General Information
In 1921 H.E.H Emir Abdullah Ibn Al-Hussein secured recognition for the Emirate of Trans-Jordan, which became fully established in 1923.

Fully independence came on May 25, 1946. In 1950 it became Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Area	:	97,740 km2
Population	:	5,039,000 (2000)
Capital	:	Amman
Capital area	:	About 8,231 km2
Capital population	:	1,864,500 (1999)

Location
Southwestern Asia, situated near the south-eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, bounded on the north by Syria, on the east by Iraq and Saudi Arabia, on the south by Saudi Arabia and the Gulf of Aqaba, and on the west by Palestine and Israel.

Official language	:	Arabic		Second language	:	English
Religions	:	Muslims 94% - Christians 5%		Measures	:	Metric
Time	:	GMT +02:00 - US EST +7		Electricity	:	220 Volts, 50 AC
Currency	:	Jordanian Dinar		Int'l Dialing Code	:	00962

Government Offices	:	8:00 to 16:00 (Sun to Thu)
Banks	:	8:30 to 17:00 (Sun to Thu) - ATM services available.
Shops & Malls	:	9:00 to 20:30
Private Sector	:	9:00 to 18:00 - with one or two hours launch break
Note: during the holy month of Ramadan working hours are usually reduced.

Visa Requirements
Individuals and groups of all nationalities (with some exceptions) are issued visa upon arrival at any port of entry in Jordan upon presentation of passport, or at Jordanian diplomatic missions abroad.

The fee for the visa is JD 10 = $15 for all nationalities except Arabs (free). There is also a departure tax of JD 5 = $7.5

Currency & Exchange Facilities
The currency of Jordan is Jordanian Dinar (JD) which equals $1.4 US Dollars (One US Dollar = 0.708 JD). One JD is 1000 fils.

Coin denominations are: 10, 25, 50, 100 fils, 0.25, and 0.5 dinar.

Paper denominations are: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 dinars.

Exchange facilities are available at all points of entry, banks, hotels, and currency exchange offices. Rates are displayed and you may wish to ask for a receipt. There are no restrictions on visitors to bring in, and take out, foreign currencies. Familiarize yourself with the exchange rates published in daily newspapers.

Credit cards and Traveller Cheques are accepted at most hotels, car rental agencies, shops and restaurants. Major cards accepted are Master Card, Visa, Euro card, AMEX and Diners Club.

Climate
The climate depends on which part of the country you are in, as altitude ranges from 400 meters (1,312 feet) below mean sea level at Dead Sea, to 1850 meter above sea level at the Al-Shirah Mountains.

The climate tends to be dry during summer, while winter and spring are cooler, and during these seasons most of the country's rainfall occurs. June to September is the hottest months of the year where temperature rises to about 32oC (89.6 F).
The period between December and March is the coolest. Snowfall often occurs and temperatures stay around 15oC (59 F) during the day.

Security
We advise you check your local consular advice for up to date security information before you travel. Jordan is generally a safe place to travel. Tensions here can rise suddenly however following changes in the whole Middle Eastern situation.

Tipping
Tipping is a way of showing your satisfaction with a service rendered. Tips to your driver, guide and the hotel personnel are not included and left to your discretion.