Jordan

Jordan, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (Arabic: الأردنّ‎ Al-Urdunn), is a sovereign country located in Western Asia at the crossroads of Southwest Asia and North Africa. It shares borders with Iraq to the north and east, Saudi Arabia to the south and southeast, Syria to the northeast, Palestine and Israel to the west. The Dead Sea separates it from Southwestern parts of Arabah in Israel. Its capital city is Amman while its largest city is also called Amman; other major cities include Irbid and Aqaba.

The kingdom has an area of 89,342 km2 (34,495 sq mi) making it slightly larger than Austria or Portugal but smaller than Belgium or Switzerland; roughly 61% are desert areas while only 11% can be cultivated land; mountains cover much of northern part where highest peak Jabal Umm ad Dami stands 1 854 m above sea level. It has a population estimated at 9 million people as per 2020 census consisting mainly Arabs along with Circassians Bedouins Kurds Chechens Armenians Druze Kawliya Romanis Assyrians Egyptians Asians Africans Europeans amongst others all sharing similar cultural heritage yet distinct traditions languages customs folklores religion beliefs values etc . Jordanian society’s openness towards western influences makes it one modernizing nation without sacrificing its traditional Islamic character which still remains prevailing force shaping local culture ‘s social norms attitudes behavior dress codes public life activities etc .

Politically speaking Jordan follows parliamentary constitutional monarchy system led by King Abdullah II who succeeded his father late king Hussein I upon latter’s death 1999 since then during reign he oversaw introduction several political reforms such as new election law elections monitoring process increased role civil society National Agenda document amendments constitution granting women full rights vote 2004 general amnesty 2006 allowing freedom expression media 2009 expanded powers appointed government 2011 approved first ever Income Tax Law 2013 endorsed newly formed cabinet 2014 launched Strategic Development Plan 2016 amended Constitution again 2018 created Senate 2019 signed Peace Agreement between Palestinians Israelis more recently passed Decent Work Act 2020 guarantee workers’ right decent work conditions wages benefits security etc In terms economy gross domestic product GDP reached $41 billion 2021 majority exports consist fertilizers clothing agricultural products phosphates minerals potash fabrics pharmaceuticals financial services tourism IT related solutions few among many Nonetheless despite these achievements unemployment rate significant 18 5 % according World Bank figures though steady decline over past decade due various reform measures taken boost job opportunities lower poverty levels improve living standards citizens average household income around US$ 2 000 year

In conclusion Jordan’s strategic geopolitical location historical significance economic progress have made into much sought after destination travelers investors alike world visit explore business investment options ultimately contributing global stability prosperity long term development prospects