Jordan

For other uses, see Jordan (disambiguation).

Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Template:Ar Al-Mamlakah al-Urdunniyyah al-Hāšimiyyah
Flag Coat of arms of Jordan Coat of arms
Motto: Arabic: الله، الوطن، الملك (Transliteration: Allah Al-Watan Al-Malek) (Translation: "God, the Homeland, the King")
Anthem: عاش المليك ("Long Live the King")
Capital and largest city	Amman
Official languages	Arabic
Government	Constitutional Monarchy
• King	Abdullah II
• Prime Minister	Marouf al-Bakhit
Independence  From the League of Nations mandate administered by the United Kingdom
• Date	25 May 1946
• Water (%)	~0.01%
Population
• July 2005 estimate	5,703,000 (106th)
• 2003 census	5,460,000
GDP (PPP)	2005 estimate
• Total	$27.96 billion (97th)
• Per capita	$ 4,825 (103rd)
HDI (2003)	0.753 high (90th)
Currency	Jordanian dinar (JOD)
Time zone	UTC+2
• Summer (DST)	UTC+3
Calling code	962
ISO 3166 code	JO
Internet TLD	.jo

Jordan (Arabic: الأردنّ, transliterated Al-ʼUrdunn), officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (Arabic: المملكة الأردنية الهاشمية), is an Arab country in the Middle East. It is bordered by Syria to the north, Iraq to the north-east, Saudi Arabia to the east and south, and Israel and the Palestinian Territories to the west. It shares with Israel and the Palestinian Territories the coastlines of the Dead Sea, and the Gulf of Aqaba with Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.

History

Main article: History of Jordan

The ancient city of Petra

Formation and Transjordan

See also: Transjordan

The land that became Jordan forms part of the history-rich Fertile Crescent region. Its known history began around 2000 B.C., when Semitic Amorites settled around the Jordan River in the area called Canaan. Subsequent invaders and settlers included Hittites, Egyptians, Israelites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arab Muslims, Christian Crusaders, Mameluks, Ottoman Turks, and, finally, the British. At the end of World War I, the territory now comprising Israel, Jordan, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem was awarded to the United Kingdom by the League of Nations as the mandate for Palestine. In 1922, in an attempt to assuage Arab anger resulting from the Balfour Declaration, which "view[ed] with favour the establishment in Palestine [region included Jordan] of a national home for the Jewish people", with the approval of the League of Nations, the British created the semi-autonomous Arab Emirate of Transjordan in all Palestinian territory east of the Jordan river. The British installed the Hashemite Prince Abdullah I of Jordan, while continuing the administration of Palestine and Transjordan under a single British High Commissioner. The mandate over Transjordan ended on 22 May 1946; on 25 May, the country became the independent Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan. It ended its special defense treaty relationship with the United Kingdom in 1957.

Transjordan opposed the creation of the State of Israel in May 1948, and took part in the attack by the Arab states on the newly founded nation, and the subsequent warfare. The armistice agreements of 3 April 1949 left Jordan in control of the West Bank and provided that the armistice demarcation lines were without prejudice to future territorial settlements or boundary lines.

Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

In 1950, Transjordan annexed the West Bank, and the country was renamed "the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan" to reflect this. The annexation was recognised only by the United Kingdom.

Following the formation of the United Arab Republic by Egypt and Syria, and the Iraqi Revolution in 1958, the Hashemite kingdom was threatened, its trade routes and Iraqi oil supply cut. In consequence, Jordan had to request aid from the USA and United Kingdom, which prevented escalations between Jordan and the UAR. (See the Conflict between the United Arab Republic and Jordan.)

In the year 1965 there was an exchange of territories between Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Jordan gave up a relatively large area of inland desert in return for a small piece of sea-shore near Aqaba.

Jordan signed a mutual defense pact in May 1967 with Egypt, and it participated in the June 1967 war against Israel along with Syria, Egypt, and Iraq. During the war, Jordan lost its control of the West Bank and all of Jerusalem. In 1988, Jordan renounced all claims to the West Bank but retained an administrative role pending a final settlement, and its 1994 treaty with Israel allowed for a continuing Jordanian role in Muslim and Christian holy places in Jerusalem. The international community as represented in the United Nations considers the West Bank to be territory occupied by Israel and believes that its final status should be determined through direct negotiations among the parties concerned on the basis of UN Security Council Resolution 242 and UN Security Council Resolution 338.

Refugees and Black September

The 1967 war led to a dramatic increase in the number of Palestinians, especially from the West Bank, living in Jordan. Its Palestinian refugee population – 700,000 in 1966 – grew by another 300,000 from the West Bank. The period following the 1967 war saw an upsurge in the power and importance of Palestinian resistance elements (fedayeen) in Jordan. The heavily armed fedayeen constituted a growing threat to the sovereignty and security of the Hashemite state, and open fighting erupted in June 1970. The battle in which Palestinian fighters from various Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) groups were expelled from Jordan is commonly known as Black September.

King Abdullah I

Other Arab governments attempted to work out a peaceful solution, but by September, continuing fedayeen actions in Jordan – including the destruction of three international airliners hijacked by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and held in the desert east of Amman – prompted the government to take action to regain control over its territory and population. In the ensuing heavy fighting, a Syrian tank force took up positions in northern Jordan to support the fedayeen but subsequently retreated. By 22 September, Arab foreign ministers meeting at Cairo had arranged a cease-fire beginning the following day. Sporadic violence continued, however, until Jordanian forces led by Habis Al-Majali won a decisive victory over the fedayeen in July 1971, expelling them from the country.

At the Rabat summit conference in 1974, Jordan agreed, along with the rest of the Arab League, that the PLO was the "sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people", thereby relinquishing to that organization its role as representative of the West Bank Palestinians.

Post Black September and Peace Treaty

No fighting occurred along the 1967 Jordan River cease-fire line during the October 1973 Arab-Israeli war, but Jordan sent a brigade to Syria to fight Israeli units on Syrian territory. Jordan did not participate in the Gulf War of 1990-91. In 1991, Jordan agreed, along with Syria, Lebanon, and Palestinian representatives, to participate in direct peace negotiations with Israel at the Madrid Conference, sponsored by the U.S. and Russia. It negotiated an end to hostilities with Israel and signed a declaration to that effect on July 25, 1994 (see Washington Declaration). As a result, an Israeli-Jordanian peace treaty was concluded on October 26, 1994. Following the outbreak of Israeli-Palestinian fighting in September 2000, the Jordanian government offered its good offices to both parties. Jordan has since sought to remain at peace with all of its neighbors.

Modern History

On November 9, 2005, Jordan experienced three simultaneous bombings at hotels in Amman. At least 57 people died and 115 were wounded. Al-Qaeda in Iraq, a group led by native Jordanian Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, claimed responsibility.

Politics

King Abdullah II, Jordanian Head of State

Constitution

Jordan is a constitutional monarchy based on the constitution promulgated on January 8, 1952. Executive authority is vested in the king and his council of ministers. The king signs and executes all laws. His veto power may be overridden by a two-thirds vote of both houses of the National Assembly. He appoints and may dismiss all judges by decree, approves amendments to the constitution, declares war, and commands the armed forces. Cabinet decisions, court judgments, and the national currency are issued in his name. The council of ministers, led by a prime minister, is appointed by the king, who may dismiss other cabinet members at the prime minister's request. The cabinet is responsible to the Chamber of Deputies on matters of general policy and can be forced to resign by a two-thirds vote of "no confidence" by that body.

The constitution provides for three categories of courts – civil, religious, and special. Administratively, Jordan is divided into twelve governorates, each headed by a governor appointed by the king. They are the sole authorities for all government departments and development projects in their respective areas.

The Royal Armed Forces and General Intelligence Department of Jordan are under the control of the king.

Legal System and Legislation

The Legal System of Jordan is based on Islamic law and French codes; judicial review of legislative acts in a specially provided High Tribunal; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction.

Legislative power rests in the bicameral National Assembly. The 110-member Chamber of Deputies, elected by universal suffrage to a 4-year term, is subject to dissolution by the king. Nine seats are reserved for Christians, six for women, and three for Circassians and Chechens. The 40-member Senate is appointed by the king for an 8-year term.

Kings of Jordan and Political Events

King Abdullah I ruled Jordan after independence from Britain. After the assassination of King Abdullah I in 1951, his son King Talal ruled briefly. King Talal's major accomplishment was the Jordanian constitution. King Talal was removed from the throne in 1952 due to mental illness. At that time his son, Hussein, was too young to rule, and hence a committee ruled over Jordan.

After Hussein reached 18, he ruled Jordan as king from 1953 to 1999, surviving a number of challenges to his rule, drawing on the loyalty of his military, and serving as a symbol of unity and stability for both the East Bank and Palestinian communities in Jordan. King Hussein ended martial law in 1991 and legalized political parties in 1992. In 1989 and 1993, Jordan held free and fair parliamentary elections. Controversial changes in the election law led Islamist parties to boycott the 1997 elections.

King Abdullah II succeeded his father Hussein following the latter's death in February 1999. Abdullah moved quickly to reaffirm Jordan's peace treaty with Israel and its relations with the United States. Abdullah, during the first year in power, refocused the government's agenda on economic reform.

Jordan's continuing structural economic difficulties, burgeoning population, and more open political environment led to the emergence of a variety of political parties. Moving toward greater independence, Jordan's parliament has investigated corruption charges against several regime figures and has become the major forum in which differing political views, including those of political Islamists, are expressed. While King Abdullah remains the ultimate authority in Jordan, the parliament plays an important role.

Administrative Divisions

Main article: Governorates of Jordan

Administrative division.

Administratively, Jordan is divided into 12 governorates, each headed by a governor appointed by the king. They are the sole authorities for all government departments and development projects in their respective areas. The governorates are subdivided into approximately 52 nahias.

The governorates include:

• Ajlun
• Amman
• Aqaba
• Balqa
• Irbid
• Jerash
• Kerak
• Ma'an
• Madaba
• Mafraq
• Tafilah
• Zarqa

Geography

Main article: Geography of Jordan

Map of Jordan

Jordan is a Middle Eastern country, bordered by Syria to the north, Iraq to the northeast, Saudi Arabia to the east and south and both Israel and the West Bank to the west. All these border lines add up to 1,619 kilometers (1,006 mi). The Gulf of Aqaba and the Dead Sea also touch the country, and thus Jordan has a coastline of 26 kilometers (16 mi).

Jordan consists mostly of arid desert plateau in the east, with Highland area in the west. The Great Rift Valley of the Jordan River separates Jordan and Israel. The highest point in the country is Jabal Rum (1,734 m; 5,689 ft), while the lowest is the Dead Sea (-486 m; -1,594 ft). Jordan is part of a region considered to be "the cradle of civilization".

Major cities include the capital Amman in the northwest, Irbid and Az Zarqa, both in the north.

The climate in Jordan is dry and hot, since the country is mainly desert. However, the western part of the country receives greater precipitation during the rainy season from November to April.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Jordan

A hotel in Jordan's capital Amman

Jordan is a small country with limited natural resources. The country is currently exploring ways to expand its limited water supply and use its existing water resources more efficiently, including through regional cooperation. Jordan also depends on external sources for the majority of its energy requirements. During the 1990s, its crude petroleum needs were met through imports from Iraq and neighboring countries. Since early 2003, oil has been provided by some Gulf Cooperation Council member countries. In addition, a natural gas pipeline from Egypt to the southern port city of Aqaba was completed in 2003. The government plans to extend this pipeline north to the Amman area and beyond. Since 2000, exports of light manufactured products, principally textiles and garments manufactured in the Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZ) that enter the United States tariff and quota free, have been driving economic growth. Jordan exported €5.6 million ($6.9 million) in goods to the U.S. in 1997, when two-way trade was €321 million ($395 million); it exported €538 million ($661 million) in 2002 with two-way trade at €855 million ($1.05 billion). Similar growth in exports to the United States under the bilateral US-Jordan Free Trade Agreement that went into effect in December 2001, to the European Union under the bilateral Association Agreement, and to countries in the region, holds considerable promise for diversifying Jordan's economy away from its traditional reliance on exports of phosphates and potash, overseas remittances, and foreign aid. The government has emphasized the information technology (IT) and tourism sectors as other promising growth sectors. The low tax and low regulation Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) is considered a model of a government-provided framework for private sector-led economic growth.

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States that went into effect in December 2001 will phase out duties on nearly all goods and services by 2010. The agreement also provides for more open markets in communications, construction, finance, health, transportation, and services, as well as strict application of international standards for the protection of intellectual property. In 1996, Jordan and the United States signed a civil aviation agreement that provides for "open skies" between the two countries, and a U.S.-Jordan treaty for the protection and encouragement of bilateral investment entered into force in 2003. Jordan has been a member of the World Trade Organization since 2000. More information on the FTA is available on http://www.jordanusfta.com.

Textile and apparel exports from Jordan to the United States shot up 2,000 percent from 2000 to 2005, following introduction of the FTA. According to the National Labor Committee, a U.S.-based NGO, Jordan has experienced sharp increases in sweatshop conditions in its export-oriented manufacturing sector.

Jordan is classified by the World Bank as a "lower middle income country." The per capita GDP was approximately $1,817 (€1,479) for 2003 and 14.5% of the economically active population, on average, was unemployed in 2003. The GDP per Capita in 2005 is at $USD 4,200. Education and literacy rates and measures of social well-being are relatively high compared to other countries with similar incomes. Jordan's population growth rate is high, but has declined in recent years, to approximately 2.8% currently. One of the most important factors in the government’s efforts to improve the well-being of its citizens is the macroeconomic stability that has been achieved since the 1990s. Rates of price inflation are low, at 2.3% in 2003, and the currency has been stable with an exchange rate fixed to the U.S. dollar since 1995.

While pursuing economic reform and increased trade, Jordan's economy will continue to be vulnerable to external shocks and regional unrest. Without calm in the region, economic growth seems destined to stay below potential. On the positive side, however, there is huge potential in the solar energy falling on Jordan's deserts, not only for the generation of pollution-free electricity but also for such spin-offs as desalination of sea water (see Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy Cooperation (TREC)).

Tourism

The Corinthium column is a popular tourist attraction in Jerash.

In Jordan, Tourism makes a very important sector of the economy of Jordan. It is the geography of the land of Jordan, in addition to the political stability - compared to the surrounding Middle Eastern countries - that has made it the touristic attraction that it is now. Jordan has a variety of touristic attractions, ranging from Ancient places, nice natural areas for sight-seeing, sports, seas, as well as religion.

• Ancient Sight-seeing
  • Petra in Ma'an, the home of Nabateans, is a complete city carved in a mountain. The rocks are colorful, mostly pink, and the entrance to the ancient city is a long, narrow, crack in the mountain - called the Siq. In the city are various structures, all (except 2) are carved in rock, including the treasury, which is now nominated by the New Seven Wonders organisation to be on of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Umm Qais, a town located on the site of the ruined Hellenistic-Roman city of Gadara
  • Ajlun, famous for the Islamic al-Rabadh Castle
  • Jerash, famous for its its ancient Roman architecture, like columns and arches.
  • Amman contains the Roman theater, in addition to several museums.
  • Al Karak, which contains an important castle at the times of Salah al-Din, known as Al-Karak Castle.

File:First Glimpse.jpg

The treasury, as seen from al-Siq.

• Religion-related
  • Madaba is probably the center for religion-related tourism in Jordan, containing important religious objects
    • The Madaba Map
    • River Jordan
    • Mount Nebo

• Seas
  • The Dead Sea, for the unusual floating and natural salts that occur excessively.
  • Aqaba is a very fine touristic city, famous for its sea, shopping centers, hotels, and water sports.

• Others
  • Wadi Rum is a desert full of mountains and hills located south of Jordan. It is popular for its wonderful sights in addition to a variety of sports that could be practiced there, such as rock-climbing.
  • Amman is a very modern city with lots of malls, shopping centers, hotels, etc.

Influence of the Middle East conflict

The conflicts in the Middle East, such as the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict, the Gulf Wars, and so on have made huge impacts on the economy of Jordan, mostly negative. Due to Jordan's diplomatic relation with the surrounding countries, it is considered a very stable country and a good choice for refugees. Therefore resources per citizen, such as water, have decreased substantially over the past decades.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Jordan

King Abdullah II on a visit to The Pentagon

Jordan has consistently followed a pro-Western foreign policy and traditionally has had close relations with the United States and the United Kingdom. These relations were damaged by Jordan's neutrality and maintaining relations with Iraq during the first Gulf War.

Following the Gulf war, Jordan largely restored its relations with Western countries through its participation in the Middle East peace process and enforcement of UN sanctions against Iraq. Relations between Jordan and the Gulf countries improved substantially after King Hussein's death. Following the fall of the Iraqi regime, Jordan has played a pivotal role in supporting the restoration of stability and security to Iraq. The Government of Jordan signed a memorandum of understanding with the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq to facilitate the training of up to 30,000 Iraqi police cadets at a Jordanian facility.

Jordan signed a nonbelligerency agreement with Israel (the Washington Declaration) in Washington, DC, on 25 July 1994. King Hussein and Yitzhak Rabin negotiated this treaty. Jordan and Israel signed a historic peace treaty on 26 October 1994, witnessed by President Bill Clinton, accompanied by US Secretary, Warren Christopher. The U.S. has participated with Jordan and Israel in trilateral development discussions in which key issues have been water-sharing and security; cooperation on Jordan Rift Valley development; infrastructure projects; and trade, finance, and banking issues. Jordan also participates in the multilateral peace talks. Jordan belongs to the UN and several of its specialized and related agencies, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and World Health Organization (WHO). Jordan also is a member of the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Nonaligned Movement (NAM), and Arab League.

Since the outbreak of the Al-Aqsa Intifada in September 2000, Jordan has worked hard, in a variety of forums, to maintain lines of communication between the Israelis and the Palestinians to counsel moderation and to return the parties to negotiations of outstanding permanent status issues.

Following the Al-Aqsa Intifada, though, Jordan along with Egypt withdrew its ambassadors from Israel. Following the Sharm-al-Sheik Summit in Egypt on 8 February 2005, both countries announced plans to return ambassadors to the country.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Jordan

With a population of 5,759,732, Jordanians are primarily of indigenous Levantine Semitic stock, admixed with various other peoples who have through its history come to conquer or settle the area — principally Arabians (also a Semitic people) during the Islamic expansionism that brought Arab culture, language and the Muslim faith. But also about 60% of Jordan's population are originally Palestinian Arabs (while their origin is in debate, they might have settled in southern Palestine around the 12th century bc- and Canaanites or after the Islamic conquests in the 7th century AD).

Christians form approximately 6% of the population and they have seats in the parliament.

The population of Christians in Jordan has been subject to great changes since the Iraq Conflict, as many Christians from Iraq have settled permanently, or temporally in Jordan. Number of Christians has also fluctuated since Lebanese conflict (ceasefire was reached on 14/8/2006 8:00 a.m. Lebanese local time), although number of Lebanese permanently settling in Jordan has not been established, and is estimated to be very little.

Most of the Christian population belongs to the Greek Orthodox church- (called “Room Urtudux” in Arabic). The rest is made up of Roman Catholics- (called “Lateen”), Eastern Catholics- (called “Room Katoleek” to distinguish them from Western Catholics”). Various Protestant communities make up the rest.

There is a wide diversity of nationality's of Christians in Jordan. This can be particularly demonstrated with the fact the Catholic mass in Jordan, for example, is celebrated not only in Arabic, but also in English, French, Italian, Spanish, Tagalog and Sinhala, as well as in Iraqi dialects.

Along with the majority of Muslims, followed by Christian there are also a few smaller communities of Chechens, Circassians, Assyrians, Armenians, and Kurds, some of which have also adapted to Arab culture.

The official language is Arabic, but English is used widely in commerce and government and among educated people. Arabic and English are obligatorily taught at schools (Public and Private). French is the only other language that is taught at some public schools, however, is not a subject included in the Certificate of Secondary Education Exam: very important exam taken at middle, and end of 12th year of school. Usually known as 'Al Tawjeehi'

About 90% of Jordan's population is urban; less than 6% of the rural population is nomadic or semi-nomadic. About 3 million persons registered as Palestinian refugees and displaced persons reside in Jordan, most as citizens. A very large number of Iraqis have also settled in Jordan since 2003 (Iraqi conflict), these however have not yet been censused.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Jordan

• Religion in Jordan
  • Islam in Jordan
  • Christianity in Jordan
• Music of Jordan
• Sports in Jordan

Education

Main article: Education in Jordan

School education

Basic education lasts for ten years. Secondary education is free but not compulsory. It consists of two years' study for students aged 16 to 18 who have completed the basic cycle (10 years) and comprises two major tracks: 1) Secondary education, which can either be academic or vocational. At the end of the two-year period, students sit for the general secondary examination (Tawjihi) in the appropriate branch and those who pass are awarded the Tawjihi (General Secondary Education Certificate). The academic stream qualifies students for entrance to universities, whereas the vocational or technical type qualifies for entrance to Community Colleges or universities or the job market, provided they pass the two additional subjects. 2) Vocational secondary education, which provides intensive vocational training and apprenticeship, and leads to the award of a Certificate (not the Tawjihi). This type of education is provided by the Vocational Training Corporation, under the control of the Ministry of Labour / Technical and Vocational Education and Training Higher Council.

Higher education

Access to higher education is open to holders of the General Secondary Education Certificate who can then choose between private Community Colleges, public Community Colleges or universities (public and private). The credit-hour system, which entitles students to select courses according to a study plan, is implemented at universities. At present, there are eight public universities plus two newly- licensed ones, and thirteen private universities plus four newly- licensed ones. All post-secondary education is the responsibility of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The Ministry includes the Higher Education Council and the Accreditation Council.

Stages of studies

• Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type): Non-university and vocational studies are offered in community colleges, access to which is open to holders of all types of general secondary education certificates. The two-to three-year programme encompasses many fields, such as Arts, Science, Management, Business Administration and Engineering. As of 1997, all public Community Colleges are under the supervision of Al-Balqa Applied University. At the end of the two- or three-year course, students sit for a comprehensive examination (Al-Shamel). Those who pass are awarded the Associate Degree / Diploma.
• University level studies:

• University level first stage: Undergraduate level:

The universities in Jordan follow the English-American education systems and associated with many American and English universities. Bachelor's Degrees normally take four years. In Dentistry, Pharmacy and Engineering, studies last for five years. In Medicine, they last for six years, followed by an Internship which lasts for one year. The Bachelor's Degree requires a total of 126-164 credit hours, depending on the field of study.

• University level second stage: Postgraduate level:

The Master's is awarded after a further two years' study following upon the Bachelor's Degree. It can be obtained either by course work and a thesis (c. 24 credit hours of courses and nine credit hours of research), or by course work (c. 33 credit hours) and a comprehensive examination. Candidates should hold the Bachelor's Degree with "good" as a minimum rating.

• University level third stage: Doctorate:

A Doctorate Degree is awarded after three to five years of further study and the submission of an original dissertation. It requires, depending on the subject, 24 credit hours of course work and 24 credit hours of research. Candidates should hold a Master's Degree with "very good" as a minimum rating.

• Teacher education: Training of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers

Basic school teachers must hold a Bachelor's Degree.

Training of secondary school teachers:

Secondary school teachers must hold a Bachelor's Degree and a one-year postgraduate Higher Diploma in Education.

Training of higher education teachers:

They must hold a Doctorate (PhD). In some cases a Master's Degree is sufficient.

• Non-traditional studies: Distance higher education

This type of education is offered at the newly-established branch of the Arab Open University.

• Lifelong higher education

Lifelong education is offered at public and private universities, public and private community colleges, the Jordan Institute of Public Administration, The Jordan Geographic Center and The Royal Scientific Society, as well as in other institutions. Courses are offered in Engineering, Industry, Agriculture, Foreign Languages, Computer Sciences, Managerial Sciences, Secretarial Studies, Physical Education and subjects that can help the local community. Courses last between one week and six months at the end of which students obtain a Certificate of Attendance or Achievement. The qualifications needed depend on the subject and level of the course. Some are designed for specific occupations, in which case a work experience in the relevant field is needed to attend such courses.

Universities and Schools

Main article: List of universities in Jordan

Main article: List of private schools in Jordan

References

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1. CIA World Factbook [1]
2. US State Department [2]
3. Encyclopaedia Britannica [3]
4. UNESCO [4]
5. mohe [5]

Miscellaneous topics

• Communications in Jordan
• Foreign relations of Jordan
• Famous people from Jordan
• List of Prime Ministers of Jordan
• Military of Jordan
• Public holidays in Jordan
• Royal Jordanian Airlines
• Royal Jordanian Air Force
• Transport in Jordan
• Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy Cooperation (TREC)
• Jordanian Association for Boy Scouts and Girl Guides
• Gay rights in Jordan
• Hashemite
• Human rights in Jordan

External links

Government

• National Information System (NIS) Official Government Site
• Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Washington, D.C.

General information

• Arab Gateway - Jordan
• CIA World Factbook - Jordan
• Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports regarding Jordan
• Open Directory Project - Jordan directory category
• US State Department - Jordan includes Background Notes, Country Study and major reports

News

• Jordan News Agency (Petra)
• Jordan Times News
• Yahoo! Full Coverage - Jordan headline links

Other

• Coins of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
• Currency of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
• Postage Stamps of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
• h2g2 article on Jordan