Country Profile: Jordan

Jordan, officially known as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is located in the Middle East, bordered by Israel, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. This upper-middle-income country is home to a diverse population of approximately 11.3 million and has a parliamentary constitutional monarchy governed by King Abdullah II. Jordan struggles with economic challenges, including high unemployment and a reliance on foreign aid, while its rich history and cultural heritage add to its significance in the region.

Geography

Jordan is situated in the Middle East, with a strategic location at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba. The terrain is predominantly an arid desert plateau, featuring significant geological formations like the Jordan River Valley and the Dead Sea, which is the lowest point on Earth.

Total Area: 89,342 sq km
Elevation: Ranges from the highest point at 1,854 m (Jabal Umm ad Dami) to the lowest point at -431 m (Dead Sea).
Land Boundaries: Total border length of 1,744 km.
Climate: Mainly arid with a rainy season from November to April.

People and Society

Jordan boasts a diverse population of approximately 11.3 million people, with a significant portion residing around the capital, Amman. The country is predominantly Muslim, with a smaller Christian minority, and the official language is Arabic. Urbanization is high, with about 92% of the population living in urban areas.

Ethnic Groups: Jordanian (69.3%), Syrian (13.3%), Palestinian (6.7%).
Life Expectancy: 76.5 years (2024 est.).
Literacy Rate: 94.8% (2023 est.).
Population Growth Rate: 1.68% (2025 est.).

Economy

Jordan's economy is classified as upper-middle-income, heavily reliant on external assistance due to limited natural resources. The country is experiencing challenges such as high unemployment and inflation, while its key sectors include services, agriculture, and manufacturing.

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

Government

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, where the King holds significant powers alongside a bicameral legislature. Political stability has been a challenge, with the current King Abdullah II facing various regional and domestic pressures.

Independence: Achieved on 25 May 1946.
Constitution: Adopted on 1 January 1952.
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age.
Administrative Divisions: Comprises 12 governorates.

Military and Security

The Jordanian Armed Forces are pivotal to national defense and internal security. With approximately 100,000 active-duty personnel, Jordan maintains a close relationship with the US, benefiting from military aid and collaboration in various security issues.

Military Expenditures: 4.5% of GDP (2024 est.).
Military Service Age: Voluntary service begins at 17 years.
Military Deployments: Engaged in operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2025).
Terrorist Groups: Faces threats from groups like the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS).

Energy

Jordan's energy sector is primarily dependent on fossil fuels, with efforts to enhance renewable energy sources. The country has achieved full electrification, and initiatives are ongoing to diversify its energy portfolio.

Electricity Consumption: 20.31 billion kWh (2023 est.).
Installed Capacity: 6.891 million kW (2023 est.).
Natural Gas Consumption: 5.441 billion cubic meters (2023 est.).
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: 6.031 billion cubic meters (2021 est.).

Environment

Jordan faces significant environmental challenges due to limited freshwater resources and growing urbanization. Key issues include deforestation, soil erosion, and the impacts of climate change.

Total Water Withdrawal: 1.104 billion cubic meters (2022 est.).
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 22.434 million metric tonnes (2023 est.).
Urban Population: Comprises 92% of the total population (2023).
Biodiversity Concerns: Significant biodiversity loss and ecosystem damage.

Transportation

Jordan has a developed transportation infrastructure with modern airports and a growing road network. The key port, Al Aqabah, plays an essential role in trade.

Airports: Total of 18 (2025).
Railways: 509 km of railway (2020).
Merchant Marine: 34 vessels (2023).
Civil Aircraft Registration Code: JY.

Communications

Jordan enjoys extensive telecommunications coverage, including high internet penetration rates and a growing mobile cellular market.

Internet Users: Approximately 93% of the population (2023).
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 8.05 million (2024).
Fixed-line Subscriptions: 451,000 (2023).
Broadband Subscriptions: 805,000 (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	11,312,507 (2025 est.)
Area	89,342 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$109.986 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	18% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	21.9 births/1,000 (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	76.5 years (2024 est.)
Urban Population	92% (2023)
Total Energy Consumption/Capita	32.909 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures	4.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Total Water Withdrawal	1.104 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)