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.
The major geographical areas
- The eastern desert plateau : covers 80% of Jordanian territory, including the famous Wadi Rum with its spectacular rock formations.
- The western mountains : mountainous terrain interspersed with valleys and a few watercourses.
- The Rift Valley : crosses the country from north to south, the result of the tectonic fracture between the Arabian and African plates.
Characteristics of the Jordanian desert
The Wadi Rum is one of the most remarkable desert formations, with its striking reliefs: sculpted canyons, natural arches, imposing cliffs and caves carved into the rock. These lunar landscapes make this region a must-see for travelers.
Key points
Jordan is among the most arid countries in the world. Seismic activity can be frequent due to the country's geological position on the Rift tectonic fault, a natural phenomenon linked to the separation of continental plates.