State of Jordan on the map. Let's look at history. The land that connected people of different religions

- a country in the heart of the East, striking with its bright contrast, an abundance of historical sights and fantastic landscapes.

The Dead and Red Sea, the vast expanses of the Syrian Desert, Petra, the ancient city, the capital of the Nabatean kingdom, hidden in the depths of the rocky desert of Jordan, the sacred Mount Nebo, the Wadi Rum desert, timeless and practically untouched by civilization ... Jordan is 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.

Capital

Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan - Amman.

Geographical position

The country is located in the Middle East, bordering Syria in the north, Iraq in the northeast, Saudi Arabia in the east and south, Israel and the Palestinian National Authority, the partially recognized State of Palestine, in the west. Jordan shares with Israel and the PNA the coastlines of the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba with Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

The highest point of the country: Jabal Ram (1734 m), the lowest point is the Dead Sea (-486 m).

State structure

A constitutional monarchy

Religion

Islam, the vast majority are Shia Sunnis, 6% of the population are Christians.

Population

The population of Jordan is 6.2 million, 95% of the population are Arabs. Jordanian Arabs make up 35% of the population, 55% are from Palestine]. Other nationalities: Circassians ("Circassians"), Abazins, Abkhazians, Chechens, Armenians, Kurds. There are also many Jordanians of European origin and Arabs from Iraq and Syria. mostly Arabs, people from the regions of the Caucasus, Bedouins.

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

Big cities

Amman in the northwest, Irbid and Az-Zarqa in the north

Climate

In Jordan, it is dry and warm during the main season due to the fact that most of the country is occupied by deserts. The average annual rainfall is from 25-50 to 200 mm. In the north-west of the country, due to orography and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, the average annual rainfall is from 300 to 800 mm. Most of the precipitation falls during the cold season (November to March). In winter, the weather is unstable, warm during the day, rather cool at night.

Approximate water temperature:

Holidays in Jordan

• January 1 is the Christian New Year.
• January 15 is Tree Day.
• January 30 is the birthday of King Abdullah II.
• March 22 - Day of the League of Arab States.
• March 25 - Independence Day.
• May 1 is Labor Day.
• June 9 is the day of the ascension to the throne of King Abdullah II.
• June 14 - Army Day.
• November 14 is King Hussein's birthday.
• December 25 - Catholic Christmas.

There are also a number of Muslim holidays celebrated according to the lunar calendar.

Currency of Jordan

Jordan's national currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD), which is divided into 100 piastres. In circulation are banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 dinars and coins of 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 25 and 100 dinars.

Banks in Jordan are open from 08.30 to 12.30 and from 15.30 to 17.30 from Saturday to Thursday (the cash desk 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 in Jordan 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.

Time

In Jordan, it is 1 hour behind Moscow time in the summer, until mid-autumn, in winter there is no difference with Moscow time.

Transport

The most popular transport in Jordan is a taxi, it is not expensive, the roads are in fairly good condition, the maximum speed on the highway is 110 km per hour, but we do not recommend traveling on your own, traffic is chaotic in cities.
And also to travel along the Amman-Aqaba route, we recommend using comfortable, intercity buses of the JEET and TRUST companies. The fare is less than $ 10.

Electricity

The voltage in the mains is standard. 220V, 50Hz. Sockets with two pins.

mobile connection

There are two cellular operators in Jordan - FastLink (a somewhat larger coverage area) and MobilCom. Mobile phone numbers usually start with "079". Local calls cost about 0.1 dinars per minute, a minute of conversation with Moscow - about 0.7 dinars, incoming calls are free, so it is recommended to purchase a SIM card from a local operator. When calling a mobile phone, the caller is charged the same as for a long distance call, and in some hotels, a call to a mobile phone may even be billed at an international rate. In addition, most hotels charge a minimum of 3 minutes. conversation, regardless of its actual duration.

Internet

In Jordan, the phenomenon is quite common, a huge number of Internet cafes, the cost of one hour does not exceed 1 dinar, in hotels the service can be more expensive. When using a laptop, access via GPRS or the city telephone network, in this case, please consider, in addition to the services of the provider, the services of the telephone company (from 1-5 dinars).

Shopping and souvenirs

Shopping in Jordan is very pleasant if you go shopping in small shops and boutiques, experience the special hospitality of local sellers. As a rule, sellers meet their potential buyers on the doorstep with tea or coffee.

Shops are open from 9 am to 8 pm. The lunch break in local shops is 2 hours, this lunch time throughout the country is called siesta. It is also worth noting that Friday is a public holiday in Jordan. On this day, all trading establishments, banks and other organizations do not work.

The most traditional souvenir from Jordan is the woven carpet, which is made in Madaba. Woven carpets are best purchased at local markets, where you can not only find the most interesting specimens, but also bargain for a lower price. Among the entire range of Jordanian souvenirs, natural cosmetics based on healing mud and algae are especially popular. It is best to buy such cosmetics in local pharmacies, since only in these establishments there is no risk of purchasing low-quality goods. In addition to cosmetics, you can also bring to your homeland and directly therapeutic mud from the waters of the Dead Sea. Such mud has truly beneficial properties, due to which it is widely used in medicine and cosmetology.

Jordan is a great place to buy antiques. The most popular products of this kind are old coins. The cheapest coins can be bought in the city of Amman in an antique shop, not far from the amphitheater. When purchasing Jordanian antiques, be sure to specify the extent to which such items are allowed to be exported outside the country.

Jordanian gold will also be an excellent acquisition, which, in addition to good quality, has low prices. The most successful place to purchase gold items is the city of Amman, namely the Golden Quarter.

Having visited the Arab market in Amman, you probably will not leave it without shopping. The most pleasant acquisitions will be ceramic dishes and household items made of olive wood or copper, as well as wickerwork and textiles with traditional embroidery.

Kitchen

Jordan is diverse and adapted for Europeans, true to Arabic culinary traditions. Regardless of the season, there are always vegetables, olives, olives on the table. The most "Jordanian" dish is considered "mansaf" - lamb boiled in a fermented milk product and served with rice and pine nuts and soup.
Sweets in Jordan deserve special attention (some of the best in the Arab world).
Shop windows abound with all sorts of "sweets" that are simply impossible to pass by.

Pictured is the capital of Jordan

Capital: Amman

The first mention of the current capital of Jordan, Amman, falls on the 7th century. These lands were once conquered by many, Assyrians, Greeks, Persians, Romans. The city was destroyed by several earthquakes when it was called Philadelphia and was part of the Byzantine Empire under Roman rule.

The capital of Jordan is the largest and most developed city, the population, according to the 2008 census, is 2.5 million people.

The national currency of the state is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). The rate of the Jordanian dinar to the Russian ruble is: 1 JOD = 42 RUR.

One of the main attractions is the Archaeological Museum, which will certainly amaze tourists with an abundance of antiquity exhibits. In addition, the exposition of the museum is constantly replenished, since archaeological work does not stop, attributes and burials of the remains of the ruins, belongings of the life of the ancients, are constantly found here.

The Golden Souk is located in the heart of Amman. Here tourists can find a huge amount of jewelry made of various precious metals, silver, gold, white gold and all handmade. There are also an abundance of fabrics, painted dishes, souvenirs, gifts, carpets and much more. Prices here are very moderate, but buyers can try to bargain.

The Roman Amphitheater is one of the most popular attractions in Amman. The construction dates back to 150 BC, the amphitheater can accommodate about 6 thousand spectators. At the moment, part of the amphitheater has been reconstructed and rebuilt, as time and other external factors played a role, and the amphitheater was partially destroyed. Tellingly, various cultural events are held here, so a fascinating spectacle awaits everyone, both tourists and local residents.

The state has a rich history and an abundance of lost cities, archaeological excavations of which are still ongoing. To a greater extent, the customs and traditions, as well as the way of life of the Jordanians, are determined by religion, but here, faith does not have such a strong influence on the usual course of life than in other Muslim countries. Although, there are many accepted norms of behavior here, mainly in public places.

Jordanians are hospitable and friendly, so inviting a stranger into the house for a cup of tea is a common occurrence, and a tourist can count on being helped if he gets lost or falls behind the tourist group.

This state consists of 95% Arabs, the rest of the percentage is made up of immigrants from Palestine, the Caucasus, Syria, Chechnya, etc.

Useful data for tourists about Jordan, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, the currency of Jordan, the cuisine, the features of visa and customs restrictions in Jordan.

Geography of Jordan

Jordan is located in the Middle East. It borders with Syria, Iraq, Israel, Saudi Arabia. A small section of the southern border of the country is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Aqaba of the Red Sea.

Most of the country is occupied by rocky and sandy deserts, framed by low mountains and plateaus up to 1500 m high. below sea level).

State

State structure

A constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the king. The legislature is a bicameral parliament. The king appoints the prime minister, who in turn (in consultation with the monarch and with the approval of the lower house of Parliament) appoints the government ministers.

Language

State language: Arabic

English is widespread.

Religion

Islam is the state religion. Sunnis - 92%, Shiites - 3%, Christians - 5%.

Currency

International name: JOD

1 dinar = 100 piastres or 1000 fils. Banknotes in circulation: 500 fils, 1 dinar, 5, 10, 20, 50 dinars and coins: 5, 10, 25, 100, 250, 500 fils.

Popular Attractions

Jordan Tourism

Where to stay

Hotels in Jordan provide their guests with a very decent level of service. Tourists traveling in Jordan will not have problems with accommodation - you can find a place to stay here almost anywhere in the country. Although on the other hand, with the exception of tourist centers, the choice will be quite limited. Small towns in Jordan usually have 1-2 hotels each, one of which may be relatively acceptable and another extremely spartan with no amenities or hot water. Such hotels are focused on local business travelers, whose expectations are quite consistent with the level of these hotels. Small provincial hotels are mainly located in inconvenient parts of the city, they often lack air conditioning and there are interruptions in the water supply. Their only advantage is their low price.

As for tourist centers such as Aqaba, Amman, Petra and Madaba, the choice of hotels here is quite wide. Tourists who want to have a good rest on the Red Sea are provided with a good choice of expensive and elite hotels in Aqaba. There are many four- and five-star hotels here, however, you can find both two- and three-star hotels.

A separate category of hotels in Jordan are the so-called "government resthouses". These are large, semi-empty complexes that include hundreds of rooms, a restaurant, lounges, a swimming pool and more. Their prices are high and their service is average. A more economical, but quite comfortable option for settling in Jordan would be a campsite and a hostel.

Almost all Jordanian hotels operate on the type of food "buffet" and offer two options - "breakfast" and "half board".

Holidays in Jordan at the best price

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Popular hotels

Tours and attractions in Jordan

Jordan is an ancient country with a special flavor and amazing history. This land, full of legends and legends, occupies a special place in the development of world civilization and religion. A rich cultural heritage, an abundance of historical and architectural sights, the beautiful beaches of the Red Sea and the healing waters of the Dead Sea will make your trip to Jordan unforgettable.

One of the most famous places in Jordan and its “pearl” is the ancient city of Petra. The ruins of the once majestic capital of the Nabatean kingdom still amaze with their unique architecture and splendor today. Numerous temples, tombs, a huge theater and other structures are carved by beautiful Nabatean craftsmen right into the rocks. The most famous attraction of the ancient city is the temple-mausoleum of El-Khazne (“treasury”). No less magnificent is another Nabatean rock temple, Ad-Deir, of the 1st century AD. e., which is located near Petra. Also near the city there is a sacred mountain, on which, according to legend, there is the grave of the high priest Aaron (brother of Moses).

The ancient city of Jerash is also a popular tourist attraction. Its heyday fell on the Roman era, but, unfortunately, after a strong earthquake, the city was buried under the rubble. Excavations of this place began only at the beginning of the 20th century, and it turned out that numerous remains of amazing architectural structures were perfectly preserved under the rubble: temples, amphitheaters, Roman baths, city walls, fountains and much more.

The capital of Jordan, Amman, is the largest city in the country, as well as an important economic and cultural center. In the historical center of Amman, there is the so-called Fortress Hill (Jebel Kalya) with the ruins of the Temple of Hercules, the Governor's Palace of the Umayyad era, the Byzantine Church and other monuments of various eras. At its foot is an ancient Roman theater for 6,000 spectators. You should also definitely visit the Jordanian Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Folklore, the Jordanian Museum of Folk Traditions and the King Abdullah Mosque. In the vicinity of Amman there is one of the most revered shrines of Jordan - Mount Nebo, where, according to the Old Testament, Moses was buried (the memorial of Moses is also located here) and the city of Madaba (biblical Medeba) with the Church of St. George (famous for the map of the Middle East embedded in its floor).

Jordan is also famous for its so-called "Desert Castles" or "Caliph's Palaces", which mostly date back to the era of the Umayyad dynasty. The most popular of them are Qasr Amra, Qasr Harrana, Qasr Hallabat and Azraq Castle. Among the majestic buildings erected by the crusaders, the most interesting are the castles of Shobak and El-Karak. Also, a special place among the sights of Jordan is occupied by the Ajlun Castle built by the Arabs - a wonderful example of medieval military architecture.

The famous resort center of Jordan is the city of Aqaba, located on the Red Sea coast in the Gulf of Aqaba. The unique underwater world of the local waters makes Aqaba one of the best diving centers in the world. Among the most interesting sights, it is worth highlighting the Archaeological Museum, the Aqaba Fortress and the Saladin Fortress on Pharaoh's Island in the Gulf of Aqaba. An hour's drive from the city is the famous desert reserve Wadi Rum.

Tips

Most restaurants include a service charge on the bill, so tipping waiters is optional. If the cost of service is not included in the bill, the waiters are entitled to a tip of 10% of the bill. Tips are given in gratitude for good service to the hotel staff (0.5 dinars), the guide (2 dinars per person), the driver (1.5 dinars per person), the horse driver in Petra (2 dinars), etc.

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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 variety, 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 Jordanian land, 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, Sinhalese 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 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 travelers 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 collecting dirt directly from the shore of the Dead Sea, one can ask one of the staff 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 present place of worship of the Mother of God 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 waters, 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 water surface 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.

Located in Western Asia. It borders Syria to the north, Iraq to the northeast, Saudi Arabia to the east and south, and Israel to the west.

The name of the country comes from the name of the Jordan River.

Official name: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Capital:

The area of ​​the land: 89.2 thousand sq. km

Total population: 5.1 million people

Administrative division: It is divided into 8 governorates (provinces).

Form of government: A constitutional monarchy.

Head of State: King.

Composition of the population: 92% are Arabs, also Armenians, Syrians, Kurds and people from the Caucasus (Circassians and Chechens) live in Jordan.

Official language: Arabic, in business, government and among educated people, English is also widely spoken. 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.

Religion: 94% profess Sunni Islam, 5% are Christians.

Internet domain: .jo

Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz

Phone country code: +962

Country barcode: 625

Climate

In the north-west of Jordan, a subtropical Mediterranean type of climate prevails, in other regions - a tropical desert. The hottest and driest areas of Jordan are the Dead Sea, which is located below sea level. In the months preceding and after summer, a hot desert wind, the khamsin, often blows here.

The coolest month is January. At this time, in the north-west of the country during the daytime, the air warms up to 11..13 degrees Celsius, and at night the air temperature drops to +2..+4 degrees, in the desert areas during the day it is up to 15..17 degrees Celsius, and at night - +4..+6. The hottest month in Jordan is August. In August, daytime temperatures in the north-west of the country can reach +32 degrees, night - +18, in desert areas the daytime heat reaches +42 degrees, and at night the air temperature drops to +16 degrees.

Precipitation in Jordan is uneven. In the desert, it falls from 150 mm in the west to several mm in the east, within the rift valley - up to 200 mm, in the elevated regions of the northwestern part of the country - up to 600 mm of precipitation per year. The greatest amount of precipitation is observed from November to April. In desert regions, up to 10 mm of precipitation per month falls in winter, and up to 100 mm in the northwest.

Geography

Jordan, a kingdom in Southwest Asia, located in the extreme northwest of the Arabian Peninsula, borders Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Israel. The full official name of the state is the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

In the deserts and semi-deserts of Jordan, grass cover appears only during the winter rainy season. Orchards and olive groves grow in oases, bushes in the north-west of the country. Wheat, barley, corn, various fruits and vegetables are grown from agricultural crops.

Animal world

The fauna of Jordan is not much richer than the flora. Predators include jackals, wolves, striped hyenas, steppe lynxes, desert foxes; from other animals - wild boars, gazelles, oryx (rescued from extinction in the Shaumari nature reserve), African jerboas, badgers. Lots of reptiles. The nomads of Jordan breed camels, goats, sheep, donkeys. There are few bird species, but during migration, the Azraq reserve becomes a resting place for many migratory birds. There are many types of tropical fish in the Gulf of Aqaba.

Attractions

Jordan is a unique country in the Middle East region. Repeatedly mentioned in the Old and New Testaments, its land keeps, according to various estimates, from 16 to 20 thousand monuments of history and culture of past eras. Jesus Christ was baptized here, Moses saw the Promised Land here, he died and was buried here, numerous prophets lived here, and dozens and hundreds of events sacred to believers of many denominations took place.

Waves of many peoples passed through this land, leaving their mark both in the architecture and in the culture of modern Jordan. The waters of the warm Red and healing Dead Seas splash here. And finally - this is one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the Arab world.

Banks and currency

The official currency of the country is the Jordanian dinar. 1 Jordanian dinar is equal to 100 piastres and 1000 fils. In circulation there are banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 dinars and coins of 0.25 and 0.5 dinars and 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, 10 piastres. Fils are almost out of use, but sometimes you can find them.

Major banks are open from 08:30 to 15:30 from Saturday to Thursday, some are open until 17:30. Friday is an official holiday throughout the country. During the holy holiday of Ramadan, opening hours may be reduced.

Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, airports and hotels. Major tourist centers accept credit cards and travelers checks. To avoid fees when cashing traveler's checks, purchase them in US dollars.

Useful information for tourists

Photographing people is allowed only with their consent, and strategic objects (border points and airports) are prohibited. Women should not wear tight or very revealing clothes in public places - markets, shops, when visiting offices and government agencies. Shoulders and knees should be covered.

Souvenirs - wicker rugs from Madaba, bottles of multi-colored sand from Petra (it is better to buy in Petra itself - only real sand of natural shades is used there), olive wood crafts, ceramics and copper utensils, jewelry (in Jordan cheap gold, the price of the metal is fixed, but the price for the work can sometimes be "knocked down" by almost half), Bedouin jewelry made of black silver and much more.

You can buy Jordanian-made cosmetics based on Dead Sea products. As for the famous therapeutic mud, it is not recommended to buy packaged packages at a price of 5 dinars per 500 grams. It is better to ask one of the staff at the hotel on the Dead Sea to help you in your search for her on the shore. The service will cost you 1-3 dinars, depending on the difficulties associated with its provision and the amount of "extracted". The best mud is "radical black". It can be transported in several plastic bags (“matryoshka principle”). Be aware that dirt is very heavy!

Tips are given in gratitude for good service to the hotel staff (0.5 dinars), tour guide (2 dinars per person), driver (1.5 dinars per person), horse driver in Petra (2 dinars), etc. Tipping is usually the main part of the earnings of Jordanians working in the tourism sector - a certain insignificant amount and the postscript “+ tip” are usually indicated in the employment contract, so ignoring this issue by you may simply offend the Jordanian.