Introducing Jordan
For many people Jordan begins and ends with the magical ancient Nabataean city of Petra. And it's true, Petra is without doubt one of the Middle East's most spectacular, unmissable sights, battling it out with Machu Picchu or Angkor Wat for the title of the world's most dramatic 'lost city'.
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Yet there's so much more to see in Jordan - ruined Roman cities, Crusader castles, desert citadels and powerful biblical sites: the brook where Jesus was baptised, the fortress where Herod beheaded John the Baptist, and the mountain top where Moses cast eyes on the Promised Land. Biblical scenes are not just consigned to the past in Jordan; you'll see plenty of men wearing full-flowing robes and leading herds of livestock across the timeless desert. But it's not all crusty ruins. Jordan's capital Amman is a modern, culturally diverse Arab city which is lightyears away from the typical cliches of Middle Eastern exoticism. The country also offers some of the wildest adventures in the region, as well as an incredibly varied backdrop ranging from the red desert sands of Wadi Rum to the brilliant blues of the coral-filled Gulf of Aqaba; from rich palm-filled wadis to the lifeless Dead Sea. Ultimately it's the sensual delights of daily life in the Middle East that you'll hanker for longest after you return home; the bittersweet taste of cardamom coffee or the smell of a richly scented nargileh (water pipe); the intoxicating swirl of Arabic pop sliding out of an Amman doorway and the deafening silence of the desert.
Jordanians are a passionate and proud people and the country truly welcomes visitors with open arms. Despite being squeezed between the hotspots of Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Israel & the Palestinian Territories, Jordan is probably the safest and most stable country in the region. Regardless of your nationality, you'll be greeted with nothing but courtesy and hospitality in this gem of a country.
Make it happen
Ready to go? These recommended partners make it easy:
- Off the beaten track to Petra and Wadi Rum
- Discover Jordan with the family
- Tour to Madaba, Mount Nebo and The Dead Sea
- Cycle to Petra and Wadi Rum
Last updated: Mar 29, 2012
Tips & articles
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Secret Amman
17 May 2012
Much of the time, visitors to Jordan follow in the footsteps of Indiana Jones — rushing straight to the Treasury...
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Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel: top 10 countries for 2012
27 April 2012
Which countries will come into their own as travel destinations in 2012? We’ve collated hundreds of ideas from everyone at...
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Journeying through Jordan by car
12 March 2012
Jordan is probably not the first country to spring to mind if you’re thinking about taking a road trip, but...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Allenby Crossing from Jordan to Palestinian territories
by Shuffaluff 27 May 2012
You don't need a +separate+ visa to the Palestinian territories. You +might+ need a visa for Israel (which will include the Palestinian…
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RE: Allenby Crossing from Jordan to Palestinian territories
by laketraveller 27 May 2012
No you don't.
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RE: Allenby Crossing from Jordan to Palestinian territories
by yaofeng 27 May 2012
Do you need a visa to the Palestinian territories?
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Jordan
Things to do
- All things to do (316)
- Activities (52)
- Entertainment (37)
- Restaurants (87)
- Shopping (41)
- Sights (80)
- Tours (19)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Jordan
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1 Jerash
One of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities in the Middle East
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2 Mt Nebo
Stand on the site where Moses looked out over the Promised Land
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3 Dead Sea
Try floating in the salty water in the lowest place on earth
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4 Karak
Labyrinthine Crusader castle that dominates the walled town below
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5 Madaba
Mellow small-town vibe that offers wonderful Byzantine mosaics and lots of day trips
Fast Facts about Jordan
- Local name
Al-Mamlakah al- Urdunniyah al- Hashimiyah
- Tourism contributes
10% of GDP and US$800 million to the economy every year
- Land Area
96, 188 sq km
- Cultivated land
4.5%
- Religion
80% Sunni Muslim, 15% Shi'a Muslim, 5% Christian
- Palestinians living in Jordan
1.7 million
- Population
5, 759, 000 (July 2005 est)
- Percentage of Jordanians who have a mobile phone
- Former names
Rabbath Ammon, Philadelphia (the 'City of Brotherly Love')
- Elevation
850m
- Population
1.8 million
Our favourite Jordan Blogs (beta)
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My Adventures Teaching English Abroad and How You Can Teach English Abroad
Blog: Backpacking on the Cheap - 26 May 2012
I first got interested in teaching English overseas when I got sick of my 9-5 job in Australia, and wanted something more from life. I didn’t want to waste away behind a desk doing stuff which didn’t feel meaningful at all. I did some research and found a good, cheap online TEFL school. (If you [...]
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Water Sports Around the World
Blog: Canada's Adventure Couple - 18 April 2012
This spring, we asked our readers to help us choose where American Express should send us on our next adventure: Our next trip is on water and we have put together our top choices for water sports around the world.
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Pulled Over by a Cop in Wadi Rum Desert
Blog: Living the Dream: RTW - 14 April 2012
Whenever I start the following story out with the question: "Have I ever told you about the time my tour group got pulled over in the Wadi Rum desert of Jordan?," I always get an eyebrow raised at me.
