World > Middle East > Jordan

Introduction:

For most of its history since independence from British administration in 1946, Jordan was ruled by King HUSSEIN (1953-99). A pragmatic ruler, he successfully navigated competing pressures from the major powers (US, USSR, and UK), various Arab states, Israel, and a large internal Palestinian population, through several wars and coup attempts. In 1989 he resumed parliamentary elections and gradually permitted political liberalization; in 1994 a formal peace treaty was signed with Israel. King ABDALLAH II - the eldest son of King HUSSEIN and Princess MUNA - assumed the throne following his father's death in February 1999. Since then, he has consolidated his power and established his domestic priorities, including an aggressive economic reform program. Jordan acceded to the World Trade Organization in January 2000, and signed free trade agreements with the United States in 2000, and with the European Free Trade Association in 2001.

Official name: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Capital: 'Amman Government type: constitutional monarchy Population: 5,460,265 (July 2003 est.) Languages: Arabic (official), English widely understood among upper and middle classes Official Currency: Jordanian dinar (JOD) Currency code: JOD Area: total: 92,300 sq km water: 329 sq km land: 91,971 sq km Climate: mostly arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April)

Map of Jordan