Jordan: Ancient Wonders and Desert Landscapes

Introduction

Jordan is a country in the Middle East that is famous for its ancient ruins, beautiful deserts, and friendly people. It is sometimes called the “Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,” and it has a long history as a crossroads for traders and travelers. From the hidden city of Petra to the salty waters of the Dead Sea, Jordan is full of wonders to discover.

Geography and Landscape

Jordan is located between Israel, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. It has a small coastline on the Red Sea at Aqaba.

Most of the land is desert, especially in the east and south, where you’ll find the Wadi Rum Desert, known for its red sand and rock formations. In the west is the Jordan Rift Valley, which includes the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth at about 430 meters (1,411 feet) below sea level.

The country has a desert climate, with hot summers and cool winters. In the highlands, it can even snow in winter.

Cities and Regions

The capital city, Amman, is a busy city with old Roman ruins, modern buildings, and markets called souks.

Other important cities include:

• Aqaba, Jordan’s port on the Red Sea, famous for coral reefs and beaches
• Irbid, a city in the north known for universities
• Madaba, famous for ancient mosaics
• Petra, the ancient Nabatean city carved into pink rock cliffs

Each region has its own unique culture, foods, and customs.

People, Language, and Culture

Jordan has about 11 million people, mostly Arabs, along with small communities of Circassians, Armenians, and others. Many Palestinians also live in Jordan.

The main language is Arabic, and English is widely spoken in schools and businesses.

Most Jordanians are Muslim, mainly Sunni, and there is a small Christian minority. Religion is an important part of life, and Islamic holidays are celebrated across the country.

Jordanian culture includes:

• Hospitality, where guests are offered tea, coffee, and sometimes a meal
• Traditional music played on the oud, a stringed instrument
• Folk dances like dabke, where dancers stomp and move in lines
• Bedouin heritage, especially in desert areas

Food and Daily Life

Jordanian food is hearty and full of flavor. Meals often include rice, bread, meat, and vegetables.

Popular dishes include:

• Mansaf, lamb cooked in yogurt sauce and served over rice (the national dish)
• Falafel, fried chickpea patties often eaten in pita bread
• Maqluba, a dish of rice, vegetables, and meat cooked together and flipped upside down when served
• Knafeh, a sweet dessert made with cheese and syrup

Tea and Arabic coffee are served everywhere, and sharing food is a sign of friendship.

Children start school around age 5 or 6. Education is free and focuses on Arabic, math, science, English, and Islamic studies. Many students go on to universities in Amman and other cities.

History of Jordan

Jordan has been settled since ancient times. It was home to the Nabateans, who built Petra over 2,000 years ago. Later, it was part of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and various Islamic caliphates.

During the 20th century, Jordan became independent from Britain in 1946. Since then, it has been a stable country in a region that has faced many conflicts.

Today, Jordan is known for welcoming refugees, protecting ancient sites, and promoting peace.

Nature and Wildlife

Even though Jordan is dry, it has many special animals and landscapes:

• Oryx, a desert antelope reintroduced to the wild
• Ibex, wild goats with curved horns
• Eagles and falcons soaring over cliffs
• Coral reefs and colorful fish in the Red Sea

Protected areas help keep Jordan’s wildlife safe.

📚 Vocabulary List

👧🧒 Kid-Friendly Summary

Jordan is a country with deserts, mountains, and the famous city of Petra carved into pink rocks. People speak Arabic and love dishes like mansaf and falafel. Even though it’s in a dry area, Jordan has coral reefs and rare animals. It is a friendly country where guests are always welcome.