Country Profile: Jordan

Jordan is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy located in the Middle East, bordered by Israel, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. The country has a population of approximately 11.3 million, with a diverse demographic largely concentrated in the western region, particularly in and around the capital, Amman. Despite its limited natural resources, Jordan maintains an upper-middle-income economy driven primarily by services and manufacturing, though it faces significant challenges such as high unemployment and public debt. Governed by King Abdullah II since 1999, Jordan navigates complex regional dynamics while being a key ally of the United States.

Geography

Jordan is situated northwest of Saudi Arabia, bordered by Israel to the west and Iraq, with a total area of 89,342 sq km, mostly characterized by arid desert terrain punctuated by the Jordan River Valley and the Dead Sea, which is the lowest point on land at -431 m. The nation has a modest coastline of 26 km along the Gulf of Aqaba. The country's geography includes strategic waterways and is subject to natural hazards such as droughts and earthquakes.

1,744 km of land boundaries
0.8% forested area as of 2023
11.5% of land used for agriculture (2023)
Home to the Dead Sea, 9.6 times saltier than the ocean
Majority of the population is concentrated in the northwest, around Amman

People and Society

Jordan's population is estimated to reach 11.3 million by 2025, with a youthful demographic and a significant urban population of 92%. Ethnically, Jordanians comprise 69.3% of the population, with substantial communities of Syrians, Palestinians, and others. The official language is Arabic, and the dominant religion is Islam, predominantly Sunni. The country boasts a literacy rate of 94.8% and has made strides in healthcare and education systems.

30.9% of the population is aged 0-14 years
25.4 years is the median age (2025)
21.9 births/1,000 population birth rate (2025)
Total fertility rate of 2.83 children/woman (2025)
Life expectancy at birth is 76.5 years (2024)

Economy

Jordan possesses an upper-middle-income economy that relies heavily on imports, given its scarcity of natural resources. The GDP (PPP) is projected to reach $109.986 billion by 2024, while unemployment remains a critical issue at 18%. The economy's major sectors include services (60.4%), industry (25.1%), and agriculture (5.1%). The country is a significant recipient of U.S. foreign assistance, which aids economic stability amidst ongoing challenges.

4.5% of GDP allocated to military expenditures (2024)
$22.186 billion in exports (2023)
$28.922 billion in imports (2023)
Youth unemployment rate at 41.7% (2024)
15.7% of the population living below the poverty line (2018)

Government

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is governed by a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with King Abdullah II serving as the chief of state since 1999. The legislative authority is bicameral, comprising the House of Representatives and the Senate. The constitution, initially adopted in 1947, allows for amendments requiring a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers. Jordan has a complex legal system derived from Ottoman codes, British common law, and Islamic law.

12 governorates administer the country
138 members in the House of Representatives; 19.6% are women
Constitutional amendments need a two-thirds majority (both chambers)
18 years is the minimum voting age

Military and Security

The Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) is responsible for national defense, border security, and internal safety. The military structure includes the Army, Air Force, and Navy, with approximately 100,000 active duty personnel. Jordan allocates 4.5% of its GDP for military expenses, receiving substantial support from the United States in various defense and security areas.

Participates in UN peacekeeping missions and regional military collaborations
17 years is the service age for voluntary military enlistment
Compulsory military service for unemployed men aged 25-29
Key threats include regional instability and terrorism

Energy

Jordan's energy sector is characterized by a high reliance on fossil fuels, which account for 76.9% of its total installed electricity generation capacity. The country's electricity access is nearly universal, with 100% electrification overall. Efforts are being made to diversify sources, with an increasing contribution from renewable energy.

Total installed electricity generating capacity of 6.891 million kW (2023)
20.31 billion kWh consumed in electricity (2023)
32.909 million Btu/person total energy consumption per capita (2023)
98.9% electrification in rural areas

Environment

Jordan faces significant environmental issues, including limited fresh water resources and challenges related to salination, deforestation, and desertification. The country is a party to multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity conservation. Urbanization has led to a high population concentration in cities, amplifying these environmental pressures.

92% urban population (2023)
2.53 million tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024)
14.6% of municipal solid waste recycled (2022)
Total renewable water resources are estimated at 937 million cubic meters (2022)

Transportation

The transportation network in Jordan includes 18 airports and approximately 509 km of railways. The country has a single significant port, Al Aqabah, facilitating trade through the Gulf of Aqaba. Civil aviation plays an essential role in connecting Jordan to the global market.

34 merchant marine vessels (2023)
6 heliports available (2025)
Al Aqabah is the country's key port with oil terminal facilities

Communications

Jordan has a robust telecommunications infrastructure, with a high penetration of mobile and internet services. Approximately 93% of the population uses the internet, and fixed-line subscriptions are also significant. The media landscape is dominated by state-run broadcasters alongside a growing presence of independent media.

8.05 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2024)
451,000 fixed-line subscriptions (2023)
805,000 broadband fixed subscriptions (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	11,312,507 (2025 est.)
Area	89,342 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$109.986 billion (2024)
Energy Consumption per Capita	32.909 million Btu/person (2023)
Birth Rate	21.9 births/1,000 population (2025)
Unemployment Rate	18% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy at Birth	76.5 years (2024 est.)