transparent bottom of the boat, and those who are older can also snorkel or scuba dive.

Hotels

Many hotels offer rooms with three beds, so that children can stay with their parents.

When it comes to breakfast, most large hotels offer a buffet, so the child can choose food to their liking and get a supplement if desired. Larger hotels have swimming pools, and some also have tennis courts and playgrounds.

Precautions

The most important thing is to protect a child of any age from overheating.

Make sure that your child is well protected from the sun, since 80% of skin damage occurs before the age of 20. Use sunscreen with a high protection factor. It is best to keep children out of direct sunlight between 11.00 and 15.00.

If you are traveling alone, by car, always carry a sufficient supply of water and carbonated drinks, as well as nuts or chips that do not spoil, so that the child can have a snack at any time.

Arrival

By plane

Amman has two international airports: Queen Alia, which handles all intercontinental flights, and Marka, for shorter flights within the Middle East. Upon arrival, you can purchase a visa, it's simple and fast.

Queen Alia Airport has two terminals on either side of the highway. Terminal 1 is used primarily by Royal Jordanian while Terminal 2 is used by other airlines.

There are many taxis waiting for passengers outside the airport building; an acceptable price according to the meter for travel to the city center should be 15-18 dinars (be on the lookout - they will try to charge you 25 or more!). Check that the counter is zero when you move off. You should not be charged extra for luggage.

To avoid problems, you can go to the taxi office at the airport - on the left in the arrivals hall - and pay at the official rates; you will be given a ticket which you will hand over to the taxi driver. There are offices of several car parks here, so choose the best price.

Royal Jordanian arrivals and departures. Tel: 06-445-3200; www.rja.com. Other fleets - tel: 06-445-2700.

by sea

From the Egyptian port of Nuweiba to Aqaba, two ferries run daily across the Red Sea. The faster one will take you in an hour, the slower one in 4-5 hours.

Avoid coming here by sea during Hajj (Muslim pilgrimage)- December (especially "hot" will be December 2008) when the ferries are packed with pilgrims returning from Mecca to Egypt. If you want to leave Jordan this way, Egyptian visas can be bought at the entrance to the ferry.

Arab Bridge Maritime Company. Tel: 03-209-2000. www.abmaritime.com.jo.

By land

There are two checkpoints on the Syrian-Jordanian border, both of which operate quickly and smoothly. Border formalities will take you anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the workload of customs, which is unpredictable.

Fridays and public holidays are usually the busiest days. Border checkpoints operate around the clock.

Comfortable air-conditioned international buses belong to two companies: Jordanian JETT and Syrian Challenge; the latter are cheaper: buying a ticket from Amman to Damascus in Jordan, you will pay 12 dinars, in Syria - 8 dinars.

The trip will take about 4 hours, including crossing the border and related formalities; you will be offered free soft drinks and sweets. There are two buses every day, usually at 8.00 and 15.00.

Another type of transport that you can use to come to Jordan by land is the "service taxi" (minibuses). They run from the Abdali bus station around the clock, as they fill up. The prices for them are slightly higher than for buses, but they also travel a little faster, and you will cross the border faster, because there are fewer passengers in the car, and customs control will be faster and faster.

challenge. Abdali bus station, Amman. Tel: 06-465-4004. Fax: 06-465-4005. JETT (Jordanian Express Travel & Tourism). Al-Malik Al-Hussein St, Shmeisani, Amman. Tel: 06-566-4146.

By train

Few people now travel on the old Heyjaz railway line to Syria, as the trains here are very slow and only twice a week; so there is no need to book tickets in advance.

Trains leave from the beautiful old station on King Abdullah I Street, 2.5 km east of Raghadan Station in Amman.

Cash register. Tel: 06-489-5413. Open: from 7.00.

Departure

You will see signs "To the airport" everywhere in the center of Amman. The airport is located 35 km to the south, just behind the Desert Highway. The fare there by taxi is about 15 dinars, the journey will take about 45 minutes.

If you are flying on a Royal Jordanian aircraft, you can use the City Terminal for check-in and control (City Terminal), located on the 7th circle (open: 7.30-22.00). Here you can store your suitcases from 3 to 24 hours before departure and even get permission to carry an additional 15 kg of baggage. From there, a private bus runs directly to the airport every half an hour, you will have to pay only 3 dinars; and upon arrival at the airport, you will walk along the "green corridor" directly to the passport control desk. After passing through passport control, you can take the escalator up to the duty-free shop, which sells a wide variety of goods, from sweets to traditional ceramics and rosaries; all this can be bought if you have not prepared gifts for everyone yet.

When leaving Jordan by bus across the Syrian border, you will have to pay a customs fee of 5 dinars. The ticket price includes this amount.

Customs regulations

You can import 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of spirits and 2 liters of wine into the country duty-free. Expensive items may be subject to customs duty, but only if customs officers suspect that you are going to sell them in Jordan. Anything containing pornography (magazines, DVD), will be confiscated.

There are no restrictions on the import and export of any currency.

Electricity

The mains voltage in Jordan is 220 V, the current frequency is 50 Hz, as in Europe. Power outages are rare and the power supply is stable. In new houses and large hotels, sockets are square, with three holes; in old houses - traditional round, with two holes, so take a universal adapter with you so as not to have problems.

Email and Internet

Internet cafes are everywhere - come in, check your mail and send letters if you have a Hotmail or Yahoo account. Larger hotels have business centers where you can also access the Internet, but prices may be higher and access is limited to business hours. If you have a laptop with you, please also bring a UK-US adapter.

Large five-star hotels have Internet access from every room.

Etiquette and body language

Dress as conservatively as possible, especially if you are a woman: cover your arms and shoulders, as well as legs up to your knees - and you will not have problems, no one will pester you on the street. Keep eye contact with men to a minimum - otherwise you may be misunderstood and mistaken for sociability for encouragement. Women should not be the first to reach out for a handshake - this is considered immodest.

If a Western woman demonstrates accessibility by her behavior, she will certainly become the object of harassment by the Arabs.

Public displays of emotion between men and women are considered indecent here, whether they are married or not. Even holding hands is not worth it - it will be considered an inappropriate demonstration of intimacy. Homosexuality is prohibited, although there is a small gay community in Amman, but it cannot be compared with Tel Aviv, Beirut and Cairo. However, same-sex public displays of affection are considered acceptable in Arab culture: men can walk around holding hands and kiss when they meet; the same applies to women.

Neither men nor women are advised to point their fingers at anything - it is believed that in this way you can jinx it. You can not show the soles of your feet when you are sitting - this will shock others. You can only eat from a common plate with your right hand, the left is for ablutions.

Money

Jordan seems expensive compared to Egypt and Syria, but compared to Israel or Europe, it can be considered quite cheap. The biggest expense you can expect is the cost of entrance tickets to popular destinations like Petra (21 dinars) and Jerash (8 dinars). Accommodation prices in Petra are also very high compared to other cities in the country.

Currency

Country currency - Jordanian dinar (abbreviated JD - jay-dee).

1 dinar is equal to 1000 fils, or 100 piastres, but these words, like the money itself, are usually not used.

Banknotes in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 dinars are in circulation; on one side they have Arabic inscriptions, on the other - English, so you will not confuse them.

As of 2014, 1 dinar is approximately equal to 55 Russian rubles or 1.1 Euros.

Avoid 50 and 20 dinars banknotes - they are difficult to exchange anywhere except in hotels and expensive restaurants. Four coins are also considered running: half a dinar (golden heptagon with a silver circle in the middle); quarter dinar (same, but smaller and without silver insert); coins of 10 and 5 piastres (both thin, round, silver). All coins have their denominations in English, but very small, and it is difficult to find these inscriptions.

Currency exchange

Jordanian currency can be bought at any Western bank before traveling; you must have at least 50 dinars with you to buy a visa at the border and take a taxi to the hotel. If possible, it is better to change the entire required amount in advance so as not to pay local fees. (they are pretty high) and don't change money in a hurry at the airport upon arrival. There are no restrictions on the import and export of currency, so do not be afraid to exceed the limit.

Theft is extremely rare in Jordan, so don't be afraid to carry large amounts of cash.

Banks work on a strict schedule, but in big cities there are currency exchange offices, and the exchange rate is usually higher there. Unlike other Middle Eastern countries, where dollars circulate freely and local sellers often prefer the US currency, Jordan prefers the national currency.

Traveler's checks are an expensive way to store currency; in addition, in Jordan, the procedure for exchanging them for dinars may be delayed, and the rate is likely to be lower than if you were changing cash.

ATMs

All banks in Amman and other large cities have ATMs that operate 24 hours; it is very easy to use them. Usually the daily limit for issuing money is from 100 to 300 dinars.

Make sure your PIN is valid abroad before relying entirely on this method of receiving money.

Credit and debit cards

In Jordan, credit cards are freely accepted for payment in large hotels, licensed restaurants and supermarkets, VISA cards are the most widely accepted. However, you may find that the bank is taxing you and that the exchange rate is not what you would like.

Do not pay with a credit card for advance payments made through an ATM - you will have to pay a very large tax.

Opening hours

Archaeological sites are usually open daily from 8.00 am to dusk.

Banks are open from 8.30 to 12.30 and sometimes from 16.00 to 17.30. On Fridays they are closed.

Government offices are open from 8.00 to 14.00, closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

Museums are open from 9.00 to 17.00 and are closed on Fridays.

Shops in the city center are open from 8.00 or 9.00 to 20.00 or 21.00, but most of them are closed for two hours a day on Fridays - at the time of the noon prayer.

Passports and visas

It is best to have your passport with you at all times in case of checks and other unforeseen circumstances. Also make a photocopy of your passport in case it is lost or stolen.

All foreigners entering Jordan must obtain a visa - you can buy it at the border if you are arriving by land, or at the airport if you are arriving by plane.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. The standard price of a visa is 10 dinars or the corresponding amount in foreign currency; You can also pay through an ATM. However, the exchange rate in this case will be unfavorable, so it is better to change a small amount in advance than to change more at a bank in the city center.

All tourist visas are valid for 30 days; if you want to stay in the country for a longer period, you must register with the police to extend your visa for up to three months. This does not require an additional fee and is done in a few minutes. If you arrived in Aqaba, you are granted a free 30-day visa, but it is more difficult to extend it.

Pharmacies

There are many of them in all cities, and they have a large selection of toiletries and hygiene items. Prescription drugs can be purchased over the counter after consulting a pharmacist - all of them, as a rule, have excellent command of English. Items such as condoms, tampons and pads are sold freely.

Mail

Postcards and letters sent by air mail, as a rule, take a very long time to travel from Jordan to Western Europe - about two weeks, and to the USA or Australia - up to a month. Stamps cost from 300 to 500 fils, they can usually be bought in stores along with postcards at a small extra charge, and there are always long queues at the post office.

It is best to send letters from the hotel, as mail is rarely taken out of mailboxes on the streets.

Public holidays

Day off - Friday. On this day, excavation sites, parks and reserves are crowded with families going on a picnic, as well as groups of schoolchildren.

During the holy month of Muslims - Ramadan - shops, museums and institutions work with a shortened working day and usually close at 14.00 or 15.00. Large tourist sites, such as Petra and Jerash, operate on a regular schedule, but at smaller sites, guards can simply pack up and go home.

Annual Public Holidays:

• January 1 - New Year January 30 - Birthday of King Abdullah
• March 22 - Day of the League of Arab States
• March/April - Good Friday
• May 1 - Labor Day
• May 25 - Independence Day
• June 9 - King Abdullah Ascension Day
• June 10 - Army Day and anniversary of the Arab Revolt
• November 14 - Memorial Day of King Hussein
• December 25 - Christmas

Smoking

Arabs smoke a lot, this habit is deeply rooted in the Arab mentality, therefore, despite the fact that smoking in public places is officially prohibited, this ban is constantly violated. Everyone and everywhere smokes - for example, in a fixed-route taxi your neighbor may well light up and blow smoke right in your face.

If you are a non-smoker, it is preferable for you to travel in an air-conditioned bus where smoking is not permitted.

markups

A 16% mark-up is added to the bill in hotels and restaurants of the middle and upper class; in prestigious institutions, the mark-up is 10%.

Such markups can shock an unprepared person who sees that the bill has increased by 25%.

Phones

The telephone network in Jordan is monopolized by the recently privatized Jordan Telecom. To call Jordan from Europe, dial the country code (962) , then the local area code (no leading 0), then the local number. Within the country, all local lines have a two-digit local code and a seven-digit number. There are only four local codes: 02 - Northern Jordan; 03 - South Jordan; 05 - the Jordan Valley and the east of the country; 06 - Amman area.

To call from Jordan to Russia, dial 00 followed by 7 (code of Russia), area code, subscriber number.

Useful phone numbers

• Internal Help Desk: 1212 or 06-464-0444.
• International inquiry service: 1213.
• Operator 1322.

Mobile phones

Mobile phone numbers in Jordan are eight digits prefixed with 07. If your mobile phone is GSM it will work fine in Jordan and all you have to do is secure international roaming. SMS is the best and cheapest way to stay in touch with friends and family as calls will cost you too much.

If you have come for a long time or are going to visit Jordan regularly, we advise you to purchase a Jordanian phone in the Fastlink or MobileCom salon - it will cost you only 50 dinars; here you can also purchase a SIM card, get a Jordanian number and make an advance payment in accordance with the selected tariff.

Time

Time in Jordan is 1 hour behind Moscow time; daylight saving time is practiced, due to a mismatch in the dates of transition to which in Jordan and Russia, the “lag” can be 2 hours.

toilets

In smaller towns, public toilets are rare, but tourist sites have them, usually at the entrance. In big cities, you can easily use the toilets in restaurants.

When using public toilets, you will find that they are not so bad if they are serviced by dedicated workers offering toilet paper or paper towels. Usually there is a choice between a "hole in the floor" and a comfortable seat, but in any case, do not forget to throw the used paper into the bucket and by no means into the drain - otherwise it will become clogged.

Information for the disabled

Jordan is not well adapted for tourists with disabilities, so it is better for people with disabilities to travel in groups whose members are aware of the problem and are ready to provide the necessary assistance. There are practically no wheelchair ramps in hotels, restaurants and public buildings, and the pavements in cities are narrow, uneven, and the edges of the sidewalks are high.

Petra - perhaps the only place that a disabled person can visit - he will be taken by cart along the Siku to Qasr al-Binta, and from there, subject to prior arrangement, you can take a car and return to the hotel along Wadi Turkmanieh (Wadi Turkmaniyeh) through the checkpoint.

It is about five times smaller than France and ten times larger than Egypt. Jordan on the world map seems to be enclosed in the tight borders of other states that were imposed on it by Great Britain and some other states after the events of the First World War. Today, this small state impresses with a variety of climatic zones and picturesque landscapes.

In contact with

Classmates

Jordan, Wikipedia says, is located for the most part on a plateau that rises 700-1000 meters above sea level. That is why Jordan's capital is Amman located on the highest elevation, yielding exclusively to the capital of Yemen, which is located on the hills of Sana'a. From the Jordanian capital, you can go down to the mysterious, located 400 meters below sea level, in less than an hour.

Jordan is a country that attracts many travelers. It strikes with wooded hills in the northern part. To the east, it meets the mountainous heights of Wadi Rum and Petra, as well as the flat basalt deserts and subtropical climate of the Jordan Valley. The country is striking and surprises even experienced travelers visiting the amazing state repeatedly.

The population of the state is represented by residents of modern megacities and nomadic Bedouin tribes. The country has a huge number of significant attractions that can compete with the Egyptian ones in their value. Tourists have the opportunity to:

On the world stage, the country impresses with its originality thanks to the Hashemite royal family. It is noteworthy that she comes from the Hejaz from Saudi Arabia, that is, from the Prophet Muhammad himself. Until 1999, the royal post was held by King Hussein, who confidently controlled power in Jordan for 46 years, was the 42nd direct descendant of the Prophet.

The current king is Abdullah, son of Hussein. His policy is to keep the peace in Jordan. This is achieved by peaceful relations with Israel and proximity to the United States. However, this policy did not receive much response from local residents.

Jordan is directly dependent on outside assistance due to the lack of oil fields in the country. In many ways, she expects help from the United States. A huge part of the economy is tourism. Jordan image of a stable and secure state, which is convenient for traveling and exploring oriental culture. Today, ancient Petra is included in the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World, which is why Jordanians believe that tourism will continue to develop.

Geographical position of the country

After getting acquainted with the main advantages of the country, the question arises, where is Jordan and how to get there. Many dream of going to an eastern country to see with their own eyes numerous attractions, including the city of Madaba and the memorial of Moses.

The state is located in the Middle East in Western Asia. The total area is 89 thousand square kilometers. Of these, water is no more than 500 square kilometers, and the rest of the space is land, which is clearly visible on the world map.

Most of the landscapes of the state are a desert rocky plateau, which is located at an altitude of 650-1250 meters. There are also gorges and valleys. To the east of the Jordan is the northern point of the Rift Valley, which continues to the African Great Lakes. This area considered seismically active, although there have been no such natural disasters in the last century.

The lowest point of the state on the map is the coast of the Dead Sea, and the highest point is Mount Dzhembel Ram. To understand the exact geographical position of the country, its extreme points help:

1. Northern: 33°22'N 38°47′E d.
2. South: 29°11'N 36°04′E d.
3. Western: 29°21'N 34°57′E d.
4. Eastern: 32°14'N 39°17′E d.

The total length of the borders is 1619 kilometers. Syria is Jordan's neighbor to the north, and Iraq to the northeast. Near the southern and eastern borders is Israel, and in the west - Palestine. The state is washed by the waters of two seas at once - the Dead and the Red.

What to see in Jordan?

The government of the country carefully develops tourism, so there are really many significant sights here. Among the main ones are the following:

In addition, the amazing city of Amman has been chosen as the center of Arab religion and culture. It allows you to learn more about the peculiarities of life in Eastern countries, their culture, get acquainted with traditions and customs. Hospitable Amman contributes to the fact that the rest was at a high level.

Jordan

You love vacation at sea?

You love trips ?

Would you like to do it more often ?

And you know that whilecan you earn more?

Your extra income 10,000 - 50,000 rubles per month working concurrently as a regional representative In your city You can start working without any experience...

… or just help your friends and acquaintances to choose profitable last minute tours online and save up for your vacation...

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Jordan

Country Description

Jordan is a land of culture, beauty and striking contrasts. Jordan is an ancient country, but at the same time, it is a modern Kingdom, offering diversity, security and traditional hospitality to the sophisticated traveler. Not many people can boast of such a close relationship to the great historical eras of civilization, because it was here that a turning point in the fate of mankind occurred. Jordan lies in the heart of the Holy Land. During the journey, your path will pass through valleys, plains, hills, mountains and streams, whose names will forever remain in the memory of mankind, thanks to the deeds and testaments of the prophets Muhammad, Abraham, Moses, Lot, Aaron, Elijah, John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. Most of the religious discoveries of our time have taken place on the land of Jordan, such as the baptismal site at Bethany across the Jordan River (John 1:28) or the birthplace of the prophet Elijah at Listib. All of them are places of Biblical pilgrimage. As far as the Islamic faith is concerned, Jordan is the Blessed Land that lies between the three great Muslim holy sites of Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem and has witnessed the birth of Islam and its transformation into a global religion. A large number of followers of the Prophet Muhammad fell victim and were buried in Jordan. Three important historical sites are related to Islam: the battlefields of Mitah, Yarmouk and Fahiyah.

Jordan is a real kingdom and state that favorably combines oriental exoticism with the European style of tourist infrastructure. Despite all the Middle East conflicts, Jordan remains an absolutely safe country with no conflicts both within the kingdom and with its neighbors. This eloquently confirms the following fact: unlike a number of other Arab countries, entry into Jordan is not limited if there is an Israeli visa in the passport.

Geography

The capital of the country is Amman. Jordan is located in the Middle East, in the northwest of the Arabian Peninsula. It borders on Syria in the north, Israel in the west, Saudi Arabia in the south and east, and Iraq in the northeast. In the southwest, a small part of the country is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Aqaba of the Red Sea. The area of ​​the country is 89 thousand square meters. km. Most of the territory of Jordan (80%) is occupied by a desert plateau. It starts from the banks of the Jordan River in the west, gradually rising and reaching heights of 900 m. Further east, it gradually decreases, passing into the Syrian Desert in the northeast. In the west of the country, the rift valley stretches, which includes the Jordan River, the Dead Sea and the Wadi Araba depression. The highest point of the country - Mount Jebel Ram (1734 m) is located in the southern part of Jordan, the lowest - on the coast of the Dead Sea (408 m below sea level). The largest river in the country is the Jordan River, which flows along its western border. Part of the Dead Sea is located in Jordan. The length of the Dead Sea is about 80 km, and the maximum width is 16 km. The Dead Sea is the lowest point in the world. The sea got its name because of the absence of any life in its waters, because the salinity of the water is 350 grams of salt per 1 kg of water.

Time

Usually, the time is 1 hour behind Moscow, but due to the difference in the date of transition to daylight saving time in Jordan and Russia, the time difference can be 2 hours (in Jordan, the clock hands are set on the night from Thursday to Friday, and in Russia - on the night of Saturday to Sunday).

Climate

Jordan has a Mediterranean climate that is pleasant to travel all year round. On the Dead Sea in Jordan, it is sunny and hot from May to early November, the average temperature is + 30C, in winter and spring (November-April), it is also sunny and warm, while the average temperature is + 20C. The best time to travel to Jordan is spring or autumn. It is cool in Jordan in the evening, especially in the mountains and deserts, so a warm sweater can come in handy even in summer. The day is usually warm. But do not forget that the sensations with the same thermometer readings in Russia and Jordan are different - at 25 degrees in Amman it can be quite cool, and at local 35 - much more comfortable than at Moscow 25 ...

Language

The official language is Arabic, and English is also widely spoken in business, government, and among educated people. Arabic and English are compulsory in schools. French is taught in a number of schools but is not compulsory. Despite this, a French-speaking layer has formed in modern Jordan. Radio Jordan broadcasts in Arabic, English and French.

Religion

Most of the population is Muslim. Christians make up 6% of Jordan's permanent population and hold 20% of seats in Parliament. Basically, Jordanian Christians belong to the Orthodox Church (Jerusalem Patriarchate), the rest belong to the Roman Catholic Church, the Greek Catholic Church and various Protestant societies. Christians in Jordan include people of various nationalities (for example, the Catholic Mass is held in Arabic, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Tagalog, Sinhala and Iraqi dialects of Arabic), but the majority are Christian Arabs. Some Jordanians belong to religious minorities - Druze and supporters of the Baha'i faith. So, more than 95% of the population of Jordan are Sunni Muslims. Christians make up almost the entire remainder of the population. Christian nomads consider themselves descendants of the Christians, Two-thirds of the Christians are Catholics and Orthodox. The rest of the Christians are Uniates (Catholics of the Byzantine rite), parishioners of the Syrian Orthodox Church. The majority of non-Arab Christians are Armenians, belonging to the Armenian Gregorian Orthodox Church and the Armenian Catholic Church. There are several Protestant communities in Jordan. Christians live mainly in Amman, Kerak, Madaba and Es-Salta. Druze - a branch of the Shia sect of the Ismailis form a community of several hundred people, live in and around Amman. About 1000 Baha'is - a sect that broke away in the 19th century. from the Shiite direction of Islam, live in Al-Adasiyah.

Population

The population of Jordan, over 4 million people, is ethnically divided into: Arabs - 98%, Armenians - 1%, Circassians and Chechens - 1%, while there are more than a million Arabs (according to some estimates) and almost two thirds of the population (according to other estimates ) - Palestinians from the territories occupied by Israel. Another non-Arab community living in the country is the Turkmen.

Electricity

Voltage - 220 volts.

Emergency Phones

Helpline in Amman 121, in the rest of Jordan: 131, and for international calls: 0132. Most local operators speak English. Using these numbers, you can get information about network subscribers, ask questions about telephone communications, area codes, and organizations. Single phone - 196.

Connection

The communication system is quite modern. Calls within the country and abroad can be made from a hotel or from a cell phone (phone-boxes of the companies "ALO" and "JPP", which worked with magnetic cards costing from 1 to 20 dinars, have not been working since the spring of 2003). When calling within the country from one zone to another, "0" is placed before the area code (when calling from abroad, "0" is not necessary before the area code). To call the country, dial 8-10-962 (Jordan's international dialing code) - the subscriber's number. Codes of some cities: Jerash, Irbid, Ajlun - 02; Aqaba, Petra, El-Karak - 03; Es Salt, Madaba - 05; Amman, Naur, Sahab - 06; Al-Tafilah - 7; Az-Zarqa - 09.

Currency exchange

Jordanian dinar (JOD), equal to 100 piastres and 1000 fils. In circulation are banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 dinars and coins of 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 25 and 100 dinars. Fils are almost out of use, but 5, 10, 25, 100, 250 and 500 fils coins still have limited circulation. Banks are open from 08:30 to 12:30 and from 15:30 to 17:30 from Saturday to Thursday (the ticket office usually closes at 12:30). During Ramadan, most banks are open only from 08:30 to 10:00, although some large banks are open in the afternoon. Payment for goods and services usually takes place in dinars, foreign currency is almost never accepted for payment. Money can be exchanged at the airport, hotels, banks and specialized exchange offices. Credit cards and traveler's checks are accepted only in major tourist centers, hotels, ticket offices and large stores (American Express and Visa are the most common - they are accepted almost everywhere, Dinners Club is less widespread, cashing MasterCard cards is also often difficult, so they are better do not use). In the interior of the country, it is almost impossible to pay with credit cards. British Bank of the Middle East accepts Eurocheques. The commission for cashing travelers checks is usually 5 dinars, regardless of the amount.

Visa

Citizens of the Russian Federation need a visa to visit Jordan. Citizens of the Russian Federation can obtain a visa to Jordan upon arrival (you need a passport with a validity of at least 6 months) for 10 Jordanian dinars. A visa can also be issued in advance in Moscow. The term for issuing a visa at the consulate of Jordan is 1-2 days. Required documents: passport + 1 photo. Visa fee: single entry - $20, double entry - $35. Groups over 6 people can get a free visa if they come in an organized manner.

Customs regulations

You can import up to 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 200 gr. into the country duty-free. tobacco, 2 liters of wine, perfumes for personal use. Hand luggage and items for personal use are not subject to duties. The import of foreign (except Israeli) and national currency is not limited (the declaration is required). Export of imported currency is unlimited, national - no more than 300 dinars. The import of weapons and drugs is prohibited. There are restrictions on the import of alcohol and cigarettes. When exporting antiques, it is advisable to have a receipt issued by the seller on hand.

Holidays and non-working days

January 1 - Christian New Year
January 15 - Tree Day
January 30 - Birthday of King Abdullah II
March 22 - Day of the League of Arab States
March 25 - Independence Day
May 1 - Labor Day
June 9 - Day of ascension to the throne of King Abdullah II
June 14 - Army Day
November 14 - Birthday of King Hussein
December 25 - Catholic Christmas
There are also a number of Muslim holidays celebrated according to the lunar calendar, which is shorter than the Gregorian one.
An annual culture and arts festival is held in Jerash in July.

Transport

The best way to get to Jordan is by plane. There are two international airports - Queen Alia Airport near Amman and King Hussein Airport in Aqaba. There are also flights to Jordan from neighboring countries, buses and trains run. In the south of the country, a ferry runs from Aqaba to the Egyptian resort of Nuweiba. Within the country there is only one flight - between Amman and Aqaba. The best way to get around Jordan is by buses, which are modern and comfortable. Jordan has an extensive road network with good coverage. Shuttle taxis (services), which are outdated mini-buses, also run between cities. They set off as they fill up and run much faster than comfortable buses. Inside the cities, you can travel by taxi or rented car. All taxis in the country are yellow and most drivers speak English. In order to rent a car, you must have an international driver's license, a credit card and a driving experience of at least 1 year.

Tips

It is customary to tip 0.5 dinars for hotel service, 1-2 dinars for a taxi, 2 dinars for a guide per person.

The shops

The shops each work according to their own schedule, but most often they are open from 9:30 to 18:00 with a lunch break from 13:30 to 15:30 from Saturday to Thursday. Friday is a public holiday throughout the country. From Jordan, you can bring Madab wicker rugs, bottles of multi-colored sand from Petra (it’s better to buy them in Petra itself - only real sand of natural shades is used there), olive wood crafts, ceramics and copper utensils, jewelry (in Jordan, gold is cheap, and if the price of the metal itself is fixed, then the “work” allowance can sometimes be “knocked down” by almost half), Bedouin jewelry made of black silver, and much more. Jordanian cosmetics based on Dead Sea products are also very popular. If the tourist is obsessed with picking up dirt directly from the shore of the Dead Sea, one can ask one of the attendants at the coastal hotel to help in search of it on the shore. The service will cost 1-3 JD, depending on the difficulties associated with its provision and depending on the amount of good obtained. The best mud is "radical black". It can be transported in several nested cellophane bags.

National cuisine

The cuisine of Jordan is in many ways similar to the cuisine of other Arab countries. Jordanian dishes are typical of Syria and Lebanon, Palestine and the Emirates. However, there are also differences. Shawarma, for example, can be rightfully attributed to the common dishes that are common throughout the Middle East. Of course, not the surrogate that is sold in Moscow. Real shawarma is made in the form of a kind of pancakes with a lot of meat and greens. In all Arab countries, vegetables, chicken and lamb are widely used for its preparation, but in no case pork. A typical Jordanian dish - mansaf - lamb with rice, boiled in sour cream. It's boiled, not stewed. This dish is served at weddings, dinner parties or dinner parties. In Jordan, mansaf is often cooked with laban, sour cream. Mansaf is served on a large platter: finely chopped lamb is placed on rice spread out in an even layer, and sprinkled with roasted nuts on top. Often a flatbread or pita bread is placed under a layer of rice. But if mansaf is to some extent a festive dish, then adas (yellow lentils with chicken and onions in lemon juice) is a dish consumed almost every day. This hearty lentil stew is usually eaten in winter. Another typical Jordanian dish is very interesting - makluba, which is translated from Arabic as "inverted". The name of the dish is fully consistent with the method of its preparation. Potatoes and eggplants are fried together with beef or lamb in a pot or pan. Then pre-fried rice is added there, poured with water, salt and spices are added and all this is stewed until tender. Well, then the makluba is covered with a large dish and turned over. It turns out meat-potato-rice casserole, served on a large dish with sour cream. Often in Jordanian taverns they also offer mlukhiya - a soup of meat, chicken or rabbit with garlic, rice and lemon juice. The leaves of various herbs that grow in the Arab countries give a special piquancy to Mlukhia. An inexpensive dish of Jordanian cuisine is cutlets made from coarsely crushed peas, which are generously lubricated with thehenia, a kind of putty made from the same yellow peas with sesame oil. Thenia is often eaten with meat or chicken dishes. Our tourists can get acquainted with this seasoning in Israel. Jordan produces several brands of table wines that cost about $3.50 in duty-free shops. In addition, beer is produced here (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), for example, the famous Amstel. Often tourists are offered to try anise vodka - "Arak", which must be half diluted with water. For those who have been to Turkey and Greece, the drink will remind local drinks of this type. Arak is often sold in souvenir dishes - such a bottle (as well as wines from biblical lands) can be taken with you as a gift.

Attractions

Amman- the capital of Jordan, the main and largest city of the country; conditionally divided into two parts: the old traditional city center and modern, designed in Western style. During the Greco-Roman Empire, it was called Philadelphia, and long before these times - Rabat Ammon. This city is a major commercial and administrative center with many fine hotels, restaurants, art galleries and museums. The crown of Amman can be considered Citadel- a mountain with the ruins of the temple of Hercules, Omayyad Palace and Byzantine Church. At the foot of the Citadel is Roman theater for 6,000 seats.

Ancient city Petra is one of the national treasures of Jordan. It attracts tourists the most. Petra is located three hours south of Amman. Petra is a beautiful legacy left to us by the hard-working Nabatians who settled in southern Jordan over 2,000 years ago. A feature of Petra is its amazing location inside a narrow long gorge in the desert. From the main entrance to the interior of the city, visitors can walk along a one-kilometer winding SIK- a huge crack in the sandy mountain. The most famous landmark of Petra is storage, which, as it were, unexpectedly grows before the eyes at the end of the passage.

The deserts of Jordan are simply dotted with ancient castles, which alternate with ancient forts, hunting lodges, inns. Diverse in purpose, built in different architectural styles, with elaborate decorations, they were in the possession of the Umayyad caliphs in the first half of the 8th century. well preserved Castle (Qasr) Amra is an object of World Cultural Heritage and is under the protection of UNESCO. Its interior walls and ceilings are covered in vibrant frescoes, while two rooms are completely covered in colorful mosaics.

On the land of Jordan, the most magnificent discovery of our time was made - it was discovered baptismal complex at Bethabara near the Jordan(John 1:28). Other important attractions include Mount Sky- the prophet Moses was buried there, John the Baptist was beheaded in Machairas, the birthplace of the prophet Elijah is in Listib, and the current place of worship of the Virgin is in Anzhar. All these Biblical pilgrimage sites are officially declared Jubilee sites.

The lush and at the same time harsh environment of Jordan amazes the traveler with its extraordinary diversity. Wadi Rum- this grandiose, with a living echo, the divine desert is one of the wonders of nature. It is simply a paradise for nature lovers. A serious traveler will get great pleasure from climbing to a dizzying height, while an ordinary tourist can simply contemplate the panorama of pristine nature with its rocky mountains and boundless space.

Surrounded by harsh rugged mountains that constantly change color during the day, Aqaba- the only seaport in Jordan. Crystal clear water, lively underwater marine life, mild climate create favorable conditions for year-round diving and other water sports. Aqaba - the famous Jordanian "window" to the Red Sea, the most ecologically clean area of ​​the Red Sea, is famous for its coral reefs and sandy beaches.

Three hundred kilometers Dana Nature Reserve, stretching from the heights of the gorge along the desert plains of Wadi Rum, is remarkable for its diversity of flora and fauna. Here they literally thrive. In addition to Dana, there are two other reserves here - Shumari and Mujib, where Arabian antelopes, ostriches, gazelles, onagers and Nubian ibex have taken root and settled superbly.

Resorts

The southernmost city in the country Aqaba(335 km south of Amman), this is a fairly young resort on the Red Sea coast, in the northernmost part of the Gulf of Aqaba. Here, crystal clear water, good conditions for relaxation and, importantly, a light breeze constantly blows. Thanks to the mountains in Aqaba, there is a special microclimate and you can swim here all year round, in the winter months the water temperature does not drop below 22 C. Aqaba has 4 diving centers offering PADI courses and about 30 dive sites. Some species of fish and corals are found only here.

Dead Sea- a unique natural monument and natural clinic. This salty lake, the surface of which lies 400 meters below the level of the world's oceans, is considered the saltiest body of water on the planet. The composition of water includes a large number of components - from bromine and chlorine to rare metals. Due to such a high salinity (the salt content here is 10 times higher than in the most salty of the world's seas), the water is very "dense" and rather resembles a thick brine. And it is the salts that provide the world-famous healing properties of local water and mud. Bathing in dense, oily to the touch water leaves an unforgettable experience and relieves many diseases. Dry, clean, with a high bromine concentration and almost dust-free air at a pressure of about 800 mm. rt. Art., is another factor in the treatment. Moreover, the sun's rays are filtered by an additional layer of air (after all, 400 m. "Above the norm"), and evaporation from the surface of the water acts as a polarizing filter. Due to this, the ultraviolet radiation of the sun is greatly attenuated, which creates ideal conditions for heliotherapy. The hotels, which operate modern medical and rehabilitation centers, are located in the north of the Dead Sea, just a few kilometers from the mouth of the Jordan River, which flows into it.

The endless expanses of deserts, the healing power of the extraordinary Dead Sea, a rich excursion program - all this is offered by the amazing country of Jordan. The official name of this Middle Eastern state is the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Interestingly, the word "Hashimi" testifies to the origin of the ruling dynasty of the country from the family of the Prophet Muhammad himself.

Jordan belongs to the Middle East region. In the north, the state borders with Syria and Iraq, in the south and east - with Saudi Arabia, and in the west - with the Palestinian Authority and Israel.

Arabic is recognized as the official language in Jordan. True, in the political and economic life of the country, English is often used, which is compulsory for studying in schools.

Despite the fact that most of the territory of Jordan is desert, the country has a well-developed light industry, oil refining, phosphate mining, the cement industry and, of course, the tourism industry.

Jordan can be safely called the scientific and cultural center of the Middle East. There are about 40 military units operating in the country, three of them have a military specialization.

Holidays in Jordan are mainly chosen by couples with children. Tourists in this stunning country are interested in the incomparable sandy beaches and amazing coral reefs of Aqaba, amazing ancient monuments and, of course, the amazing beauty of the Dead Sea. A separate part of the holidaymakers in the Kingdom are Christian and Muslim pilgrims. After all, Jordan is considered the "cradle of mankind." The country has a huge number of historical sites and monuments that are mentioned in the New and Old Testaments. Most of them are concentrated in the capital of the state amman, and also in Madabe and Jeyran.

Capital	Amman
Population	6,259,932 people (as of 2012)
Population density	68 people/km²
	Arab
Religion
Form of government	A constitutional monarchy
	Jordanian dinar
Timezone	UTC+2, summer UTC+3
International dialing code
Domain zone
Electricity

Climate and weather

The climate of Jordan is dry, subtropical. Weather conditions in different parts of the country vary depending on the relief. The average daily air temperature in January is about +10 °C (at the same time, in the valley Jordan noticeably warmer - about +14 °C), and in the warmest month, July, the air warms up to +30 °C (near the Jordan - +35 °C). It is worth noting that in the eastern regions of Jordan, there are sharper temperature fluctuations. And on the uplands of the country sometimes snow falls in winter, however, it lies only a few days a year. Brief rains in Jordan are observed from October to May. Summer in the country is dry and hot.

The holiday season in Jordan lasts all year round. The water temperature in the Dead and Red Seas does not fall below +21 °C.

The best time to visit Jordan is spring and autumn. During this period, the air temperature takes on optimal values ​​for human adaptation.

Nature

More than 90% of the territory of Jordan is occupied by spacious deserts and semi-deserts. And only small oases are visible among the sands. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is located on a plateau that is cut by a tectonic depression. Ghor. This depression is considered the deepest: the lowest point of the Dead Sea is at around 793 meters below sea level. ghor occupied by the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley. On both sides, the depression is surrounded by relatively low mountains. The highest point in the country Mount Jebel Ram, whose height is 1753 meters.

The most impressive natural treasure of Jordan is the area along the unique Dead Sea. The salt concentration in this reservoir is 7.5 times higher than normal for ordinary sea water. Apart from some bacteria, no one survives here. Even fish that accidentally swam here from the Jordan are instantly covered with a thick layer of salt. Near the coast of the Dead Sea, there are numerous thermal springs, which, with their unique composition of water, have attracted many tourists for more than a thousand years.

Jordan boasts one of the most beautiful deserts in the world - Wadi Rum. The locals call it Moon Valley. Here, the unusual combination of massifs of mountains and sand, which here takes on various shades from pale yellow to bright red, is especially impressive.

Jordan is dominated by desert, semi-desert and steppe landscapes. Rarely there are oases where mainly date palms are grown. In the deserts, grass cover, consisting of aristides, capers and desert bluegrass, appears only during the rainy season. The hills are covered mainly with vegetation of the Mediterranean type. The Jordanian steppes are covered with wormwood, sometimes there are lonely growing trees and shrubs.

The fauna of Jordan is more diverse than the flora. Here you can meet ibexes, goats, wild boars. There are also jackals, hares, wild cats, foxes, hyenas, gazelles. Of the birds, vultures and golden eagles are the most common.

Unique flora and fauna Gulf of Aqaba. It is here that the northernmost coral reefs in the world are located. About 1000 species of fish, mammals and crustaceans are found in the waters of the bay. Here tourists can meet dolphins, sea turtles and even whale sharks.

Attractions

Jordan is an ancient country. Its history spans over 10,000 years. A huge number of historical and cultural attractions are concentrated on the territory of the state, which attract historians, art critics and even pilgrims from all over the world.

Traveling in Jordan should start from its capital - Amman.

Here are particularly noteworthy the ruins of the temple of Hercules, the ancient amphitheater, the city Citadel, the palace of the governor of the Ummayads.

The pearl of Jordan is the ancient city Petra. Interestingly, the entire city was carved into the rocks.

His heritage includes more than 800 monuments, which are of great interest to the culture not only of the Middle East, but of the whole world.

The ancient Greco-Roman city is interesting for tourists Jerash.

Here is located Temple of Artemis, Temple of Zeus, Arch of Hadrian, ancient theaters and hippodromes, as well as the notorious Roman baths.

A unique underground mausoleum, a cathedral and the ruins of a basalt theater can be seen in one of the most ancient cities Umm Kaise.

And the ancient Karak famous for its well-preserved castle El Karak, which was built in 1142 by the knight Labutellier. The castle is a labyrinth of secret passages and galleries.

Orthodox pilgrims come to Jordan to visit the famous city Madaba.

Here, the most famous attraction is the mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land in Church of St. George. This map is considered the oldest of all existing.

One of the main attractions of Jordan is considered mountain Sky mentioned in the Old Testament. It was from here that Moses saw the Promised Land. It is also believed that the prophet died and was buried on this mountain. Later, a temple was erected on this site, which, unfortunately, has not survived to this day.

Jordanian land is also rich in natural attractions. An absolutely stunning place is the Wadi Rum desert. Not only adherents of ecological tourism come here, but also safari lovers and climbers.

Near Madaba located in a unique place - Zarka Main with numerous thermal springs. It is said that King Herod the Great himself used these springs for medicinal purposes.

Nutrition

Jordanian cuisine mainly consists of the main Arab culinary traditions, however, it has several features. Many people think that local dishes are extremely spicy and spicy, like in other Arab countries, but this is not the case. Jordanian chefs prefer to add a variety of herbs, onions, mint, pine nuts and pickled olives. The most popular dishes in the country are various salads, stews, mashed pea dishes. hummus" and " falafel". In addition to different types of lavash, flat cakes are popular in Jordan. kmage and bread ragif».

Meat dishes are often prepared from veal, lamb or chicken. As a side dish, local chefs use rice and potatoes.

Jordan is famous for its sweets, which are considered the best in the Middle East. Foreign tourists prefer to buy sesame cookies, " canafu" with cheese, " baklava» with pistachios, pies « kataef", dessert " Javafa» with guava, candied fruits and amazing ice cream.

Alcoholic drinks in Jordan are freely available at any time, with the exception of Ramadan (the month of Muslim fasting). Of the local drinks, you should try " arak". This vodka has the color of milk and the smell of anise. Before use" arak» It is recommended to dilute with water. Jordanian wines and beer are especially popular with foreign tourists. True, not all restaurants can order these drinks.

The cost of food in Jordan is relatively low by European standards. Lunch in a small street cafe will cost $10. And for a three-course dinner for two people, you will have to pay about $20-30.

Accommodation

Tourists traveling in Jordan will not experience housing problems. In almost any locality of the state, you can find comfortable hotels that provide their customers with decent service. True, in cities far from a large influx of tourists, the choice of housing will be severely limited to 1-2 hotels. These hotels are focused mainly on local business travelers. It should be noted that the level of comfort in these hotels is quite low. Very often the rooms do not have air conditioning and hot water, and they are located in uncomfortable and noisy parts of the city. A huge plus when placing in such hotels is the low cost of rooms compared to hotels Aqaba and Amman- only $30.

In tourist centers, there is a huge selection of hotels for every taste and, of course, a wallet. Tourists often stay in luxury hotels of large hotel chains. In addition to expensive hotels in Jordan, you can stay in state boarding houses, which are mainly located in national parks. These hotel complexes are equipped with lounges, swimming pools and restaurants. True, most of these complexes look very untidy.

The cost of living in hotels in Jordan varies from $80 to $150, depending on the location of the hotels and the equipment of the rooms.

Entertainment and recreation

Hospitable Jordan offers a rich excursion program. Unique monuments of antiquity, legendary religious sites, unique natural attractions make this country popular with many travel lovers.

Fans of active recreation will also not be bored in Jordan. Many travel companies organize unique off-road safaris through the amazing desert. Wadi Rum. Often these walks are accompanied by visits to the majestic fortresses of legionnaires and the legendary biblical cities.

Individual tourists go on an exciting journey through the central highlands and the eastern desert as part of a real caravan. Many foreign tourists want to look at the unique beauties of the unique desert Wadi Rum bird's-eye. Companies organize paragliding and hot air balloon flights.

The Jordanian coast has gained great popularity among diving enthusiasts. Gulf of Aqaba. Diving enthusiasts will appreciate the azure waters of the Red Sea, rich in a variety of wildlife.

Sandy warm beaches of the Dead and Red Seas attract those who want to bask in the gentle sun from all over the world. Some companies claim that Jordan's beaches are among the best in the Middle East.

Healing climate, unique thermal springs have made Jordan the center of world healing. Medicinal mud, mineral waters and hot springs will help relieve stress and improve health.

A rich cultural holiday is offered by the magnificent capital of Jordan - Amman. The city is located Royal Cultural Center, which is located near the Sports City Al Hussein. The center includes a large complex of buildings housing drama theatres, exhibition halls and cinemas.

In the major tourist centers of Jordan ( Amman, Aqaba) at the hotels there are bars, discos and even nightclubs. True, visitors to these establishments are exclusively foreign tourists, because the strict norms of Islam prohibit believers from such entertainment.

Purchases

Pleasant souvenirs for the memory of a great vacation in the mysterious Jordan can be purchased in every city that deserves the attention of tourists. Original wicker rugs from Madaba, excellent bottles filled with multi-colored sand, ceramic and copper utensils, beautiful olive wood crafts, traditional Bedouin jewelry made of white and black silver and other jewelry. Women do not miss the amazing opportunity to acquire famous Jordanian cosmetics based on products from the Dead Sea.

Interestingly, in Jordan there is no bargaining characteristic of Arab countries. Prices here, if they reduce, then quite a bit. And often, seeing foreign tourists, local sellers set incredibly high price tags.

There is no general opening hours for stores in Jordan. Each owner of a retail facility sets the closing time of his establishment himself. It is worth noting that Friday is declared an official holiday in the country, and not Sunday, as in Europe.

Transport

Despite the rather difficult landscape, Jordan has an excellent transport system. Public transport is represented by buses, minibuses and services. The last locals call small five-seater cars, which, like minibuses, follow a certain route. The fare in such transport is 50% higher than the price of bus tickets and is slightly less than $3. You can also travel in cities by taxi. Only in the capital of the state this transport is equipped with meters, in other cities you will have to agree on the cost of the trip in advance. In Amman, the price on the counters is $ 1, an additional $ 0.4 is charged for landing. After midnight, the fare increases several times. You can also rent a taxi for the whole day. This service will cost $30-35.

To move around the country, the best option is road transport. The quality of Jordanian roads deserves the highest praise. Movement in the country is accepted right-hand. Road signs are made in two languages: Arabic and English. True, many do not recommend foreigners to drive themselves in Irbid and Amman, where there are constant traffic jams on the roads.

All Jordanian cities are connected by regular bus passenger service. Transportation is carried out by the rolling stock of the company Jett. It is recommended to purchase tickets for them in advance. In addition to these buses, you can use small (15 seats) taxis. It is worth noting that they do not have a fixed schedule. Often, the departure of such transport is carried out only after it is completely filled with passengers.

There is a small railway in Jordan, which provides exclusively passenger traffic between Amman and the Syrian Damascus. It is worth noting that after the start of the civil war in Syria, not only the railway communication, but also the domestic airline from Amman before El Mafraka stopped working indefinitely.

Near Amman located international Queen Alia airport. This airport is considered one of the most modern in the entire Middle East. Jordan is connected not only with neighboring countries, but also with major cities in Europe and Asia by regular air links. Flights are operated by two local airlines − Royal Jordanian and Royal Wings. The latter performs domestic flights on the route Amman — Aqaba. The cost of such a flight is only $ 5.

The Gulf of Aqaba is the country's only seaport, which provides cargo transportation to neighboring countries. In addition, regular ferry service between Jordan and Egypt is well established.

Connection

Communication systems in Jordan are quite modern. You can call within the country and abroad from telephone sets installed in hotels, or from a cell phone. Mobile communications in the country are provided by two operators - " MobileCom" and " FastLink". Calls within the network cost phone owners $ 0.14 per minute. You can call abroad, for example, to Moscow for $1 per minute. Therefore, for international calls, it is recommended to purchase a SIM card from local operators.

Widespread not only in the capital of Jordan Amman, but also in other large cities of the country received network technologies. Numerous Internet cafes offer access to the worldwide web. In addition, you can wander through the endless expanses of the "electronic web" in large hotels and hotels where there are Wi-Fi access points.

Security

Jordan, despite its proximity to Palestine and Syria, is considered one of the safest and most stable countries in the Middle East. As in a strictly Muslim state, there is practically no crime and interfaith conflicts. Recently, Jordanian law enforcement authorities have strongly advised foreign citizens not to plan travel to areas close to the borders of Syria, Israel and Palestine in connection with the declared martial law in neighboring states.

The sanitary situation in Jordan is favorable. Some experts still recommend that tourists be vaccinated against polio, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A, and tuberculosis. Children entering the country must be vaccinated against whooping cough, measles, rubella and diphtheria.

It is recommended to use only bottled water in Jordan, especially during the summer period, when the quality of tap water deteriorates significantly. Meat and fish must be thermally processed before eating, and vegetables and fruits must be thoroughly washed.

Business climate

Jordan boasts excellent conditions for the development of foreign business. A pleasant climate, an abundance of unique cultural and religious attractions make this country one of the most popular tourists in the Middle East. Such an increased interest of foreigners in Jordan is preferred by numerous investors who decide to invest large sums of money in the development of the country's tourism industry. Every year in the major tourist centers of Jordan (especially in the capital on the shores of the Dead and Red Seas) new modern hotels, entertainment complexes and shopping centers are being built.

Coast Gulf of Aqaba is not only a world-class holiday destination, but also the center of business activity in Jordan. Here is the free economic zone of Aqaba. This title implies the presence of favorable conditions for foreign investment. Many investors are attracted to this region by simplified procedures for setting up companies, low income taxes (only 5%), business opportunities not only in the Middle East, but also in North Africa, ready equipped sites for medium and light industries.

The property

The favorable geographical position, excellent climate, the country's rich mineral resources for healing mud and mineral springs have made the Jordanian real estate market one of the most attractive throughout the Middle East, which was practically not affected during the 2008 global crisis. The overall decline in prices did not exceed 10%, and since 2010 the market has returned to the pre-crisis level.

The stability and high profitability of the Jordanian economy attracts numerous real estate investors. Currently offered for sale apartments in the center of the capital of the Kingdom Amman at an average price of $1300-1700 per square meter. Apartments in residential areas of the capital will cost about $80,000-100,000. Citizens from wealthy countries show the greatest interest in Jordanian housing Persian Gulf.

The purchase of real estate in Jordan by foreign citizens does not have any restrictions. For registration of the relevant documents, only a foreign passport is required. However, one condition still exists: foreigners cannot sell the acquired property in the next 5 years after the purchase transaction.

In the capital of Jordan Amman and large cities there is an increased demand for rental apartments. The cost of rental housing corresponds to the European level. So, for a month of living in a small one-room apartment with all amenities, you will have to pay from $150 to $400, depending on the location of the apartment relative to the city center.

A wonderful holiday full of unforgettable experiences will give you the excellent Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. As in any Muslim state, staying in Jordan requires the implementation of certain rules of conduct.

Being in public places obliges foreigners to wear certain clothes that comply with all the canons of Islam. The person's elbows and knees must be covered. Women are required to cover their heads in public places. Lovers are forbidden to express their feelings in public. During Ramadan (the month of Muslim fasting), Jordanians adhere to the rejection of all worldly things from the first rays of the sun until sunset. Foreign tourists are also required to exercise restraint during this time. Women in this Islamic state are forbidden to touch another man, even in the case of a greeting. Many restaurants have separate "women's" restaurants. By the way, eating in Jordan is customary with the right hand. The left hand of Muslims is considered "unclean".

Photo and video filming is possible only after obtaining permission. It is strictly forbidden in Jordan to photograph transport infrastructure, military and government facilities.

When planning a trip to Jordan, you need to take care of a quality sunscreen. Be sure to take care of your eyes while swimming in the Dead Sea, because the high salt content irritates the mucous membranes.

There are no restrictions on movement within the country with an appropriate visa. True, it is advisable to always have a foreign passport with you for checking documents by local police. Especially this warning concerns the border areas with Syria, Palestine and Israel.

When buying souvenirs in Jordan, you should remember that the customs rules of the state prohibit the export of expensive items and antiques abroad without a special receipt, which the seller must issue to you. Naturally, both the export and import of drugs and weapons are prohibited. You can export foreign currency without restrictions, however, more than 300 Jordanian dinars cannot be transported.

Visa information

To visit Jordan, citizens of Russia and the CIS countries need a visa, which is issued directly at the border or at the airport, as well as at the consulate of Jordan. To obtain a visa at the airport, a tourist needs to present only a foreign passport, the validity of which exceeds six months at the time of entry. Sometimes officers may require a document confirming the hotel reservation. The cost of obtaining such a visa is only $ 28. It is worth noting that visas are not issued at border crossings with Israel and Syria.

Applying for a visa at the consular section of the Jordanian Embassy will require the following documents: a foreign passport; visa application form filled in English or Arabic; one photo. The consular fee in this case is $31.5.

For more information, please contact the Jordanian Embassy in Moscow: 103001, Moscow, per. Mamonovsky, 3 or by phone 299-43-44.