The Complete Educational Guide to Jordan

The Kingdom of Jordan has been a pillar of stability in the Middle East for decades, making it one of the safest countries in the area to visit. That’s great news, because it also has a lot to offer! Jordan has a history as old as it is rich, and its abundance of cultural sites reflect that. Roman ruins, religious sites, and its very own World Wonder at the heart of a nomadic trade empire all make Jordan a place well worth a visit.

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Geography of Jordan

Jordan is located in the Levant, bordering Israel to the west, Syria to the north, Iraq to the east, and Saudi Arabia to the east and south. It covers 34,495 square miles in all, making it just a little smaller than the US state of Ohio. 

Major Cities: 

Climate

For such a small country, Jordan has an impressively diverse climate, with sandy deserts in the south to beautiful, fertile farmlands in the north. Summers there are hot and dry, while winters are much cooler. 

Precipitation is more common in the north of the country (10-18 inches/year) with most of that rainfall occurring during the winter months. The south, in contrast, is much drier, receiving less than 4 inches of rain each year. 

We visited Jordan in March and found the weather to be mostly to our liking. The weather was cool for our trips to Wadi Rum and Petra, which made our time walking much more pleasant. And while there were days when it rained or even snowed in the north, I usually only had to wear a coat in the mornings and evenings. 

Landscape

Jordan can typically be divided into three main regions: the western depression along Jordan’s border, the mountainous highlands where most of Jordan’s cities are located, and the vast deserts that cover most of the eastern side of the country. 

The Jordan Rift Valley 

Jordan’s western border contains some of the lowest elevations in the country, including the Dead Sea, which is also the lowest land elevation on the entire planet! The entire border falls into something called the Jordan Rift Valley. 

Rift valleys form at the border between two tectonic plates that are moving apart. In the case of the Jordan Rift Valley, it was formed by the movement of the Arabian plate northwards and eastwards away from Africa. 

The Jordan Rift Valley is part of a larger collection of rifts, called the Great Rift Valley, which extends from Lebanon in the north all the way south to Mozambique in Africa. 

The Mountain Ridge

Directly bordering the lower elevations of the Jordan Rift Valley, Jordan’s highlands form a steep mountainous ridge dividing the country in two. These highlands run north to south from Jordan’s border with Lebanon all the way to a point just south of Wadi Musa.

These highlands are further divided into three large chunks. The northernmost includes much of the fertile land surrounding the Jordan River and its tributaries. The middle section includes the cities of As-Salt, Madaba, and Jordan’s capital, Amman. This section is also very fertile, though somewhat drier than the more Mediterranean climate farther north. The last section includes the southern portion of the Mountain Ridge and encompasses the land south of the Dead Sea, including the valley that holds Petra. 

The Desert Areas

The third major division of Jordan’s geography is also the largest. Roughly 75% of Jordan’s land is considered to be desert, and most of this is located to the east of the Mountain Ridge. 

Jordan’s desert areas receive significantly less annual rainfall than the other two geographical zones, but they have a wide amount of variation in geology. The northernmost desert is an extension of the Syrian Desert and includes a section of basalt desert called the Black Desert due to its abundance of the dark stone. Farther to the south and extending along Jordan’s eastern edge, Jordan is covered by the northern stretch of the Arabian desert. 

Plant Life in Jordan

Despite much of Jordan’s land area being covered in desert, a wide array of wild and agricultural plant life thrives in Jordan. The vast majority of plant life is centered around the Jordan River valley, due to the abundance of water, but each of the three major zones has an abundance of different plants that call them home. 

A Detailed Look at Jordan’s Plant Ecosystems
From Atlas of Jordan; Publications de l’Institut français du Proche-Orient

Examples of Agricultural Plants in Jordan

Olive Trees – Olive trees are a staple plant throughout much of the Mediterranean Region, and Jordan is no exception. Olives are a common sight in the Western Highlands, which contain around three-quarters of the olive trees in Jordan. The other quarter is grown as an irrigated crop, mostly in the northeast.

Pistachios – Pistachio trees are native to the Middle East and absolutely thrive in drier environments. Wild pistachios are quite common in Jordan’s forests, and Jordan’s cultivated pistachios produce over 500 metric tons of pistachio nuts annually. 

Interestingly, there is a 1400-year-old pistachio tree called the Sahabi Tree that is said to have given shade to the Prophet Muhammad when he was 12. It is located along an ancient trade route near the city of Sahab, Jordan. 

Wheat – Wheat has been growing in Jordan for a very long time. In fact, the world’s oldest loaf of bread was discovered in Jordan, dating back 14,400 years! It is thought that Jordan is one of the areas where agriculture got its start, and wheat would have been one of the first crops grown. 

Today, very little wheat is grown in Jordan, since other countries can grow wheat cheaper, but there are movements to bring back local wheat farming as a way of reclaiming Jordan’s agricultural history and providing stable, local sources of bread.

Tomatoes – Tomatoes are Jordan’s top-producing agricultural product, with the country growing more than 700,000 tons each year. That’s enough tomatoes to place Jordan among the top 10 tomato-growing countries worldwide, despite having so little agricultural land! 

Tomatoes are grown both in the Jordan Valley region and in the Highlands, but at different times of the year, since the growing seasons in the two regions are different. 

Examples of Highlands Forest Plants in Jordan

Aleppo Pines – The Aleppo Pine tree is one of the most common pines in the Mediterranean region. In Jordan, it is most commonly seen growing in the Dibeen Forest Reserve just south of Jerash. 

Oaks – There are several different species of oak tree that grow in Jordan, including the species Quercus ithaburensis, which is the National Tree of Jordan. Oaks grow throughout the northern stretch of Jordan’s Highlands regions and are especially dense in forest reserves like Dibeen and Ajloun.

Junipers – While Pines and Oaks dominate the forest reserves of the northern Highlands, the southern stretch belongs to smaller trees like the Juniper. The drier climate of the south means that the region’s junipers aren’t as dense as the trees of the north, but there are still areas where they grow in abundance. One of the largest juniper forests in Jordan is located in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, to the Northeast of Petra. 

Black Iris (National Flower of Jordan) – Jordan’s national flower is a dark-colored iris that grows throughout the highlands. It is especially common in the south of Amman, near the town of Madaba. The iris’ black color is unusual for a flower but is still quite beautiful. 

The black iris can only be found in Jordan and is considered to be endangered. 

Examples of Desert Plants in Jordan

Acacia Trees – Though acacia trees are most commonly found in Africa, they thrive in dry climates worldwide. This includes some of the desert regions of Jordan, where acacias are among the largest of Jordan’s desert plants. 

Acacias are well-adapted to drier areas, thanks in large part to their long roots, small, feather-like leaves, and sharp thorns to deter grazers like goats or gazelles.

Artemisia – This is a low-lying desert shrub also known as wormwood. Several different species of artemisia exist, and they grow well in dry climates across the globe. 

Artemisia has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries. It is used to treat a wide variety of ailments, including stomach pains and even malaria.

Animal Life in Jordan

In my opinion, deserts are home to some of the most interesting animals on the planet. The lack of water and easy shelter means animals have to adapt or die, which leads to some of the coolest adaptations on the planet! 

Jordan’s vast deserts mean that many of the animals that live there are survivors, able to live in some of the most inhospitable places on earth. 

Examples of Domesticated Animals in Jordan

Beasts of Burden – Of all the animals in Jordan, these domesticated beasts of burden are almost certainly the ones that you will see most often. Camels are well-suited to the dry desert climate and are useful not only for their ability to carry large loads, but also as a source of milk and meat. 

Donkeys and horses are less well-suited to desert areas but are extremely useful in the right setting. Donkeys are excellent at navigating narrow, rocky trails as you find in Petra, and you will see many of them there. Horses are strong, versatile, and smell better than camels. That makes them a more popular choice in places where there are many people. 

Livestock animals – Sheep and goats are by far the most popular livestock animal in Jordan, with recent estimates showing that they make up around 90% of animals raised for food. They are also used for their wool, which is used for everything from clothing to making traditional Bedouin tents. 

Other animals raised for food include chickens, rabbits, and pigeons. 

Examples of Wild Herbivores in Jordan

Arabian Oryx (National Animal of Jordan) – The Arabian Oryx is a medium-sized deer-like creature native to the Arabian peninsula. It is super-well adapted to living in desert conditions and has few natural predators in the wild. 

However, overhunting for food led the Arabian Oryx to near extinction in the 1960s. Dedicated reintroduction and conservation efforts have led to its population making a comeback, but it is still considered vulnerable to extinction.

Dorcas Gazelle – The Dorcas Gazelle is a small, desert-adapted gazelle species that lives throughout much of the Middle East and Northern Africa. It is so well adapted to living in the desert that it can go its entire life without drinking water, subsisting on the moisture from the plants it eats. 

It commonly eats desert shrubs and the leaves and seeds of the acacia plant.

Euphrates Jerboa – Jerboas are small rodents with long legs that are often called hopping rodents, or kangaroo rats. The Euphrates Jerboa is extremely common throughout the Middle East. 

Although they are closely related to mice, they are mostly bipedal, typically standing and moving around using only their hind legs. Their forearms are used like hands, for eating and grooming. 

Examples of Wild Carnivores in Jordan

Caracal – The caracal is a medium-sized predatory cat commonly found in Africa and known for its prodigious ability to jump. While it definitely exists in Jordan, it is extremely rare, and only a handful (literally 5) of them have been spotted in the Dana Wildlife Reserve using stationary camera traps. 

It is thought that there may be more of them in the area, but because they are both nocturnal and reclusive, it is nearly impossible to know.  

Fennec Fox – The Fennec Fox is a small desert fox known for its adorably oversized ears. While they do have excellent hearing, the Fennec Fox’s large ears are actually a desert adaptation helping it to shed heat during the hotter hours of the day. 

The Fennec Fox mostly eats reptiles, insects, and rodents found in the desert, but will absolutely not turn down scavenged food from humans if given the chance.  

Arabian Wolf – The Arabian Wolf is a subspecies of the Common Grey Wolf found in pockets throughout the Arabian Peninsula. It is one of the smallest wolf subspecies, which is probably an adaptation that helps it to disperse body heat in the desert. 

It is one of the largest predatory animals in Jordan and the only natural predator of the Arabian Ibex.

Jordan’s Economy

As of 2019 Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan had a GDP of $44.4 billion USD, placing it as the 89th largest economy worldwide. It is considered to be an emerging economy, but has a number of Free Trade Agreements with countries around the world, and remains one of the “freest economies” in all of North Africa and the Middle East.

Most of Jordan’s income comes from the mining of phosphates used in chemical fertilizers, tourism, foreign income remittances, and foreign aid. 

Currency

The national currency of Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD), which has been pegged to the IMF’s special drawing rights since 1995, effectively fixing its value. This means that $1 USD can be exchanged for JOD 1.41. Each dinar can be divided into 100 piastres, for amounts less than a single dinar.

There are 5 different paper note denominations in Jordan including 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 dinar notes, as well as 5 different coins including the 50, 25, 10, 5, and 1 piastre coins.  

For reference, a can of coke costs roughly JOD 0.37, or about $0.50 USD.

Economic Sectors

For my research on the Economic Sectors of Jordan, I looked through the Atlas of Jordan: History, Territories, and Society, New Edition. It is freely available online and I suggest it for anyone looking to dive deeper into the topic.

Services

Jordan’s economy relies very heavily on the services sector, as it makes up over 70% of the country’s total GDP as of the year 2010. 

Tourism is the largest part of that number (for good reason!), with transportation and telecommunications following closely behind. More technology-based services, such as IT Support, are also growing quickly, especially following the global dip in tourism directly following 2020. 

Agriculture

Jordan is one of the most water-poor countries in the world, and its agriculture sector reflects that. Only 4% of the country’s GDP comes from Agriculture, with most of that income being focused within the areas surrounding the Jordan River Valley. 

The lack of arable land for crop growth and livestock means that Jordan relies on imports for a large percentage of its food products, including grains, red meats, and dairy products. 

Remittances

As with many countries around the world, remittances, or personal transfers from a person outside of the country to a family member or friend inside the country, are a major source of income for Jordan, making up nearly 9% of Jordan’s total GDP in 2020. 

A Brief History of Jordan

While Jordan as a modern country has a relatively short history, the land itself is ancient. In fact, some of the oldest human settlements in the world are located in Jordan. Its location in the Levant made Jordan a crossroads for world travelers for thousands of years, which made it an important area for empires throughout history. 

Today, Jordan still holds immense archeological importance, and discoveries impacting human history are still being uncovered today!

Ancient Jordan (Neolithic – Iron Age)

The earliest evidence of an architectural presence in Jordan is more than 9,000 years, dating back to the Neolithic era (Stone Age). Several villages from this era have been discovered, along with some of the earliest known evidence of city-building, agriculture, and artwork. 

One such village, called Ain Ghazal, was home to the oldest-known statues of humans ever made. Many of these Ain Ghazal statues can be seen in the Jordan Museum, in Amman. The oldest of these are estimated to be around 9,000 years old!

Jordan was rich in copper and grew in importance during the Bronze Age as that copper was used in the production of large quantities of bronze. However, this wealth of metal made it valuable enough that Ancient Egypt expanded its territory northwards to envelope the entire area, around 1450 BCE. 

However, Egypt’s rule in the area was relatively short-lived. Over time, Egypt’s control over the area eroded, and by 1200 BCE Egypt had been pushed out of Jordan. 

For roughly the next 500 years, Jordan was divided among a few smaller kingdoms including Moab, Ammon, and Edom. These kingdoms were in almost constant conflict with neighboring Israel and Judah across the Jordan River, but these battles largely ended when the entire area was subjugated by the Neo-Assyrian Empire, based out of Nineveh in modern-day Iraq. 

Assyria ruled the area until its dissolution in 627 BCE, after which Babylon took over the area. Babylon, in turn, collapsed and was absorbed into the Persian Empire, which ruled until the arrival of Alexander the Great.  

The Greeks and the Nabataeans

Alexander the Great was the king of Macedon, one of the ancient Greek kingdoms. He spent most of his reign expanding his kingdom through a massive military campaign. By the end of his life, Alexander had conquered a huge swath of the world, from Egypt to Persia, establishing Hellenistic rule. 

After Alexander’s death in 323 BCE, his kingdoms were divided among his favored generals and heirs, including the Ptolemies in Egypt and the Seleucids in Syria. Jordan was among the territories between these two powerful groups of Greek rulers and was disputed between them. It created a power vacuum in Jordan that was used by the Nabataeans to establish their own independent kingdom. 

The Nabataeans were a kingdom of nomadic Arabs that controlled a large portion of the desert regions in the Levant. This included many of the trade routes connecting Europe with the Far East, known today as the Silk Road. Controlling this route made the Nabataeans an incredibly wealthy kingdom.

While there are Nabataean cities and outposts throughout southern Jordan, their capital was the city of Petra, which is now one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. 

Learn more about what it’s like to visit Petra, here.

Roman and Byzantine Rule

In the year 63 BCE, the Roman Empire conquered much of Jordan under the leadership of Pompey, though Nabataea remained its own kingdom to the south until 106 CE when Petra was annexed into the empire.  

During this period, many major building projects were undertaken, including the rebuilding of the King’s Highway, Roman amphitheaters, and temple to Roman gods. Some of the best-preserved representations of Roman architecture can be found in the city of Jerash, to the north of Amman. 

In 324 CE, the Roman Empire split, and Jordan remained under the control of the Eastern Roman Empire, now known as the Byzantine Empire. Soon after this split, Constantine declared Christianity to be the official religion (380 CE). During this era, Christian churches began to be built throughout Jordan, including the Aqaba Church, which is thought to be one of the earliest churches built specifically to be a church instead of taking over a previously constructed building. 

The Byzantine Empire remained in power in Jordan until 636 CE.

The Islamic Era

In 636 CE, the Byzantine Empire was defeated by the Rashidun Caliphate in a battle taking place in Syria, to the north of Jordan. This brought Jordan under Islamic rule for the first time. Jordan was relatively unimportant during this period of time, as power was concentrated farther to the north and east, in the modern-day countries of Syria and Iraq, but several desert castles were built to protect the area. 

After being ruled by several successive Islamic caliphates, Jordan became part of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem after the First Crusade. Several crusader castles, including Al-Karak and Montreal, were built during this time period. 

In 1187, the Crusaders were defeated by Saladin, returning Jordan to Islamic rule under the  Ayyubid dynasty. The Ayyubids were succeeded by the Mamluks, who controlled the area until 1516 CE when they were defeated by the Ottoman Empire. 

Jordan was not considered very important in the eyes of the Ottomans, and so several revolts occurred during Ottoman rule, culminating in the Arab Revolt during World War 1.  

The Modern Era

The Arab Revolt that occurred during WW1 was largely supported by the Allies since it aligned with their purposes. The British and the French, especially, supported them and a British officer named T.E. Lawrence became famous for the role he played in helping Jordan to cast off the Ottomans. He spent much of the campaign in the area of Jordan called Wadi Rum desert, and wrote about his experience in an autobiographical book titled the Seven Pillars of Wisdom. 

The Revolt succeeded in removing the Ottomans from power to form the Arab Kingdom of Syria only to be defeated by French troops two years later in July of 1920. The Kingdom of Syria was broken up into French and British-influenced regions, and nearby Palestine was promised to the Jewish people. 

A series of meetings with the British government in late 1920 culminated in the creation of the Emirate of Transjordan, with Abdullah Hussein as Emir. Transjordan remained a British Mandate until the Treaty of London was signed in 1946, and Transjordan became independent.

Independence

Shortly after independence, Transjordan changed its name to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. 

In the years since independence, Jordan has remained one of the most stable governments in the Middle East, though conflicts with neighboring countries remained common. Abdullah ruled as king of Jordan for almost 50 years before his death. 

Abdullah II, Abdullah’s son, is currently the king.

Jordanian Culture

Since it was formed in 1946, Jordan has remained one of the safest and most stable countries in the Middle East region. That success has also made it into one of the most liberal and open countries in the Middle East outside of the Persian Gulf states. 

Nevertheless, while there are some definite differences between Jordan and its neighbors, much of the culture remains very similar.

Major Languages

As with most Middle Eastern countries, the National language of Jordan is Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), and that is the language used in newspapers and in most TV broadcasts. However, MSA is not the main spoken dialect in Jordan, nor really anywhere else in the world. 

The vast majority of people in Jordan speak Jordanian Arabic, which is one of the many different varieties of Arabic spoken throughout the Middle East and Northern Africa. Jordanian Arabic is itself composed of several smaller varieties of Arabic that are mutually intelligible despite some linguistic differences. However, the further away from Jordan you travel, the less likely it is that Jordanian Arabic will be understood by listeners. 

Is English spoken in Jordan?

While English is not an official language in Jordan, a fairly large percentage of Jordanians can speak English. 

English is commonly taught in schools across Jordan, and University classes often use it as their primary language. In fact, it is estimated that around 45% of Jordanians have at least some understanding of English.

Of course, larger cities with universities have more than their fair share of those English speakers, meaning you may have some difficulty communicating in English as you get farther into the countryside.

Personally, I had very little trouble getting around Jordan using only English, and even when we stopped by some smaller villages during our road trip to Wadi Rum, I was always able to find people who could understand me.

Food

I am a personal fan of roughly every type of food on the planet, and Jordanian cuisine is no exception!  During our time in Jordan, I had the opportunity to try out several popular dishes, and found that I enjoyed them all! 

Mansaf

While Jordan has no “official” national dish, if they did, it would be mansaf. It is a dish purpose-made to be shared and is usually served on a large platter that guests can gather around and eat from. 

Mansaf is composed of a rice or bulgur base topped with meat cooked in a jameed (fermented yogurt) broth and slivered nuts. Lamb is usually the meat of choice, though it can also be made with chicken.

Shrak Bread

Shrak is one of the many different varieties of flatbread available in Jordan, and the one that I personally enjoyed the most. It is an extremely thin, whole-wheat flatbread that is served alongside most meals. 

Shawarma

Shawarma is a popular dish throughout much of the Middle East. Essentially, it is a wrap made with either lamb or chicken meat sliced thin. What makes shawarma unique is that it is cooked on a slowly rotating vertical spit that allows the fats from the cooking meat to drip down onto the lower portions, from which the shawarma meat gets cut. 

It is a delicious, low-cost option.

Falafel

Falafel is a fried mixture of beans and seasonings that often gets served as a vegetarian option for flatbread sandwiches. It is usually made from ground chickpeas, though some places may add other beans to the mix.  

In Jordan, they stick to a tried and true recipe of chickpeas, resulting in a delicious and inexpensive dish.

Bedouin Tea

The Bedouins are a mostly nomadic people group noted for their outstanding hospitality. Bedouin Tea is one of the most easily recognizable symbols of that hospitality and a delicious introduction to their culture. 

The tea itself is prepared with a mixture of tea leaves, water, sugar, and several herbs that all come together to make one of the tastiest teas you’ve ever sipped. 

If you plan on visiting Petra or spending the night in Wadi Rum, you’ll have plenty of chances to try it.

Manaqish 

Manaqish is another extremely popular food that you can find throughout the country. It is a flatbread baked with toppings, similar to a Jordanian pizza. One of the most common toppings is a mixture of spices called za’atar, which includes thyme, oregano, cumin, and coriander, and might include some others depending on who is doing the mixing. 

It’s a common seasoning mix for the region and most bakeries will have za’atar manaqish available. 

Zarb

From the Hawaiian Imu oven to the Mayan dish of cochinita pibil, many cultures have discovered methods of cooking food under the ground. Zarb is the Bedouin version of the technique. 

The name is more of a description of the cooking technique itself than a specific combination of ingredients. It can be made with any number of combinations of meat and vegetables. The zarb we ate in Wadi Rum was chicken and a mix of onions and squash, but the meat could just as easily be lamb, and the vegetables will often end up being whatever is on hand. 

Clothing

There is an astonishing amount of variety in the traditional styles of clothing worn throughout  Jordan, but in general, clothes follow a familiar pattern for most Middle-Eastern countries. 

Traditional clothing

Traditional men’s clothing typically consists of a long robe-like tunic that covers the whole body. This is called a dishdashah or a thoub. It is usually white during the heat of the summer, and more darkly colored for the colder months. 

Men will also wear a three-piece head covering to help keep the sun off. 

Women traditionally wear long, heavily embroidered dresses. Sometimes there are decorative panels on the front, and often women will wear black and red hijabs as well.  

The styles of the dresses and embroidered patterns vary greatly from region to region, to the point that it’s impossible for me to describe all the differences here. However, if you are interested in traditional clothing and want to learn more, I highly recommend visiting Tiraz: Widad Kawar Home for Arab Dress & Textile Museum in Amman.  

They have dresses from all across Jordan on display there, as well as dresses from its neighboring countries, making it a fascinating way to look at regional differences between dresses. 

Modern Clothing

While in some areas of Jordan people still wear traditional dress every day, in other places it’s much less common. In Jordan’s major cities, especially, more Western-style clothing is an increasingly popular choice. Even so, it’s not uncommon to see more traditional clothing anywhere in Jordan. 

Jordan is primarily a Muslim country, so even when people are wearing western-style clothing like jeans and t-shirts, styles remain fairly conservative. Men will typically prefer long pants over shorts, and women will typically keep their hair and shoulders covered. 

Religion

The official religion of Jordan is Islam, and more than 92% of Jordanians are Muslim. The remaining 8% is composed mostly of Christians, including members from some of the oldest Christian branches in existence. 

Of the Islamic population, the vast majority are Sunni Islam, with only a small number of Shiite Muslims.

While Islam is both the state religion and the most popular religion, Jordan’s constitution specifically protects the freedom of religion, so long as those religions are “consistent with public order and morality.” 

Government

Jordan’s government is categorized as a constitutional, hereditary monarchy, which is to say that they have both an elected parliamentary body and a hereditary royal monarch. Unlike many modern monarchies, the king of Jordan remains the ultimate authority in the country, with control over the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. 

The king appoints a prime minister and a cabinet who work together to make sure the different branches all run smoothly. 

While the country as a whole is run by the king, 12 smaller administrative districts are each headed by their own officials to handle more local matters. The heads of these districts are appointed by the minister of the interior, who is one of the members of the king’s cabinet. 

Jordanians age 18 and older have the right to vote. 

What Field Trips are in Jordan?

Jordan is an amazing country to visit, with a wealth of important natural and cultural sites to see! 

UNESCO Sites (6)

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) gives its World Heritage Site label to locations around the world that have immense cultural or natural significance. These locations are often some of my favorite places, and I always check UNESCO’s list of sites for trip opportunities in every country we visit to see what’s there! 

Sites are divided into places that hold great cultural significance, places that are significant for their impact on our understanding of nature, or places that have both!

Cultural UNESCO Sites (5)

Cultural sites are the locations that hold particularly important cultural significance. Usually, they are places that do a particularly good job at showcasing the accomplishments of ancient cultures, or that hold significance due to specific events that happened there. 

Of the 6 UNESCO sites in Jordan, 5 are considered to be cultural sites.   

Petra (New 7 Wonders of the World)

As one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Petra is by far the most well-known of Jordan’s UNESCO sites. But what many people don’t realize is that the iconic image that most people associate with the site is actually only a tiny portion of what’s there! 

In reality, Petra is a sprawling archeological site with tombs, temples, churches, and even people’s homes carved into the sandstone cliffs. It was originally founded by the Nabatean culture and is thought to date back to the turn of the millennium, around 2000 years old. 

In its day, Petra was far from being off the beaten path. It was an important center for trade along the Silk Road, and the capital of the entire Nabataean empire. 

Today, the modern city of Wadi Musa fills the hills surrounding the archeological site of Petra, giving tourists the perfect place to rest before exploring the canyons that house this Wonder of the World.

Be sure to check out my article on visiting Petra with kids for more details! 

Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Jesus’ Baptism Site)

Just off the modern course of the Jordan river, this archeological site claims to be the baptism spot of Jesus himself. And because the church on the location was built not long after Jesus’ death, archaeologists are fairly certain that it is. 

A visit to Bethany beyond the Jordan includes a small, guided tour of the site and ancient church, a visit to another small church located near the border with Israel, and a chance to dip your toes in the Jordan River. 

I found visiting the river to be fascinating, as it is less than a hundred feet from Israel. We could see pilgrims to the Jordan river on the other side of the border, and even hear them singing! 

Visiting the site is quite easy from Amman, and can be done in an afternoon without a problem. 

As-Salt (The Place of Tolerance)

As-Salt was the capital of Jordan under the Ottoman Empire, and it remains filled with multicultural sites including churches, mosques, and hospitals serving anyone who visits, whether Muslim or Christian. 

One of the highlights of As-Salt are the tours that let you follow the lives of locals, from a trip to the local market to cooking an authentic Jordanian meal in a local’s home. Or, if you prefer to do it yourself, you can visit one of the many delicious restaurants in town before walking at your leisure through the streets. 

One major feature of the city is that it is not a touristy town. Its laid-back vibe and hospitable people make it a great place to visit!

Quseir Amra – The Desert Castle (also spelled Qusayr or Qasr Amra)

While there are several different desert castles you can visit, this one is an exceptionally well-preserved representative. It was a holiday palace for the Caliph Walid ibn Yazid, who commissioned it somewhere around the year 730 CE. 

Much of the castle is lost to time and to the sands, but what remains is still impressive. While it could definitely have served as a defensive structure in a pinch, Quseir Amra was designed for relaxing, and the bathhouses that remain are proof of that. Interior rooms are modeled off the famous Roman bathhouse, with a warm room, a hot room, and a cold room, each with baths fed water through a complex plumbing system. Art lovers will immediately notice the medieval frescoes covering the walls, as well.  

It’s an easy day trip from Amman since it’s only about an hour’s drive from the city. But to get the most information out of the trip, I definitely suggest hiring a guide or joining one of the tours of all the different Desert Castles. 

Um er-Rasas

This was a Roman-era town about an hour and a half south from Amman. Today, the city is in ruins, but it is home to some fairly unique historical elements that give it a place on this list. 

Most notable is the mosaic map in the Church of St. Stephen. It is the largest Byzantine-era mosaic floor in Jordan and has both beautiful scenes and the names of several cities from the period. It is thought that it was used as a map by the early Christian pilgrims who came through the area, much like the mosaic map in Madaba closer to Amman. 

There is also what may be the last remaining Stylite tower in existence. It is a square tower with no entry or exit where Christian ascetics would barricade themselves in an attempt to fully rely on God. Food would be delivered by dropping a basket down from the top, but the ascetic disciple would remain stranded on the tower for long periods of time, exposed to the heat of the sun, and possibly even storms. 

While we have evidence of these towers elsewhere in the world, the fact that this one remains standing is remarkable!

Um er-Rasas is one of the lesser visited sites on Jordan’s UNESCO list, and I didn’t personally get the chance to visit, but if you want to do so it’s fairly easy to rent a car and drive yourself. But as with the other sites, if you really want to understand the importance of everything you’re seeing, you’ll want to hire a guide or hop on a tour. 

Mixed UNESCO Sites (1)

The 6th UNESCO site is considered to be a Mixed site, which means it holds both cultural and natural significance. Whereas cultural sites deal mainly with the impact of culture on the world and its people, natural sites have more to do with showcasing the incredible wonders of the natural world. 

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is a desert valley located in the south of Jordan. Its beautiful sandstone cliffs and canyons are almost other-worldly, and indeed, it has been the backdrop for several movies set on other planets. 

Parts of the desert are stark and barren, while others house hidden springs that give rise to life. And indeed, these spots of water have played an important role in human development within Wadi Rum. 

Petroglyphs and inscriptions from as far back as the Neolithic period show the presence of humans in the area as far back as 4500 BCE, as well as the evolution of writing systems from the older artistry of animal forms sketched into the stone, to the flowing forms of modern Arabic script. 

Other archaeological finds in the desert include an ancient Thumadic temple in the far reaches of the desert which was repurposed by the Nabateans a mere 2000 years ago. Or, more recently, the Nabatean way station that was used as a home by T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) during the Arab Revolt of the early 1900s. 

Today, a common way to experience everything Wadi Rum has to offer is by camping in the desert at one of the many Bedouin camps among the desert sands. We spent the night at one of these camps and absolutely loved the experience!

National Nature Reserves

With such amazing archeological sites on display, it can be all too easy to overlook the natural wonders Jordan has on display. Even so, Jordan has an abundance of natural beauty for those willing to take a look.

Dana Biosphere Reserve

The Dana Biosphere Reserve is composed of a series of wadis extending from the Jordan Rift Valley in the north to Wadi Araba in the south. It is the largest of Jordan’s nature reserves.   

If you do decide to visit, you may want to visit the biosphere’s namesake, the small village of Dana, which is one of the oldest known villages in the world. It is also one of the quietest places in Jordan, making it a perfect place to retreat and get some time alone with some amazing landscapes. 

The Dana Guesthouse offers the best options for a stay in Dana, including clean rooms, amazing views, and high-speed wifi.

Shaumari Wildlife Reserve

The Shaumari Wildlife Reserve is a much smaller 22-square-kilometer reserve with a focus on protecting and breeding the critically endangered wildlife of Jordan. It is one of the only places in the world where you can find the Arabian Oryx roaming free. Other animals of note are ostriches, onagers, and gazelles. 

The highlight of the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve is definitely the visitors center, where you can see the wildlife up close, and learn about the Oryx breeding program which is working to bring this critically endangered animal back from the edge.  

Mujib Biosphere Reserve

Quite apart from its beautiful views and adventurous hikes, the Mujib Biosphere Reserve’s claim to fame is being the lowest nature reserve on earth! It is composed of several canyons and mountainsides bordering the Dead Sea and is home to over 300 species of plants and various species of migratory and resident birds. 

The main draw is the Siq trail, which is a nearly 2-mile walk in and around a river to an epic waterfall. The trail is closed in the winter months due to flash flood risk, so be sure to check its availability before booking your stay.

Azraq Wetlands Reserve

Jordan is one of the driest, most water-scarce countries on the globe, which makes the existence of the Azraq Wetlands Reserve all the more remarkable. 

Located in the midst of the eastern desert, these wetlands were once fed by numerous aquifers carrying rainwater from afar, and coming to the surface here. Its waters make it an important place for humans and animals alike, and it hosts a wide array of migratory birds every year. 

Unfortunately, the natural springs feeding the wetlands dried up in the 90s leading to a state of ecological collapse for the wetlands. Today, Jordan artificially pumps in 10,000,000 cubic meters of water annually to maintain the Azraq, but with rising populations and demand for water, the future of the reserve is in question. 

Still, at least for now, Azraq Wetlands Reserve remains an oasis in the desert and is well worth a visit.

Other Amazing places to visit in Jordan 

Even after touring its World Wonders, Heritage Sites, and Nature Reserves, there’s still plenty to see and do in Jordan! Some of my family’s favorite locations didn’t make the UNESCO list but still are amazing on their own.  

Mount Nebo 

Mount Nebo is thought to be the location where Moses was shown the land across the Jordan River just before his death. Today, it is the home of an active Franciscan monastery, as well as the Moses Memorial Church, built both as a way to commemorate the history of this location and as protection for the original church built on the mountain top around 450 CE. 

For more information, check out my article on visiting Mt. Nebo with kids

Madaba

After leaving Mount Nebo, also be sure to stop by Madaba on the way back to Amman. 

Called the ‘City of Mosaics,’ Madaba is famous for its Byzantine-era tile mosaics that can be seen in the area’s many historic churches. All of them are beautiful, but the Mosaic Map in the Church of St. George is of particular import. Created in the 6th century CE, it is thought to be the oldest existing map of the Holy Lands.

Jerash 

The Roman Empire left its imprint all over the world and left its architecture behind as proof. The city of Jerash, north of Amman, has some of the best-preserved Roman architecture outside of Rome itself. From the arches of Hadrian’s Gate to the swaying columns of the Temple of Artemis, there are some amazing architectural wonders on display in Jerash, making it a perfect outing for a family. 

For more information, check out my article on Visiting Jerash with Kids 

The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is named well, as next to nothing can survive in its briny waters. Even still, it can be a lively place to visit! 

The high salt concentration of the Dead Sea is the result of the region’s other claim to fame. Its shores are the lowest elevation land on the planet. The surface of the Dead sea sits at 1410 ft below sea level. 

Because of its low elevation all the water that flows into the sea, and everything in that water, stays there. The water evaporates, but the salts and chemicals remain, which is how the Dead Sea became so salty!

Visitors to the Dead Sea can cover themselves in the area’s mud, which is supposed to have major benefits for skin, float in the salty waters, or just enjoy the beautiful salt formations along the seashores. 

 

Amman Itself

While most of the field trip locations I have listed here are within easy driving distance of Amman, it’s worth noting that there are a ton of great places to visit within Amman itself!

Amman has Roman ruins of its own, in and around the Amman Citadel. There’s an amphitheater, a Nymphaeum, and part of the hand from an ancient statue of Hercules at the ruins of the Temple of Hercules. 

The capital also has a wide variety of museums, including historical and archeological museums, a Children’s museum, art museums, and even a specialty automobile museum displaying a collection of royal cars!