Where is Jordan Located?

Where is Jordan located on the map? Jordan is an independent nation located in Western Asia. Check out the following images to see location of Jordan on maps.

Jordan Location in World Map

Map of Jordan

Location Information of Jordan

Jordan, officially known as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is a country located in the Middle East region of Western Asia. It shares borders with several key countries: Syria to the north, Iraq to the northeast, Saudi Arabia to the east and south, and Israel and the Palestinian territories to the west. Additionally, Jordan has a coastline along the Red Sea to the southwest, including the port city of Aqaba. The country has a strategic geographical location, with historical and religious significance, and has long served as a crossroads between the Arab world, Europe, and Asia.

Latitude and Longitude

Jordan lies between 29° 11′ N and 33° 38′ N latitude and 35° 25′ E and 39° 18′ E longitude. This positions Jordan in the heart of the Levant region of the Middle East, a place with rich cultural and political significance. Its capital city, Amman, is located at approximately 31.9454° N latitude and 35.9284° E longitude.

Capital City and Major Cities

Jordan’s capital, Amman, is the political, economic, and cultural heart of the country. Amman is also the largest city, home to over 4 million people, representing a significant portion of Jordan’s population. While Amman is the primary city in terms of government functions, several other cities play important roles in the country’s economic and cultural life, including Zarqa, Irbid, Aqaba, and Mafraq.

Amman (Capital City)

Amman, located in the northwest part of Jordan, is a city with deep historical roots, blending the old and the new. The city’s history stretches back to ancient times, with historical layers from the Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods. Today, Amman is a modern metropolis with bustling markets, cultural venues, and business centers. It is a regional hub for politics, finance, and commerce in the Middle East. The city is also home to important institutions such as universities, museums, and embassies.

Amman’s landmarks include the Roman Theater, Citadel Hill, and the King Abdullah Mosque. The city has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Despite its modernity, Amman has preserved its cultural heritage through the architecture of its ancient sites, offering a blend of both the old and the new.

Zarqa

Zarqa, the second-largest city in Jordan, is located northeast of Amman. With a population of over 1 million, Zarqa is an important industrial city, particularly known for its manufacturing of textiles, chemicals, and other goods. The city is historically significant for its role in the Roman Empire, with nearby ruins at Qasr al-Abd, an ancient Hellenistic castle that reflects the region’s deep-rooted history. Zarqa is a vital part of Jordan’s economic infrastructure, with numerous factories, workshops, and transportation links to neighboring regions.

Irbid

Irbid, located in the northern part of the country, is the third-largest city in Jordan. It is often referred to as the “Cultural Capital of Jordan” due to its prominence in education, culture, and historical significance. Irbid is home to the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), one of the leading universities in Jordan. The city is also close to historic Roman sites, including the ancient city of Pella, a major site for tourists and scholars interested in the history of the region.

Aqaba

Aqaba, situated along the Red Sea in the south of Jordan, is the country’s only coastal city and a vital port city for trade. Aqaba is a tourism hub, offering beautiful beaches, water sports, and access to the Jordanian part of the Red Sea. The Aqaba Marine Park is a popular diving destination, with coral reefs and rich marine life. Aqaba is also of strategic importance to Jordan, providing it with access to international shipping routes and serving as the primary port for the import and export of goods.

Mafraq

Mafraq, located in the northern part of Jordan, is a smaller city but serves as an important transportation hub, linking the country to Syria and Iraq. The city has a significant agricultural industry, contributing to the production of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Mafraq also holds historical importance as a crossroads for various ancient civilizations.

Time Zone

Jordan operates on Jordan Time (UTC +2:00), which is two hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The country does observe Daylight Saving Time (DST) during the summer months, when the clocks are moved one hour forward to Jordan Daylight Time (UTC +3:00). The DST period typically runs from the last Friday in March until the last Friday in October, aligning Jordan’s time zone with neighboring countries such as Syria and Lebanon.

Climate

Jordan has a semi-arid climate, with wide-ranging variations depending on the region. The country experiences distinct seasonal changes, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Jordan’s climate is heavily influenced by its proximity to the desert, the Mediterranean, and the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth.

Coastal and Southern Regions

The southern and coastal areas of Jordan, including Aqaba, have a more arid desert climate. These areas experience hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C (104°F), while winters are mild and pleasant. Aqaba, located by the Red Sea, benefits from a tropical desert climate, with relatively high humidity and year-round sunshine.

Central and Northern Regions

The central and northern regions of Jordan, including Amman and Irbid, have a Mediterranean climate. Summers in these regions are hot, with temperatures averaging around 30-35°C (86-95°F), while winters are cooler and wetter. Snowfall is not uncommon in the northern highlands during the winter months, especially in Amman and Jerash. Rainfall is concentrated in the winter months, with December to February receiving the bulk of precipitation.

Eastern and Desert Regions

The eastern regions of Jordan, including the Wadi Rum Desert and the Eastern Desert, experience an arid desert climate, with very hot summers and cold winters. Daytime temperatures can reach 45°C (113°F) in summer, and nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, particularly in the winter months.

Economic Status

Jordan is a small, but stable economy, heavily reliant on foreign aid, remittances from its diaspora, and limited natural resources. The country faces challenges, including water scarcity, high unemployment, and an influx of refugees due to regional conflicts, particularly from Syria and Iraq. However, Jordan’s government has focused on expanding key sectors such as tourism, finance, and technology to diversify its economy.

Key Economic Sectors

• Services: The services sector, including banking, tourism, and education, is a significant part of Jordan’s economy. Jordan is a popular destination for medical tourism, with an advanced healthcare system that attracts patients from neighboring countries. The country’s financial services sector is robust, with Amman acting as the financial hub of the country.
• Tourism: Jordan is a major tourist destination in the Middle East, attracting visitors to its historical, cultural, and natural landmarks. The Dead Sea, Petra, and Wadi Rum are among the top attractions, drawing tourists interested in history, archaeology, and adventure. Jordan has invested heavily in the tourism infrastructure to cater to international visitors.
• Agriculture: Despite Jordan’s limited agricultural land, the country produces fruits, vegetables, and olive oil. Dead Sea salts and phosphate production are also important industries. However, water scarcity continues to pose significant challenges for the agricultural sector.
• Industry: Jordan’s industrial base is diverse, ranging from mining and phosphates to manufacturing and construction. The country has abundant reserves of phosphate, potash, and magnesium, which are significant export products. Jordan also has a growing information technology (IT) sector, with Amman emerging as a technology hub in the Middle East.

Economic Challenges

Despite its stability, Jordan faces several economic challenges. Unemployment is relatively high, especially among the youth, and income inequality is an ongoing concern. The country is also dealing with water shortages due to its desert climate, which places pressure on agriculture and urban development. The large number of refugees and displaced persons, especially from Syria, has strained public services and infrastructure.

Tourist Attractions

Jordan is home to a range of world-class tourist attractions, including ancient historical sites, natural wonders, and modern landmarks. These attractions draw millions of tourists each year, contributing significantly to the country’s economy.

Petra

Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is Jordan’s most famous archaeological site. This ancient city, carved into the red sandstone cliffs, was once the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and is renowned for its rock-cut architecture and water management system. The Al-Khazneh (Treasury), Monastery, and Siq (the narrow gorge leading to Petra) are some of the most iconic features.

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a vast desert wilderness that has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011. Famous for its striking red sand dunes, sandstone mountains, and ancient petroglyphs, Wadi Rum is a popular destination for adventure tourism, offering opportunities for trekking, rock climbing, and camel safaris.

Dead Sea

The Dead Sea, located on the border between Jordan and Israel, is the lowest point on Earth. The lake is famous for its salinity, which allows visitors to float effortlessly on its surface. The Dead Sea is also a popular destination for health tourism, thanks to its mineral-rich mud and therapeutic properties.

Amman Citadel

The Amman Citadel is a historical site situated on one of the seven hills of Amman. It contains ruins from various civilizations, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Islamic dynasties. Key landmarks include the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace, and the Jordan Archaeological Museum.

Aqaba

Aqaba, Jordan’s coastal city, offers access to the Red Sea and is a popular destination for water sports, including scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming. The Aqaba Marine Park is a key attraction, with vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens traveling to Jordan for tourism or business purposes can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Jordanian airports or border crossings. The visa is typically valid for 30 days, and travelers must present the following documents:

• A valid U.S. passport with at least six months of validity.
• A completed visa application form.
• Sufficient funds to cover the duration of stay.
• A return ticket or proof of onward travel.

Alternatively, U.S. citizens can apply for an eVisa before their travel, which is available online and offers a convenient option for obtaining a visa. For longer stays or specific purposes such as business or study, additional documentation may be required.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

• From New York City to Amman: The flight distance from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman is approximately 9,000 kilometers (5,600 miles). The flight duration typically ranges from 11 to 12 hours.
• From Los Angeles to Amman: The flight distance from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Amman is around 10,300 kilometers (6,400 miles). Flights from Los Angeles usually take 13 to 14 hours, depending on layovers.

Jordan Facts

Size	89,342 km²
Residents	10.1 million
Language	Arabic
Capital	Amman
Longest river	Jordan (total 251 km)
Highest mountain	Jebel Umm ad-Dami (1,854 m)
Currency	Jordanian dinar