Official Name : The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Population : 4.0 million (estimated).
Capital : Amman.
Language :The national language is Arabic but English is widely  used
 in  business and everday life. In fact English is the second language of the country.

TIME
Jordan is two hours ahead of UK GMT.

CURRENCY
The  monetary  unit is  the  Jordanian Dinar (JD) which is divided into
1000 fils or 100 piasters. The official exchange rate is US $1 = JOD 0.70.

CLIMATE & TEMPERATURE
Jordan enjoys almost year-round sunshine and blue skies. Rain falls only
from late autumn to mid-spring, with warm temperatures in the south, on
the Red Sea. The average temperature is as following:

COMMUNICATION
Public international telephones are widely available all over the country.
Postage  stamps  can be purchased at hotels and  post offices. There are
efficient postal services that offer a courier service.

ELECTRIC CURRENT
220 volts/50 cycles AC.

VISAS
Visas  may  be  obtained  in advance  from  Jordanian  Consulates  and
Embassies. A visa may also be issued on arrival for most of nationalities.

HOLIDAYS
Friday  is the official  weekly  day of rest, though  many  Christian  shopkeepers
close on Sunday  instead. Several  national holidays  are observed on the same
day  every year: Labor Day (May 1), Independence and Army Day (May 25), New
Year Day (January 1). Several Islamic religious holidays are observed, but  their
precise dates vary every year in line with the Islamic lunar calendar that is used
to determine religious holidays.

WORKING HOURS

MEDIA
There  is  one English language  newspaper  published in Jordan. International
newspapers, magazines &journals can be bought at bookshops & supermarkets.
Jordan has both Arabic and English commercial and television stations, as well
as the international satellite TV programming.

TRAVEL
The  Royal Jordanian  Airlines link Amman with many of the capitals of  Europe,
South  Asia and  the Arab World, and operate  wide- body jets to New  York and
Chicago. Many other international air carriers  also operate regularly to Amman.
The Queen Alia International Airport south of Amman is one of the most modern
facilities in the Middle  East.Traveling in  Jordan is efficient & enjoyable. A good
road  system is constantly being expanded & upgraded. Most of the sites a visitor would  want to see are at most within a few  hours drive  from Amman. Jordan's road signs are marked in English and Arabic.

TRANSPORTATION
Amman  and the other cities are  relatively  small. Taxis are  inexpensive and the most convenient form of transportation in Jordan, even over substantial distances. Jordan has an excellent and expanding road network, and renting a car can be a good way to see the country. Driving in Jordan is on the right side of the road and road  signs are marked in  Arabic and English. It is generally  safe to walk around at any time of day and night; however; it is sensible to take obvious  precautions.

CREDIT CARDS
American  Express,  Diners  Club,  and  Master  Card   are  generally  accepted  in hotels,  restaurants,  and  large  shops.

TIPPING
Tipping  practices  are  similar  to  most  parts  of  the  world.  Where no service
charge is included, 10 percent is adequate.

BARGAINING
Bargaining   is   expected   in  the  market   and  vendors  usually  drop  the price
particularly  for a cash sale.

CLOTHING
The dress code in Jordan is informal & conservative.
The following clothing can be worn:
April - October: light  and  comfortable  clothing,  preferably   cotton for daywear.
November - March: coats, lined raincoats, sweaters, hats and gloves.

FOOD AND DRINK
Food is an  important  part of  the culture  and is used to express  hospitality and
generosity. Arabic  cuisine is one  of the most elaborate  and sophisticated in the world. Some of the international restaurant chains are available with reasonable prices. The local popular drink is the black coffee; brewed coffee with cardamom. Water  is normally  and  officially  potable, but  it is recommended  to use bottled  mineral  water for drinking  and teeth brushing. Alcohol is available everywhere; however; it is not allowed during the holy month of Ramadan.