Capital of Jordan: Amman
Jordan is located in the heart of the Middle East and has 12 governorates spread in the north, south, west, and east. Jordan is about 89,342 square kilometers big with a population of 10 million, making it the eleventh most populous country in the Arab world. Syria borders it to the north, Lebanon to the northwest, Iraq to the east, Saudi Arabia to the southeast, and Palestine to the west.
Many Middle Eastern countries have a lot of oil, but Jordan doesn't always fully benefit from this wealth for its growth.
On May 25, 1946, Jordan gained independence from British protection and became the Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan. In 1949, it was renamed the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan when the West Bank was added. However, in 1967, the West Bank came under Israeli control.
The Nabateans, nomads from the Negev Desert, settled in what is now Jordan around the 4th century BCE. During this time, they carved the city of Petra into sandstone cliffs. Petra, often called the rose-red city, is now one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a major attraction for tourists. Petra, constructed by ancient civilizations, is located in a desert region with remarkable rock formations and architectural marvels.
Weather and Environment in Jordan
Jordan has different climates. The west is a bit like the Mediterranean with milder weather, while the east and south are more like a desert. Much of Jordan is dry because it is close to the Mediterranean Sea, and having high areas helps make the weather not too extreme.
Because Jordan is between hot Arab deserts and the wetter Mediterranean area, summers are hot and dry, and winters can get quite cold.
In the summer, it's hot and dry, especially in the deserts, where temperatures often go above 30°C and sometimes even over 40°C. In the winter, it's cool and sometimes rainy, especially in the western parts of the country. Between 10°C and 20°C is a common temperature range. Spring and fall have mild temperatures and nice weather, which makes it easier to do things outside.
The weather in different parts of Jordan can be much different. Also, it can get very hot near the Dead Sea and in the Jordan Valley. In contrast, it can be cooler in the mountains, such as in Petra and Ajloun.
Jordan faces environmental challenges because of limited water resources. Factors like overgrazing by sheep and goats, deforestation, and soil erosion contribute to these issues. Additionally, water pollution compounds the main environmental concerns in the country.