Country Profile: Jordan

Jordan, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is strategically located in the Middle East, bordered by Israel to the west and Iraq to the east. The country boasts a diverse population of approximately 11.2 million, predominantly Jordanian by ethnicity, with significant Syrian and Palestinian communities. Jordan's economy is classified as upper-middle-income, characterized by high unemployment rates and reliance on imports due to limited natural resources. Governed as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, Jordan continues to navigate complex regional dynamics while maintaining a commitment to its heritage and sovereignty.

Geography

Jordan is strategically situated in the Middle East, bordered by Israel, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, with a small coastline along the Gulf of Aqaba. The country features varied terrain, including arid deserts and significant geological rifts, such as the Jordan River Valley and the Dead Sea, which is the lowest point in Asia. The climate is predominantly arid, with a rainy season from November to April.

Area: 89,342 sq km
Highest Point: Jabal Umm ad Dami at 1,854 m
Lowest Point: Dead Sea at -431 m
Land Boundaries: 1,744 km
Natural Resources: Phosphates, potash, shale oil
Irrigated Land: 875 sq km (2022)

People and Society

Jordan has a total population estimated at 11.2 million in 2024, with a median age of 25 years. The population is predominantly urban, with 92% residing in urban areas, particularly around the capital, Amman. Arabic is the official language, and Islam is the predominant religion, with the majority being Sunni Muslims. The country has a rich cultural heritage influenced by various ethnic groups, including Jordanians, Syrians, and Palestinians.

Ethnic Groups: 69.3% Jordanian, 13.3% Syrian, 6.7% Palestinian
Literacy Rate: 95% (2023)
Urban Population Growth Rate: 0.98% (2020-25 est.)
Life Expectancy: 76.5 years (2024 est.)
Birth Rate: 22.2 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Economy

Jordan's economy is classified as upper-middle-income, facing challenges such as high unemployment and reliance on external aid, especially from the U.S. The services sector dominates the economy, contributing approximately 60.4% to GDP. Despite limited natural resources, the country is fostering growth in manufacturing and agriculture.

GDP (PPP): $109.986 billion (2024 est.)
GDP Growth Rate: 2.5% (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 18% (2024 est.)
Public Debt: 102.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Poverty Rate: 15.7% (2018 est.)
Remittances: 8.8% of GDP (2023 est.)

Government

Jordan is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, currently ruled by King Abdullah II, who ascended the throne in 1999. The political system includes a bicameral legislature, comprised of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The government faces challenges related to political reform, social demands, and regional conflicts.

Capital: Amman
Independence: 25 May 1946
Suffrage Age: 18 years
Legislature: National Assembly
Total Governorates: 12

Military and Security

The Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) consist of the Army, Air Force, and Navy, playing a critical role in national defense and internal security. Military expenditures account for 4.5% of GDP. The country participates in international peacekeeping missions and collaborates closely with the U.S. in various security initiatives.

Active Military Personnel: ~100,000
Military Expenditures: 4.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Conscription Age: 17 years for voluntary service
Military deployments: 200 police in DRC (2024)

Energy

Jordan's energy sector is characterized by reliance on fossil fuels, though solar energy is gaining traction. The country has made significant strides in electrification, achieving 100% electricity access for the total population.

Electricity Access: 100% (2022 est.)
Installed Capacity: 6.891 million kW (2023 est.)
Total Petroleum Production: 20 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Natural Gas Consumption: 5.441 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)

Environment

Jordan faces pressing environmental challenges, including limited freshwater resources and desertification. The country is a party to several international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.

Water Resources: 940 million cubic meters (2020)
Urban Population: 92% (2023)
Total Municipal Solid Waste Generated: 2.53 million tons (2013 est.)

Transportation

Jordan's transportation network includes roads, railways, and air travel. The country possesses an extensive road system, with a single international airport located in Amman.

Total Airports: 18 (2025)
Railways: 509 km (2020)
Marine Ports: 1 (Al Aqabah)

Communications

Communications infrastructure in Jordan is well-developed, with high internet penetration and mobile subscription rates. The country benefits from a mix of government and independent media.

Internet Users: 93% of population (2023)
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 7.73 million (2023 est.)
Fixed Line Subscriptions: 451,000 (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	11,174,024	(2024 est.)
Area	89,342 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$109.986 billion	(2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	18%	(2024 est.)
Birth Rate	22.2 births/1,000 population	(2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	76.5 years	(2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	32.909 million Btu/person	(2023 est.)
Total Fertility Rate	2.87 children born/woman	(2024 est.)
Literacy Rate	95%	(2023 est.)
Military Expenditures	4.5% of GDP	(2024 est.)