Jordan is a Middle Eastern country, bordered by Syria to the north, Iraq to the northeast, Saudi Arabia to the east and south and Israel and the West Bank to the west. All these border lines add up to 1,619 kilometers (1,006 mi). The Gulf of Aqaba and the Dead Sea also touch the country, and thus Jordan has a coastline of 26 kilometers (16 mi).
Jordan consists mostly of arid desert plateau in the east, with Highland area in the west. The Great Rift Valley of the Jordan River separates Jordan and Israel. The highest point in the country is Jabal Ram (1,734 m; 5,689 ft), while the lowest is the Dead Sea (-486 m; -1,594 ft). Jordan is part of a region considered to be "the cradle of civilization".
Major cities include the capital Amman in the northwest, Irbid and Az Zarqa, both in the north.The climate in Jordan is dry and hot for most of the year, since the country is mainly desert. However, the western part of the country receives greater precipitation during the winter season from November to March and occasional snowfall in Amman and the Western Heights
Language
Arabic is the official language of Jordan. English is widely understood among most Jordanians, although the degree to which varies with educational level and demographic concentration. Middle and upper class citizens tend to be fluent and consider English as their second language.
French is understood by mostly business people, government officials and university educators or graduates of The French Schools. Armenian and other Caucasian languages are understood and spoken by their respective communities residing in Jordan with minority schools teaching these languages, along side Arabic and English.
Religion in Jordan is a much more important cultural issue than in the west. The demographics of Jordan show that about 90% of Jordanians are Sunni Muslims and 2% are Shia Muslims. Christians make up 7% of Jordan population, varying among Greek Orthodox, Catholics, Coptics, etc and 2% other.
The percentages vary slightly in different cities and regions, for instance the south of Jordan and cities like Zarka have the highest percentage of Muslims, while Amman, Madaba, Salt, and Kerak have larger Christian communities than the national average, and the city of Fuhais is Christian.
In general, Muslims and Christians live together with no major problems regarding differences and discrimination. While some families may privately have a point of view against a certain religious group, it does not often take a public shape. Some recent controversy has taken place regarding the difficulty of Christians fleeing Iraq to gain citizenship or refugee status.
Climate. Hot and dry summers with cool evenings. The Jordan Valley below sea level is warm during winter and extremely hot in summer. Rain falls between November and March, while colder weather conditions occur in December/January.
Required Clothing: Lightweight clothes are advised between May and September. Warmer clothes are necessary for winter and cool summer evenings. Rainwear is needed from November to April.
