Your questions about Jordan

What should I pack for a trip to Jordan?

For Jordan, opt for lightweight but covering clothing (arms and legs for religious sites), sturdy walking shoes, a sweater for evenings, swimwear, sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses) and moisturizer.

What is the longest river in Jordan?

The Jordan River is the longest watercourse in Jordan, spanning 251 km within Jordanian territory. This biblical river winds through the Middle East for a total of 390 km from Lebanon, with a flow rate of 16 m³/second.

What is the time difference between France and Jordan?

Jordan is one hour ahead of France year-round. When it's 12 PM in Paris, it's 1 PM in Amman. This +1-hour time difference remains constant as both countries apply the same daylight saving time system.

What type of government rules Jordan?

Jordan is a constitutional monarchy led by the king, assisted by a prime minister. Legislative power belongs to the bicameral Parliament composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

What is the most appreciated beverage in Jordan?

Tea (chaï) is the most appreciated traditional beverage in Jordan. Turkish coffee with cardamom is also a must-try. For alcohol, available in major establishments, organic Jordanian wine like Saint George Wines, beer, and whisky are popular.

What is the geography of Jordan?

Jordan is divided between a desert plateau in the East (80% of the territory) and mountains interspersed with valleys in the West. The country is crossed by the Rift Valley, resulting from the fracture between the Arabian and African plates.

What is the best season to travel to Jordan?

The best seasons to visit Jordan are spring and autumn, with pleasant temperatures around 20°C during the day and cool nights. This climate allows you to hike comfortably and explore sites without suffering from the heat.

What is the currency of Jordan and its exchange rate?

Jordan's currency is the Jordanian dinar (JD), divided into 100 piastres. The approximate exchange rate is 1€ = 0.80 JD. Only local currency is accepted throughout Jordanian territory.

What is the total area of Jordan?

Jordan covers a total area of 88,794 km². This territory makes Jordan a medium-sized country in the Middle East, comparable to Austria or slightly smaller than South Korea.

What are Jordan's borders?

Jordan shares 1,619 km of borders with Syria to the north, Israel to the west, Saudi Arabia to the south and southeast, and Iraq to the northeast. The country also has a coastline of 26 km on the Dead Sea and the Red Sea.

What languages are spoken in Jordan?

Jordan's official language is Modern Standard Arabic, used in education and administration. In daily life, Jordanians speak Jordanian Arabic dialect. English is not widely spoken, making an English-speaking guide interpreter recommended for travellers.

What are the main cities and regions of Jordan?

The main cities of Jordan include Amman (capital), Madaba (Byzantine mosaics), Aqaba (Red Sea), Azraq (oasis and fortress), Machaerus (ancient ruins), Bethany Beyond the Jordan (religious site), and Dana village (ecotourism).

What religions are practiced in Jordan?

In Jordan, Islam is the state religion and the majority faith. Christians represent approximately 10% of the population. The country practices religious tolerance under its constitutional monarchy.

What are the lowest areas in Jordan?

The lowest areas of Jordan are the Dead Sea (lowest point at -430 m), the Jordan Valley, the Wadi Mujib reserve, and the Sea of Galilee, all located below sea level.

What travel documents should you not forget for Jordan?

To travel to Jordan, you must have a valid passport (6 months minimum), a visa (obtained at the embassy or border), an international driving permit if renting a car, and your personal insurance and banking documents.

What are the public holidays in Jordan?

Jordan observes national holidays (New Year's Day, Labour Day on May 1st, Independence Day on May 25th), Muslim celebrations (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Mawlid) and Christian holidays (Easter, Christmas on December 25th).

What are the typical dishes of Jordan?

Jordanian cuisine features iconic dishes such as mansaf (lamb in fermented yogurt), gallayeh, mezze with hummus and falafel, daily pita bread, and tahini-based desserts. Its influences come from Lebanon, Turkey, and neighboring countries.

What are the main national parks in Jordan?

Jordan has around twenty protected natural sites, with the main ones being Dana Reserve (the largest), Mujib (the lowest in the world at 410m below sea level), Azraq Oasis, Dibbeen, Shaumari, Fifan, and Wadi Rum.

What are the natural and cultural sites in Jordan?

Jordan has 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Petra, Wadi Rum, Qusair Amra, Al-Maghtas baptism site, Um er-Rasas, As-Salt, and 13 other sites on the tentative list.

What are the national symbols of Jordan?

Jordan's national symbols are the flag featuring pan-Arab colors (black, white, green) with a red triangle and a seven-pointed star, and the national anthem "As-salam al-malaki al-urdoni" (Long Live the King of Jordan).

What vaccinations are mandatory and recommended for a trip to Jordan?

No vaccines are mandatory for Jordan when traveling from France, except yellow fever if you're coming from at-risk zones. Recommended vaccines include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, meningococcal meningitis, and updates to routine vaccines (tetanus, polio, diphtheria, pertussis, measles).

What types of accommodation can you find in Jordan?

In Jordan, you will find hotels of all categories (budget, 3-4 star, luxury establishments) and various campsites (equipped or wild camps), particularly in the Wadi Rum desert.

What types of climates are found in Jordan?

Jordan features a dominant arid subtropical climate with variations based on altitude: cold winters and hot summers on the central plateau (700-1200m), higher temperatures in the Jordan Valley below sea level, and mountainous climate in the south up to 1854m altitude.

Qui est le dirigeant de la Jordanie ?

King Abdullah II has ruled Jordan since 1999. He succeeded his father, King Hussein, as head of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Which seas border Jordan's coastline?

Jordan's coastline opens onto the Red Sea in the south (Gulf of Aqaba) and the Dead Sea to the west, a natural border with Israel and Palestine.