Official name: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Population: 4.9 million.
Capital: Amman.
Official language: Arabic, although English is widely spoken in the larger towns.
Religion: Islam (85%) & Christianity.
Holidays & Holy Days: During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Most food shops and cafes are closed during daylight hours, smoking is frowned upon and alcoholic drinks are banned except inside some international hotels and restaurants.
There are numerous other, religious and civil, public holidays throughout the year. Otherwise, the majority of Jordanians work a six day week, Friday officially being the weekend. Government offices observe a 2_day weekend, Thursday and Friday. Banks are closed on Friday and Saturday.
Electricity: 220 volts, AC 50 cycles.
Food & Drink:
Maglouba _ ‘upside-down-rice’ _ lamb or chicken stewed with rice, potatoes and aubergines.
Shish Kebab/Shish Tawook _ pieces of lamb or chicken cooked over charcoal.
Falafel _ chick peas, ground and deep fried _ very traditional and delicious.
Humus _ a dip made from pureed chick peas, tahini, olive oil, garlic & lemon.
Alcoholic drinks are available at the international hotels and restaurants.
Sweet tea flavoured with mint and strong Arabic coffee flavoured with cardomen is offered and drunk all the time.
The tap water in southern Jordan comes directly from the natural spring water table beneath Disi (next door to Wadi Rum) and is the sweetest in the world! In the north, it is advisable to drink bottled water.
Weather: Amman   Aqaba
January       8 (46)    15 (60)            * Centigrade (Fahrenheit).
April         16 (61)    24 (76)
July          25 (77)    32 (90)
November  15 (60)    22 (72)

In the winter months it gets quite cold in the north of Jordan; it can snow in Amman. Depending on the season it goes from mild to very cold at night in the desert and in the mountains. Aqaba has year round high temperatures, the best seasons being spring and autumn.
Visas: Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at any border (with the exception of the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge), port or airport, or in advance at any Jordanian embassy, consulate or legation in their own country. Visa charges vary according to nationality. Some nationalities require visas in advance, please check with your Jordanian embassy. If staying more than 2 weeks the visitor needs to register at the nearest police station. This is a formality and a 3 months extension should be granted free of charge.
Newspapers: The Jordan Times is the daily English language newspaper. The leading European and American newspapers are also available.
Radio & Television: Radio Jordan is the English language station broadcasting mostly current western pop music, and Jordan TV2 has several English language programmes. Satellite TV is available in most big hotels.
Communication: International phone calls can be made at a reasonable price from Tele-communication Offices in Amman and Aqaba, or from the
numerous private telephone offices. The cheapest way to call overseas is to buy an international telephone card, widely available in kiosks and local shops. Faxes can be sent from the telephone offices and most towns now have a modest Internet Café.
Currency: The Jordanian dinar is divided into 1000 fils or 100 piastres. Banks are open 8.30 – 3.30 and closed on Fridays & Saturdays. Money Exchange Offices are open every day from early in the morning until late at night, and generally give better rates than the banks. Credit cards are accepted at most major venues. US dollars are always welcome.
Safety: Jordan is one of the safest countries in the world. Street crime is virtually unknown. If you have a medical crisis, get lost or need help of any sort, people will immediately rush to your aid. Tourists are constantly amazed at how lost or forgotten items, such as wallets and cameras, are returned to them.
Shopping: Jordan is famous for the high standard of crafts available. Several non_profit organizations have initiated manufacturing schemes to create employment among low income communities, particularly for the village women. These include Bedouin jewellery, fine glass objects, pottery, rugs, traditional costumes and cross_stitch embroidery. Fake antiques are also available, but please be aware that taking real antiques out of the country is forbidden. And you must buy a souvenir sand bottle decorated with the most beautiful designs in the different coloured natural sands.
Tipping: Most hotels and restaurants add a service charge to your bill. Otherwise a tip is always appreciated.
Cultural Tips: Jordan is an Islamic country. Although comparatively liberal, many of the women are veiled. Visitors, especially women, are advised to dress modestly. This not only shows your respect for the culture, but also will help you be accepted. Do not take photographs without asking permission first. Respect the culture and traditions and you will be rewarded with warmth and hospitality.
Environmental Tips:
“The true servants of the most gracious are those who tread gently on the earth.”
The Qu’ran. Sura 25, verse 63
Please respect the environment. Don’t leave litter. On the beach, don’t touch the coral; it takes hundred of years to repair. Inland, don’t collect rocks or pick flowers, don’t burn open fires, don’t disturb nesting birds or other wildlife, and when out walking stick to recognised paths.

Some useful Arabic phrases:

What to bring:
Sleeping bags if you wish, comfortable shoes for walking tours, long trousers for camel rides, warm clothes for the evening, bathing suit, towel, hat ,sunblock and lip protection, sunglasses, camera, backpack for personal belongings, flashlight, toilet paper, matches and

A sense of humour!!!