Jordan



Culture Name

Jordanian

Orientation

Identification. The Emirate of Transjordan was the name given to this small state when it was recognized in 1921, after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the promulgation of the Balfour Declaration. It was not until 1946 that Transjordan became a completely sovereign state. In 1950, Transjordan merged with part of Palestine to form the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Amman is the capital and the largest city.

Location and Geography. Jordan has an area of about 35,475 square miles (91,900 square kilometers). It lies in the center of the Middle East, sharing its northern border with Syria, eastern border with Iraq, it's southern and eastern borders with Saudi Arabia, and western border with the Jordan River, the Dead Sea, and Israel. Its only seaport is the port of Aqaba. Jordan has barren deserts, fertile valleys, and colorful rock and sand mountains. It contains the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea, and the Great Rift Valley, which was created twenty million years ago when tectonic plates shifted, stretching from Lake Tiberius south through Jordan and into eastern Africa.

Demography. In 1946, the population was about 400,000; in 1997, it reached 4.6 million, a figure twice that of 1981. After the 1967 war with Israel and Iraq's 1990 invasion of Kuwait, there were sudden and massive influxes of Palestinian Arab refugees, who now make up more than two-thirds of the population. In 1996, 1,359,000 Palestinian refugees living in Jordan were registered with United Nations; 250,000 Palestinians continue to live in ten refugee camps. Nomadic people, predominantly Bedouin, account for more than 10 percent of the total population. The population is young, with a birthrate that is double the world average; 43 percent of the people are under age fifteen. By the year 2012, the population is expected to double.

Linguistic Affiliation. Arabic is the official language. English is taught to all students and is widely spoken.

Symbolism. The flag has black, white, and green horizontal stripes with a red triangle on the hoist side bearing a white seven-pointed star. The flag of the Palestinian people is identical but does not have the white star.

History and Ethnic Relations

Emergence of the Nation. The Nabateans built the capital of their ancient Arab kingdom, Petra, in what is now Jordan between 400 B.C.E. and 160 C.E. From Mount Nebo in western Jordan, many people believe that Moses saw the Promised Land. When the Ottoman Empire collapsed after four hundred years of rule, Britain divided up the Fertile Crescent, and modern Jordan was born.

National Identity. Jordan is the only Arab country where Palestinians can become citizens. The differentiation between Jordanians, Bedouins, and Palestinians is clear in this society. Jordanians are defined as residents who have lived east of the Jordan River since before 1948. Palestinians are defined as residents whose birthright extends back to areas west of the Jordan River. People of Bedouin descent are considered to be of the purest Arab stock.

Ethnic Relations. In deserts with little vegetation and water, Bedouin families have lived in the traditional way for thousands of years. They roam freely and pay little attention to borders. Bedouins form the core of the army, occupying key positions, even though their political influence is diminishing. Palestinians are typically referred to as educated, hard-working people, and their influence in Jordan has resulted in a greater emphasis on education and

Jordan
Jordan
the development of a richer, global economy. Jordanians who no longer espouse the Bedu nomad lifestyle are gradually accepting the standards of the modern Arab world.

Urbanism, Architecture, and the Use of Space

Most people live in one- or two-room apartments or houses. Affluent urban families live in larger apartments or individual homes. Buildings and homes are made of concrete, and some are made of mud and stone, with a design that allows more floors to be added, to create apartments for married sons. Privacy is very important, and many homes and other buildings open into private courtyards with concrete walls. Nomadic farmers live in tents made from the hides and fur of their animals. Amman's appearance reflects a Western influence, with modern hotels and commercial buildings. Streets are identified and numbered in an inefficient manner, and maps are hard to read and often useless.

Food and Economy

Food in Daily Life. An ancient legend tells of an Arabian shepherd who six thousand years ago put his supply of milk in a pouch made from a sheep's stomach before making a journey across the desert. The rennet in the lining of the pouch, combined with the heat of the sun, caused the milk to form curds, and cheese was discovered. Bedouin farmers keep herds of goats and sheep whose milk is used to produce cheese and yogurt. A popular cheese is called halloumi (similar to feta), made from goat or sheep milk and often served in a sandwich of pita-style bread or cubed in salads. Rice, legumes, olives, yogurt, flat breads, vegetables (cauliflower, eggplant, potatoes, okra, tomatoes, and cucumbers), lamb or chicken, and fruits (apricots, apples, bananas, melons, and oranges) form the basis for most meals. Main dishes of rice with spices are eaten almost daily. The main meal typically is served during the middle of the afternoon. A covering is placed on the floor, with a large tray of rice and meat placed in the center surrounded by small dishes of yogurt and salad. Torn pieces of bread are folded in half and used to scoop the food. The left hand is never used to feed oneself.

Food Customs at Ceremonial Occasions. When people visit family and friends, tea, Turkish-style or Arabic-style coffee, or fruit juice is served. Often this meal includes sweets, especially on holidays. The national main dish is Mansaf, which consists of lamb cooked in dried yogurt and served with seasoned rice on flat bread. Mansaf is always served on holidays and special family occasions such as visits to relatives or friends, engagements, and weddings.

Basic Economy. The economy is based on free enterprise. The service sector, consisting of government, tourism, transportation, communication, and financial services contributes the most to the economy, employing 70 percent of the workforce. Amman has developed into a regional business center.

Land Tenure and Property. Land ownership is the goal of many, but few can afford the cost. Except for the very wealthy, most people live in rented housing.

Commercial Activities. Because most of the country is desert, less than 4 percent of the land is cultivated. Natural resources are scarce, and no oil has been found. The country's archaeological sites draw more than two million visitors a year.

Major Industries. Potash, phosphate, and gypsum mining and the manufacturer of cement, fertilizers, and refined petroleum products are the largest industries.

Trade. Jordan is among the world's top three potash exporters. Since the Gulf War, the number of immigrants has increased greatly, leading to a severe trade deficit and a labor market that has not produced enough jobs.

Division of Labor. Jordan's economy is heavily impacted by its location in the Middle East, the arid landscape, its relationship with its neighbors, and its dependence on foreign aid. Its largest sectors are finance, which employs 22 percent of its labor force; transportation, which employs 16 percent; and the industrial sector, which employs 17 percent. Tourism offers the greatest prospect for development.

Social Stratification

Jordan's political and social systems are a mix of new and old, traditional and non-traditional, Bedouin and Palestinian.

Classes and Castes. All social and political systems of Jordan are centered around extended patriarchal family units based on ancestry and wealth. Family units are often led by sheikhs whose rule depends on the size of their families, their wealth, and the will of their personalities. After the death of a sheikh, the eldest son ascends to the position of head of the family.

Symbols of Social Stratification. The emerging modern Arab culture values a college education, Mercedes cars, and a home in an urban area as symbols of success. However, in traditional Arab culture, camel breeders are still considered to be highest on the social scale. Traditional clans consider anyone outside their clan to be inferior, so the tradition of only marrying a person from within their families continues.

Political Life

Government. Since 1951, Jordan has been a constitutional hereditary monarchy with a parliamentary form of government. It is politically stable, with freedom of religion, the press, and private property guaranteed. There is an ongoing program of democratization. In 1989 parliamentary elections were instituted, and since that time, martial law has been lifted and political parties have been legalized. Elections were held in 1993 and 1997.

Leadership and Political Officials. In 1999, King Hussein, the longest-serving head of state in the world, died. Hussein's oldest son, Prince Abdullah,

Buildings in Amman, a city that reflects western influence.
Buildings in Amman, a city that reflects western influence.
succeeded him. King Abdullah Ibn al-Hussein has indicated that he intends to follow his father's policies. He wields wide power over the government and appoints the prime minister.

Jordan's present legislative branch consists of an eighty-member elected Lower House and a forty-member Upper House. After a bill is approved by the Lower House and Senate, it is given to the King, who either grants consent by Royal Decree or returns the bill unapproved. Jordan's Constitution guarantees an independent judicial branch, dividing the courts into three categories: civil, religious, and special courts. The Jordanian civil legal system has its foundations in the Code Napoléon, a French legal code.

Social Problems and Control. Many of the country's laws are based on the Koran and the Hadith, a collection of Mohammed's sayings. These laws are enforced in religious courts called Sharia courts, which have jurisdiction over personal matters. Chastity is demanded of all single women. If a woman's chastity is compromised, a male relative may feel obligated to murder her to save the family's honor. When these cases go to court, often the charges are dropped or the murderer receives a short sentence.

Jordan has a low crime rate by international standards, with few petty crimes such as robbery reported.

Military Activity. Jordan maintains an army, an air force, and a small navy. The total strength of the armed forces in 1998 was 104,000 active members and 35,000 reserves. There is a paramilitary force that includes twenty thousand civil militia members and ten thousand public security officers. Jordan is a leader of peace efforts in the Middle East and is at peace with its neighbors.

Social Welfare and Change Programs

There is not a comprehensive welfare scheme, but the government administers medical and health services.

Nongovernmental Organizations and Other Associations

Nongovernmental organizations are involved with the environment, women, children, and economic issues. The royal family is supportive of many charitable foundations. Thirty miles north of Amman, Jerash hosts an annual summer Festival of Culture and Arts administered by the Noor Al-Hussein Foundation. The Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development has social development centers throughout the country that help women and children.

Gender Roles and Statuses

Division of Labor by Gender. Most women have their lives controlled by their closest male relatives. Despite the limitations placed on them, they have made advances in education in a country where the practice of educating women only began three or four decades ago. Balancing customs and traditions at home with obedience to their husbands and the demands of a career remains a difficult challenge. When women work, they receive extensive benefits and sometimes equal pay. The 1997 census placed the proportion of women in the workforce at 14 percent, up from 8 percent in 1979. The unofficial unemployment rate for women is 65 percent.

The Relative Status of Women and Men. Sons are prized, and this status continues throughout adulthood. Most Muslim women cover their heads with scarves. A small minority cover their heads and faces with a veil. Segregation of the sexes occurs all public situations, and there is limited interaction between

Workmen lay a water pipeline in the Jordan Valley. Most of Jordan is desert.
Workmen lay a water pipeline in the Jordan Valley. Most of Jordan is desert.
men and women. It is common for women to eat apart from men in restaurants. Unless they are married or related, men and women do not sit together on public transportation.

Marriage, Family, and Kinship

Marriage. Getting married and having children are top priorities. Most marriages are arranged by the father of the bride. Often cousins marry each other, and the couple may barely know each other until the engagement is announced. The wedding has two celebrations: an engagement party and a wedding party. After the engagement party, the process of dating and getting to know each other begins. After the engaged woman and man have signed the papers at the engagement party, they are legally married. If they choose not to proceed, even though they have not lived together, they must divorce. Brides must be virgins on the wedding night. After marriage, every aspect of a woman's life is dictated by her husband. She cannot obtain a passport or travel outside the country without his written approval. At any time, a husband may take another wife. Polygamy with up to four wives is legal. Divorce is legal. When there is a divorce, custody of the children automatically goes to the father, and for this reason, women choose to remain in a marriage even when there are other wives. Divorced women are viewed as outcasts.

Domestic Unit. The typical family is extended, with family size decreasing since 1979 to about six members per family. The scarcity of natural resources, especially the chronic shortage of water, makes population control vital. To slow the rapid growth rate, birth spacing programs have increased awareness of the benefits of family planning, and many wives now use contraceptives.

Inheritance. Inheritance is guided by Islamic law. A woman receives half the amount that a man receives.

Kin Groups. Kinship relationships are patriarchal. Extended family ties govern social relationships and tribal organization.

Socialization

Infant Care. Women are primary caregivers for infants and small children. After the first son is born, the father and mother take the name of the son. If the son's name is Mohammed, the father becomes Abu Mohammed, meaning "father of Mohammed," and the mother becomes Om Mohammed, or "mother of Mohammed."

Bedouin woman preparing a meal. Free-wandering Bedouins have lived in the traditional way for thousands of years.
Bedouin woman preparing a meal. Free-wandering Bedouins have lived in the traditional way for thousands of years.

Child Rearing and Education. Children love to belly-dance with people watching and clapping their hands and women making a vocal expression by moving their tongues rapidly back and forth between their lips. Primary education is free and compulsory, starting at the age of six years until a child is sixteen years old. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees provides schooling for Palestinian refugees. Outside the classroom, children participate in few activities away from the family.

Higher Education. All students are required to take an extensive examination called Tawjehieh before graduating from secondary school and as a prerequisite for entering universities and colleges. The top male and female students attend state universities and numerous private colleges. The literacy rate is over 86 percent.

Etiquette

Greetings and farewells are lengthy and sincere. Even answering a telephone involves saying "how are you?" in several different ways. Visitors and/or friends frequently are invited into homes for dinner, where they are showered with kindness and food. Women dress modestly and often are offended by exposed flesh. Most Muslims do not drink alcohol. Shoes are always removed before entering a mosque, and this custom extends to homes as well. Shib-shibs (flip-flop sandals) are always put on before entering a bathroom, the feet and are never put on a coffee table, footstool, or desk. It is forbidden and disrespectful to expose the bottoms of the feet. Same-sex friends hold hands, hug, and kiss in public, but there is limited touching between men and women. A man does not shake hands with a woman unless she offers her hand first.

Religion

Religious Beliefs. The state religion is Muslim, as indicated in the constitution. Ninety percent of the population adheres to the Sunni branch. About 6 percent of the people are Christian.

Religious Practitioners. Imams, leaders of prayer in a Muslim mosque, hold an important role in this Muslim country. In most smaller and rural communities they are the political leaders as well.

Rituals and Holy Places. Jordan has a rich religious history. For Jews and Christians, it is part of the Holy Land, sacred for its connection to the Jewish patriarchs Abraham and Moses, as well as Christian biblical figures such as John the Baptist. Jordan is equally important in the history of Islam, as many tombs of Prophet Mohammed's companions are located in Jordan. Jordan is where the non-Arab world first contacted Islam more than fifteen hundred years ago.

One of the five essential Pillars practiced by Muslims is the recitation of prayers five times a day. Calls to prayers are announced publicly by mosques and can be heard throughout the nation. The devout unroll a small prayer rug and face Mecca to pray. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time of fasting from sunrise until sunset. Most public restaurants do not open for business until just before sunset. Throughout Ramadan and the celebration commemorating its end, of families mark the occasion with large feasts and special sweets. Another Pillar of Islam is the Hajj, the holy pilgrimage made at least once during a lifetime to Mecca. Many pilgrims travel through Jordan on the way to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

Medicine and Health Care

Excellent medical care is available, especially in Amman. For the typical family, finding the money to pay for medical insurance and preventive care is difficult. Life expectancy is sixty-seven years for mens and seventy years for women. Most children are fully immunized.

Secular Celebrations

Jordanians follow the Islamic calendar. National holidays include Arbor Day (15 January), Arab League Day (22 March), and Independence Day (25 May). Religious holidays include Id al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan), Id al-Adha (the Feast of the Sacrifice), the Islamic New Year, the birthday of Mohammed, and Leilat al-Meiraj (the Ascension of Mohammed).

The Arts and Humanities

Support for the Arts. In 2000, King Abdullah ordered that government workers be given Fridays and Saturdays off, hoping they would find time to develop new interests and travel to sites such as Petra. The government promotes cultural festivals, encourages the revival of handicrafts, and takes steps to preserve the country's archaeological and historical heritage.

Literature. The country's most famous poet is Mustafa Wahbi al-Tal, who is among the major Arab poets of the twentieth century. Al-Tal was a political and social activist who devoted twenty years of his life to regaining the rights of gypsies and became a member of the gypsy community.

Graphic Arts. Folk art survives in tapestries, leather crafts, pottery, and ceramics. Wool and goat hair rugs with colorful tribal designs are manufactured.

Performance Arts. Popular culture takes the form of songs, ballads, and storytelling. Villagers have special songs for births, weddings, funerals, planting, plowing, and harvesting.

The State of the Physical and Social Sciences

Since the 1960s, a number of higher learning institutions have opened in Jordan, foremost among them the University of Jordan (1962) in Amman, Yarmouk University (1976) in Irbid, and Jordanian University Science and Technology (1996) in Irbnil. These centers are recognized for their Islam, Arabic language, and Middle East peace and conflict studies.

Bibliography

Chebaro, Lina, Halawani, Bassam, and Nada Mosbah. Arabic Cooking Step by Step, 1997.

Dallas, Roland. King Hussein: A Life on the Edge, 1998.

De Blij, H. J., and Peter O. Muller. Geography: Regions and Concepts, 6th ed., 1991.

Discovery Channel. Jordan Insight Guide, 1999.

Fernea, Elizabeth Warnock. In Search of Islamic Feminism: One Woman's Global Journey, 1998.

Friedman, Thomas L. From Beirut to Jerusalem, 1995.

Goodwin, Jan. Price of Honor: Muslim Women Lift the Veil of Silence on the Islamic World, 1994.

Hussein, King of Jordan. Uneasy Lies the Head: The Autobiography of His Majesty King Hussein I of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, 1962.

——. My War With Israel, 1969.

Sedlaczek, Brigitte. Petra: Art and Legend, 1997.

Shumsky, Adaia and Abraham. A Bridge across the Jordan: The Friendship between a Jewish Carpenter and the King of Jordan, 1997.

Viorst, Milton. Sandcastles: The Arabs in Search of the Modern World, 1994.

Web Sites

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (official government site). http://www.kinghussein.gov.jo

The Jordan Star. http://star.arabia/com

Palestinian National Authority. http://www.pna.net

—D ARLENE S CHMIDT



User Contributions:

1
A
Thank you so much!! This site was very helpful for my project on Jordan
2
Jordan
I am doing a project on Jordan (aswell as above) and again this site was very usufull. Thank you
3
kk
thank you this site has been a lot of help on my project
4
Krystal Sharpe
This site helped me in more ways than one on my project thank you soo much :)
5
malkia
very helpful for my project that im doing i really like the way the information help me. it was great who every made this up they were very smart
6
Audur
Thank you soooo much whoever made this site! I am doing a very long research project on Jordan and I could almost finish the notes for my project just by using the information from this site! I was also able to show it to my friends which were also doing Jordan. I find the language very easy to understand especially since I am not a native english speaker. Thank you, thank you, and again thank you XD
7
Faihaa Alakhras
Thank you so much!!! This site was really a great help for me!!It gave me the info. i need to do my english project about Jordan. Thanks again!
8
Ahmed
Thank you for the information. I got an A on my jordanian project about culture. Thanks again!!! :)
9
rachael
this was very helpful thank you now i can finish the project on Jordan!!
10
haleigh
thanks this has helped me alot on my project!!!!!!
11
jordan
thanks so much for the info on Jordan's cultures it helped so much with my project about Jordan's culture .
12
Shelby
This article was very useful!! Thank you so much! It helped me a lot on my essay im doing!
13
jeannette
this web-site is the best!!! i found everything i needed:)
14
M.
VERY HELPFUL!!!!!!!!! context is very understandable and clear they cover the main points and are right to the point! thank you!!! its so helpful fo my project!
15
Anas
THIS ESSAY IS USEFUL & GOOD TO READER, WHO WANT TO KNOW ABOUT JORDAN , JUST READ IT,,

THANK FOR THE WRITER
16
shelbi
at my school i am doing a festival on jordan and this was so helpful!!!!!!
17
Shalini Desai
I got a lot of information from the article, but I could not find any thing about Jordans goverment. But any ways thanks alot.
18
Ayman
The information was totally right, except for the martial issues, marriages do not go this way.
19
Sean
This helped me alot on my Semester project in history. I was assighned ordan and the poject counts as 30% of my final grade
20
LOL
thank u so so so so so much this help me for my project on Jordan THANK YOU
21
bella
This website had everything i needed to do my reasearech. Thanks whoever wrote this.
22
bob
...I love you so much for helping with my jordan project
23
Anne
Thanks a ton! THis website really comes in handy when you need it. I really had a hard time finding a good website with imformation that will help me do my report for gov't class. Thanks again
24
Syeed
The only problem with this site is the gender roles and marital statuses.That information is like 60 years old.
25
Amman
Everything is almost true but there are no dates along with the information provided! for it is really common to see many girls walking on the streets without putting any scarves on their heads, and also marriage is not a priority! and the information on the gender roles and marital statuses is more than 60 years old (as syeed stated)!
26
Mike
This article was a huge help to me, I'm planning on visiting Jordan next year.
This was very elpful since im doing a project on it. Thanks for all your help
O MY GOD I GOT A GREAT GRADE JUST FROM THIS WEBSITE THANKS TO THE WRITER I OWE YOU BIG BIG BIG TIME THANKS
29
Dani
This website is awesome! I have a research project on Jordan and couldn't find any information! This website has most of the information that I need. lol.. i just need plants, water systems, animals, and technology thanks guys!
this let me know alot about my culture thanks sooo much
Realy good infromation, im doing my project about jordan.
it helped me sooo much Thanks
This site was very interesting. My boyfriend, Bador's family came from Jordan when his dad was young. I wanted to learn more about Jordan's culture. I know a lot about Islam already but it was nice to learn about the country itself.

Thank you (:
I LOVE THIS I LOVE THIS VERY MUCH I HOPE IT STAYS LIKE THAT EVRY YEAR
34
Zanny
Well I have a question. I met someone from jordan who
is staying here in MI. He says he's got an arranged
marriage for him back home but doesn't want it. He would rather choose who he wants. Is this possible for him to still choose who he wants to mary. He seems like he knows what he wants but I guess family isn't too happy about it. I really don't know alot about his culture and how everything is done. Can he make the choice of a girl that he wants to be with? Does he have to go back to jordan and do something that he doesn't want to do. I wish I had answers. I would like to get to know him more but he's worried what will happen to his family.
Sincerely,
Zanny
35
Deb
Site was found to be helpful, but if a man from Jordan marries an american, do their cultural traditions remain in tact if they are living in America? Just curious.
the information related to the poet of Jordan Mustafa wahbi Al-Tal is wrong because he didn't join the gypsy community but he used to claim others to respect their culture as well as any other nation. AL Tal family is one of the most important political families in Jordan .
thank you so much!!! this helped tons on my project, i found everything i needed
38
bobby3
thank you this really helped my project on Jordan 41 . this will really go into my grade, it helps when people give this much information
39
Sammi
@ Zanny

I've been there and I wish there was a straight answer to your question. It's all complicated and I think it depends more on his relation with his family rather than 'the Jordanian culture'. Intercultural marriages do exist in Jordan. There are cases of married Western women and Jordanian men, even in villages. The man you're talking about might be the eldest son in his family or he may feel obliged to keep up with the tradition. What I know is that he is more or less held responsible for the relationship of his mother and (future) wife; this must go well! If he is the eldest son, he probably must continue the family name. Besides that, intersanguin relationships are quite common in the Jordanian (?) culture.
40
rachel
thank u now i can finnish my project on jordan this was very helpful
My husband to be is Jordanian.I have loved the information since its giving the open door to his culture.Thank you so much.Roselyn
Thank you for the abundance of information about Jordan. Where could I find info on appropriate clothing or common dress in Jordan?
Thanks again
thanks a lot for these valuable information. this means a lot for me.
44
Hunter
This website is a great source but you could put things about the economic activity but very helpful for my project
hi there i wud like to know that do the girls from jordan get married to poeple from abroad? and will they be willing to move with their spouses to his country
thanking you for yhis informative site
46
era ajmaen
can u give me informatiom about decoration of jordan?
NEED MORE INFORMATION about history , Thank you alot :-) :-(
this site is awesome it shows that this is a good site for research
thank you for the above information...i do have application in JORDAN this help me to know more about this country... thank you and GOD BLESS,, whoever made this
50
brandi
thanks for the web site this is going to give me a+ and who ever made this i give a thank you to you
The best place to be is a place where u can learnt about different cultural backgrounds.
52
@Nantume roselyn
Can there be more information on the social and cultural background of Jordan?How is Jordan as a country different from Israel ?
My neighbors are from Jordan, and after a year living next to one another I have become friendly with the wife/mother. I found this information very helpful in understanding certain things that I thought was odd behavior. I know more about the culture in ways my neighbor wouldn't have been able to express to me herself. Thanks for the information! Knowing about the cultural differences helps when you are making new friends!
54
ned
Maybe this Article could also explain how Jordanians pass on their tradition as well
55
Jason
about how many people live in a farm family in Jordan?
56
Ailbhe
It really helped with my project on Jordan! Thank you! :-) ;-)
57
Cerera
It really helped with my project on Jordan! Thank you! :-) ;-)
58
laith
its prfect website but u need to put more info. about the music
59
Abdul Karim
I am italian, converted to Jslam and married with a jordanian woman from a beduin family.
I enjoy read this site but now many things are changing specially in the women status. In Jordan women get every time more freedom and are very good wifes.
If you ask a Jordanian woman what she want from life she will tell you:
" See happy my husband" what I can add more.
I love my wife and I am very happy to live in Jordan.

Jordan it is a very beautiful country with very nice people and a great King.
This site has been very helpful,as I have a new friend from Jordan and would like to learn her customs.Thank you so much.
61
cherie legaspi
Thank you for this site,,, i learn more about Jordan and other concern. Very helpful
i would like to know what would happen to a woman that goes to Jordan after just talking to a man for several months. And then she marries him and he doesnt allow her to call home anylonger? My daughter has done this and she has two kids here and she thinks she is only going for 2 weeks but from the things he has said to me is different. she even used a secret code we had made up if she needed help
are the Palestinians one of different culture that Jordan has?
and what are the different cultures in Jordan? What are things they all have in common, despite the difference in culture?
@Jack Geo well we all speak Arabic; that's something we have in common. And nowadays most Palestinians and Jordanians are hard to distinguish from each other. But yes, most of the population is originally from Palestine. And Jack, Palestine's culture might have been significantly different than that of Jordan's back before the immigration of Palestinians to Jordan, but as I said, now we are very similar.

And as someone said above, the information about "Gender role" and the marriage stuff is like 60 years old (and even then it wasn't as predominant as the writer makes it seem). Many Muslim women don't cover there heads with scarves and we aren't as "traditional" or "cultural" as this article makes us seem. Maybe this holds true for many, many years ago though.

Christians' holidays are also celebrated over here, or more like considered as "official" holidays. And I don't know about the 6% Christian thing, but I notice many people in university that wear crosses (which make up relatively more than 6% in my estimation; but not very much more).
65
Hannah
I don't think it's true that women must have permission from their husbands to travel. That's more like Saudi. I live in Jordan with my husband, and when I left last month with our 2-year old son to visit the States, no one said a thing about it. My son also carries his dad's last name while I still have my maiden name, and my son looks nothing like me, but no one said anything about me taking him.

Also I know many Jordanian women who are much more career oriented than husband-oriented (and I don't necessarily think this is a good thing). Their lives aren't controlled by their husbands, though they do respect marriage and therefore try to compromise for the sake of the relationship -- just like American women who are in successful marriages. But they aren't like slaves (the way this site makes them sound). And women can divorce their husbands, too. I know some divorcees who won custody over the kids due to having abusive or neglectful husbands. It did take a long time for them, though, and it is true that life is hard after divorce since it's harder for a divorced woman to marry there (even though this totally conflicts with the tradition of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.), and most are relegated to moving back in with their parents and taking care of them in their old age.
thanks a lot
its have an imformation that i needs
thank you!
67
Sophia
hey thanks for the website it helped alot for my jordan project at school!
68
Derlierprossy
I think different countries has different culture and different languages. I am also different from this country. This topic is very informative for me. I support this.
69
alona
how a latin christian Jordanian get a divorce? please help,i need your answer...thanks
70
amin
how can a singer of islam get finance for his music project and can he do to end a cd to the king?
71
shelly_fernandes
research on group project. Please print and review the following information. Maybe it will be helpful in the research for the group project.
72
Livia Swank
This article has proven to be useful but I wish there was more about the food, dress, unique traditions, and education of the Jordan people. This site was very easy to use and easy to read. Thanks again,

Livia
73
eric
this is a really good website it help me a lot on powerpoint for school(x
74
Cindy
I am going to Jordan in April. This has been most informative, thank you!
75
Brooke Cain
this is so great! it helped me so much and had everything i needed for my project!!! thanks for this
76
Brett
I am a female from Canada and I have been to Jordan for business twice in the past year and it is my observation that most women do not cover their head anymore. Sure, you see women covered but it doesn't even seem like the majority. Women own businesses in Amman. I met many Jordanians who married outside their culture. The county is very young and many of the youth have been educated in the west. They seem very interested in western culture and moving forward.
77
Kirsten
Hello, my name is Kirsten and i'm 12 years old! At my school we have to do this report on these countries that we picked out of a bowl and I got Jordan and everything I needed was on the web sight thanks alot guys who made this! It made my work a whole lot easier! Thankss again so much! Bye :))
78
Jaylene
this helped me so much..my resaerch project is going to be great!! :D
79
Hakem
Thank you for this site but it needs to be updated and more info about the Christians and how they live and the way they contribute to the country. One thing I agree with is my Jordan is a great place to live and raise a family
Hello again, just wanted to say that being a American Arab with Jordanian decent and still have a lot of family still in Jordan in Madaba and Amman and that my parents retired in 2006 and moved to Jordan to live out the rest of their life in their home land in stead of staying in the states because the easy Laid back life in Jordan it's a stress free life style for a retired American couple and now we have an excuse to visit Jordan even though it's going to be expensive for a family of six but its worth it believe me when I say it's WORTH IT for me and my family to see their heritage and family over there even my wife looks foward and she is Irish American.
Thank you for letting me comment on Jordan and its people.
I just returned from a trip to Jordan, my fiance is Jordanian. You really should update a lot of what is said here. The relationship between women and men is not at all like you have stated. Maybe in 2012 things are starting to change.
82
Lynn
Thank you for your comment "T" The Jordanians are beautiful people.
83
Chanel Burks
This helped me a lot with my paper for History!! Thanks a lot :)
84
Alexander Plechov
Helped me a lot to understand Jordan culture and habits better...I hope you will keep up the good work :)
85
kennedy
it was really helpful and i know i will get a 100%
86
Jilayne
Very interesting article. I recently spent 3 weeks in Jordan with my husband and his family. My husband is the eldest male child of the family and his family did not hesitate to welcome me in. In fact I am returning for another visit very soon :) It seemed the wearing of a scarf is by choice, although it is a respectful thing for the family/husband for the woman to cover up. I was not asked to wear a scarf once. I was able to wear short sleeve shirts and even Capri on some outings. Its more of the younger generation which seemed less apt to wear the scarf. The woman of Jordan have military jobs and even work for the police department. The people of the country are very nice and very happy. I never once felt threatened or hated by anyone. I plan to visit Jordan many times over even after my husband joins me to live in the United States.
87
tamara
thank you so much for this knowlegable information that you put on this site .
88
bob
this has been very helpful and i feel that jordan is a mesed up country
89
nicole (:
this help me on my 8th grade project like for real thank you
90
Rhoda Bonnen
I can't believe it! Jordan is peaceful although vicious countries surroung it. Maybe they'll leave Jordan alone if bad times erupt in that area. We've discovered a man from Jordan in Akron, OH. He is so polite and curteous. I knew nothing of Jordan, so went to this blog.

How do I print the article without the comments at the bottom?
91
khurshid
I like Jordan for its culture and governance. I hope this country will progress. Regarding marriage people should be given opportunity to choose their life partner as per Islamic jurious diction.
92
Rianna
This is a great site for cool customs. Also a great site for those kids looking for reasearch worthy facts... like me!
93
Anonymous
I am in the sixth grade and doing a country report on Jordan. Because of recent events in the Middle East, I was very worried when I learned that Jordan was in that area. After reading this article, and learning about Jordan being a country of peace, I have been more at ease, and am enjoying learning more about this interesting country. Thank you again for this absolutely awesome article. I would like a bit more info, but this will do. Also, if there is another website where one can learn more about the feminine role, I would greatly appreciate it if anyone could help me. Thank you again!
94
hazah
Thank you so muchh. This article helpful. I have been in love wit jordanian guys.
95
Hannah
Really helpful and it really really really helped thank you for this great website.
96
Umar
Thank you so much. really this article helpful one.
97
kristine
this site answer my all question to know a little bit about jordan and its help me a lot thanks
98
umer
thank you... IT REALLY HELPED ME TO COMPLETE MY ASSIGNMENT.. THANKS :)
99
Ash
This is very a very helpful website because I am home schooled and i have to do christmas around the world and this did help answer some of my questions and now I don't have to rent books from the library and now I can do other stuff
100
Lel
thank you so much this prepared me for my debate on jordan this has everything i needed :)
101
ch
thanks this is an ok wed site I've seen better it was a little confused but it was okay just not good for fun facts
102
Myra Morosco
Your information was a great start and I gleened even more info from your readers thank you for the site.
103
Athena
thank u this helped me very much on my speech for Jordan
104
samantha
I am Jordanian and I am proud to be one .I really would like for all of you to visit Jordan and get used to their culture.And try their traditional day and taste its traditional food.And visit AL-AQABA AND PETRA AND ALL THE OTHER PLACES IN Jordan
105
Mia Watson
Thanks for the information it helped me get to now how they get married .
106
michelle
This information is not that bad but I need more information about the historical people. But the rest helped me alot. So thanks.
107
Elaine
This website is awesome! It helped so much with my report! Thank you!
108
mocchi.mo
Thanks a bunch! Im making a school project about Jordan and this really helps!!
109
Ash
Wow. This website really helped me complete my geography essay. Whoever made it is amazing. thank you so much!!
110
Elize
I am a South African married to a Jordanian after his Mother gave approval in 2014. We got married in court. We both signed contract and all the other stuff needed. Its true the wife can divorce her husband, whoever ask for divorce first, husband or wife has to pay out a sum total to the other. In public its not alowed for men and women to hug, kiss and holding hands, only in privacy. Also I am not a slave to my husband. If I choose to have a career its also fine nowadays. Jordanians are very friendly, helpful and peaceful people. I was welcomed from day one. Amman, Petra and Aqaba a must see worth. This site very useful, most info needed on it, but surely needs here and there an update. I am ready to move and live in jordan. Very safe country! Always keep your passport with you, many roadblocks and that's what keep this Country safe, the police doing outstanding work! Very Strict. Its an awesome, beautiful Country with the most beautiful mountains/valleys, sunsets and sunrises, parks (the candle for instance one of them)! Many upgraded and wonderful hotels. Night view over Petra is awesome, the atmosphere in Aqaba indescribable, fantastic. Thanks for giving me the option for leaving a comment. Good job done on this site but really needs an update. Good luck to all you for your projects and essays about Jordan. :) just to add because so many ask... I am a white South African Born and bred. Interesting to find many think South Africans are only black , we are a rainbow nation people :) Thanks again
111
josh
this website is the best ever i found everything i wanted and i love the way they put everything on the wesite
112
tamim
thanks for information for my homework i own you thanks thanks
113
Billy Goatman
Thanks so much! This is the best website for Jordan!
114
Amal
I would like to thank the writer for this article in order to help other people to know more about my country, I am Jordanian exactly from Bedouin family and I am proud of that. I have a notice about this part "If a woman's chastity is compromised, a male relative may feel obligated to murder her to save the family's honor. When these cases go to court, often the charges are dropped or the murderer receives a short sentence." It is completely wrong because it depends on individual crimes, it is not acceptable in Islamic religion, there is no Islamic law permitting a man to kill a woman, whatever the reason, give me one evidence of that from the Koran or the Sunnah.
Another thing just want to add that the Muslim girl is not obligated to wear scarf (Hijab), but it is a legitimate duty stems from the belief that she is convinced that Islam is the right religion.
115
K.
Thank you so much to whoever made this website it has been very useful and I was able to use it in multiple different ways for my project over Jordan so thank you again
116
naryah stone
i love this website the best i love it and thank you so much to whoever made this web it has been very useful and i was able to use it in multiple different ways
117
Tonny
Its been so helpful, as most of my question about Jordan are fully answered in a satisfactory manner. Thanks.
118
Demonte
This website was very helpful especially for me being in 5th grade doing a project on this country were we talk about it and make food for everybody to eat in my classroom
119
Angel
Thanks for the information l always likedto know about the culture of Jordan and now l know all l wanted to know . I have liked the nationalmain dish i will try doing it here but i need more directions.
120
Stephanie
Thanks a lot for the article. It amazes me to see just how much I have already learned about the Jordanian culture from dating my boyfriend just a few months. I'll have to give him a round of applause - he's doing well in keeping me informed through all aspects of the cultural differences between us two.
121
Jordan
Im doing an essay on Jordan even when my names is jordan
122
Kat
this was VERY handy for my project on Jordan thx! ;D
123
Arman
its a haven of Arab world, Most beautiful country nicely welcome you
124
Evan
This helped me with a huge presentation I had for school, would highly recommend it :)
125
Owen
This is the best site ever I highly recommend this to everyone who has a huge Geography assignmen thanks
126
jkking16#
this website is very helpful it got me a minus thank you every much
127
Lilly Stark
This was a perfect overview of the country. I wanted to know a little about Jordan, simply to expand my own knowledge and understanding of the world, and this did so amazingly.

Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic: