Following the military action in Iraq, there is a high risk of terrorism in Jordan and vigilance is necessary. The Jordanian security forces foiled several possible terrorist attacks in 2004. Extra care should be taken at the crossing points between Jordan and Israel. Potential travellers should check one of the following government websites for the latest risk assessment:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Website: www.fco.gov.uk/travel
Tel: +44 (0)870 606 0290.

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Website: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/sos/warnings-en.asp

Jordan shares borders with Israel, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The Dead Sea is to the northwest and the Red Sea to the southwest. A high plateau extends 324km (201 miles) from Syria to Ras en Naqab in the south. The east of the country is mainly desert. Amman, the capital since 1921, is very well equipped with tourist facilities. The central souk is lively and provides a taste of a more traditional city. The main attraction is the Roman amphitheatre in the centre which dates from the second century AD. Jerash is less than one hour’s drive from Amman through the picturesque hills of ancient Gilead. A magnificent Graeco-Roman city on an ancient site, Jerash is justly famous for the Triumphal Arch and the Hippodrome. Petra, a gigantic amphitheatre hidden in the rocks out of which a city with immense façades that have been carved, is one of the wonders of the Middle-Eastern world. The Dead Sea, 392m (1286ft) below sea level, and the lowest point on earth, glistens by day and night in an eerie, dry landscape. Local dishes include mensaf (stewed lamb in a yogurt sauce served on a bed of rice). There are nightclubs, theatres and cinemas in Amman, while some other major towns have cinemas and bars.

Middle East.

GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 between October and March - dates vary).

89,342 sq km (34,495 sq miles; not including West Bank).

5.7 million (UN, 2005). The West Bank is now administered by the Palestinian National Authority; see Israel section for details of area and population.

63.8 per sq km.

Amman. Population: 2.02 million (2002).

Jordan shares borders with Israel, the Syrian Arab Republic, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The Dead Sea is to the northwest and the Red Sea to the southwest. A high plateau extends 324km (201 miles) from the Syrian Arab Republic to Ras en Naqab in the south with the capital of Amman at a height of 800m (2625ft). Northwest of the capital are undulating hills, some forested, others cultivated. The Dead Sea depression, 400m (1300ft) below sea level in the west, is the lowest point on earth. The River Jordan connects the Dead Sea with Lake Tiberias (Israel). To the west of Jordan is the Palestinian National Authority Region. The east of the country is mainly desert. Jordan has a tiny stretch of Red Sea coast, centred on Aqaba.

Constitutional Monarchy since 1952. Head of State: King Abdullah Ibn al-Hussein al-Hashimi since 1999. Head of Government: Prime Minister Dr Adnan Badran since 2005. Recent history: Weeks before his death, King Hussein made his eldest son, Abdullah, Crown Prince. He ascended the throne on King Hussein's death on 7 February 1999. King Abdullah has gone to great lengths to plan long-term improvements to the economy of Jordan. He is one of a new generation of Arab leaders in favour of social and economic reform. He has backed the promotion of women's rights, information technology, democracy, liberal economic policies and integration with the rest of the world. Parliamentary elections last took place in June 2003 under a one-person-one-vote multi-member constituency system with quotas for women, minority ethnic and religious groups. On 5 April 2005, Faisal al-Fayez resigned as Prime Minister. The King appointed Dr Adnan Badran, a former Minister of Higher Education, as the new Prime Minister. He soon appointed a new Cabinet.

Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken in the cities. French, German, Italian and Spanish are also spoken.

Over 90 per cent Sunni Muslim, with Christian and Shi’i Muslim minorities.

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used. Lamp sockets are screw-type, and there is a wide range of wall sockets.

Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. Jordanians are proud of their Arab culture, and hospitality here is a matter of great importance. Visitors are made to feel very welcome and Jordanians are happy to act as hosts and guides, and are keen to inform tourists about their traditions and culture. Islam always plays an important role in society and it is essential that Muslim beliefs are respected (see the World of Islam appendix). Arabic coffee will normally be served continuously during social occasions. To signal that no more is wanted, slightly tilt the cup when handing it back, otherwise it will be refilled. A small gift is quite acceptable in return for hospitality. Women are expected to dress modestly and beachwear must only be worn at the beach or poolside. Photography: It is polite to ask permission to take photographs of people and livestock; in some places photography is forbidden.