#83 in world Asia UN member

Jordan

Amman Asia Western Asia

Jordan is a stable constitutional monarchy situated in Western Asia, recognized as a strategic crossroads between Asia, Africa, and Europe. Current estimates indicate the nation has a population of approximately 11.8 million people and a GDP per capita of 4,851 USD.

Where is Jordan?

Jordan

Continent
Asia
Country
Jordan
Coordinates
31.00°, 36.00°

Population Details

Population
12M
Area
89,342 km²
Density per km²
132 / km²
Growth rate
+0.99%
Annual growth
+116.5K people
Daily growth
+319.17 people
World population share
0.15%

Population Trend

Historical series from 1960 to 2026

Start 853.5K Latest 12M

Population & Social Snapshot

Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Jordan

Age Distribution

0-14 years 3.6M
15-64 years 7.6M
65+ years 532.9K

Urbanization

93.0% Urban
11M
Urban 11M
Rural 830.6K

Health & Education Benchmarks

Life Expectancy at Birth +5%
78.0 years
World avg: 74.0 years
Fertility Rate +11%
2.60 births per woman
World avg: 2.35 births per woman
Infant Mortality Rate -35%
12.0 per 1,000 live births
World avg: 18.6 per 1,000 live births
Literacy Rate (Adults) +6%
94.4 % of adults
World avg: 89.5 % of adults
Internet Users +32%
95.6 % of population
World avg: 72.5 % of population

Demographics

Quick Facts

Capital
Amman
Region
Asia
Area
89,342 km²
Languages
Arabic
Currency
Jordanian dinar (د.ا)
Timezones
UTC+03:00
UN Member
Yes

Economy

Jordan operates a diversified economy where services, tourism, and manufacturing are the primary drivers of growth. The nation holds a global GDP rank of 91 and a subregional GDP per capita rank of 13 of 17 in Western Asia, with current estimates showing a per capita value of 4,851 USD. While the economy maintains a steady annual growth rate of 2.49%, the labor market remains under pressure with an unemployment rate of 16.5%, ranking 13th globally for having the highest levels of joblessness. Key industrial activities include the mining of natural resources such as potash and phosphates, alongside a robust textile and pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.

Society

Jordan is a regional leader in human development, characterized by a high literacy rate of 94.4% that ranks 81st globally. The population enjoys a life expectancy of 77.98 years, placing the country at a global rank of 69 for longevity. Digital connectivity is exceptionally high, with internet users accounting for 95.6% of the population, earning Jordan a global rank of 27 for internet usage. This tech-savvy demographic is highly concentrated in metropolitan areas, as current data shows approximately 93% of the population resides in urban centers like the capital, Amman.

Climate & Environment

Jordan's landscape is defined by a vast arid plateau that covers approximately 75% of the country, while the western highlands experience a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. The nation is home to the Dead Sea, which is the lowest point on the Earth's surface at -431 m (-1,414 ft) below sea level. Due to limited rainfall, Jordan remains one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, requiring careful management of its scarce natural resources.

Government & Politics

Government Type
constitutional monarchy
Independence
1946-05-25 (League of Nations mandate under British administration)

Jordan is a constitutional monarchy where the King holds significant executive and legislative authority. The monarch appoints the Prime Minister and the members of the Senate, while the House of Representatives is elected by the citizens through a multi-party system. This bicameral National Assembly oversees the legislative process, although the King has the power to dissolve parliament and must sign all laws. The political system has historically prioritized stability, navigating the complexities of a subregion where it shares borders with Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. The current government focuses on administrative and economic modernization to address the needs of an urban population that comprises 92.9501393764286 percent of the total population of approximately 12 million people. The judiciary operates independently, with a system that includes civil, religious, and special courts.

History

The territory of modern Jordan has been a crossroads of civilizations for millennia, home to the ancient Nabataeans who carved the city of Petra into sandstone cliffs. After centuries of rule by the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires, the region became part of the British-administered League of Nations mandate following World War I. Jordan achieved full independence on 25 May 1946 as the Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan. Under the long reign of King Hussein from 1953 to 1999, the country navigated the turbulent Arab-Israeli conflicts, including the 1967 war and the subsequent influx of Palestinian refugees. A landmark peace treaty was signed with Israel in October 1994, normalizing relations and securing Jordan's role as a regional mediator. Since succeeding his father in February 1999, King Abdullah II has guided the nation through modern regional crises, including the arrival of Syrian refugees who now make up 13.3 percent of the population. Today, Jordan remains a stable presence in Western Asia, balancing historical heritage with modern economic development and a life expectancy at birth of 77.981 years.

Notable Facts

  • The Dead Sea, located at the border with Israel and Palestine, marks the lowest point on Earth at -431 m (-1414 ft) below sea level.
  • Jordan hosts one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the archaeological city of Petra, which served as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom.
  • The country has one of the highest internet usage rates in the world, with 95.62244985 percent of the population having access, ranking 27th globally.
  • Jordan possesses significant mineral wealth in the form of phosphates, potash, and shale oil, which are major components of its industrial sector.
  • The country features diverse geography across its 89342 km² (34495 sq mi) area, ranging from the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum to the heights of Jabal Umm ad Dami at 1854 m (6083 ft).

Geography

Highest Point
Jabal Umm ad Dami (1,854 m)
Lowest Point
Dead Sea (-431 m)
Coastline
26 km

Explore weather and climate data for cities in Jordan

Monthly averages for Amman

January
Fair
Temp
13°C / 5°C
Feels Like
10°C / 2°C
Rain
7days (34 mm) Good
Sun
9.1h Good
Humidity
69% Muggy
Snow Days
1days
February
Fair
Temp
14°C / 5°C
Feels Like
11°C / 2°C
Rain
7days (33 mm) Good
Sun
9.8h Good
Humidity
70% Muggy
March
Good
Temp
18°C / 8°C
Feels Like
15°C / 5°C
Rain
6days (35 mm) Good
Sun
10.9h Excellent
Humidity
61% Muggy
April best
Excellent
Temp
24°C / 12°C
Feels Like
23°C / 9°C
Rain
3days (10 mm) Excellent
Sun
12.2h Excellent
Humidity
47% Moderate
May best
Excellent
Temp
28°C / 15°C
Feels Like
27°C / 13°C
Rain
2days (5 mm) Excellent
Sun
12.9h Excellent
Humidity
41% Moderate
June best
Excellent
Temp
32°C / 18°C
Feels Like
31°C / 17°C
Rain
0days (0 mm) Excellent
Sun
13.1h Excellent
Humidity
42% Moderate
July
Excellent
Temp
34°C / 20°C
Feels Like
34°C / 20°C
Rain
0days (0 mm) Excellent
Sun
13.1h Excellent
Humidity
44% Moderate
August
Good
Temp
34°C / 21°C
Feels Like
34°C / 21°C
Rain
0days (1 mm) Excellent
Sun
12.9h Excellent
Humidity
48% Moderate
September best
Excellent
Temp
32°C / 19°C
Feels Like
32°C / 19°C
Rain
0days (0 mm) Excellent
Sun
11.6h Excellent
Humidity
50% Moderate
October best
Excellent
Temp
27°C / 15°C
Feels Like
26°C / 14°C
Rain
1days (3 mm) Excellent
Sun
10.7h Excellent
Humidity
51% Moderate
November
Good
Temp
21°C / 11°C
Feels Like
19°C / 9°C
Rain
4days (14 mm) Good
Sun
9.7h Good
Humidity
58% Moderate
December
Good
Temp
16°C / 7°C
Feels Like
13°C / 4°C
Rain
4days (20 mm) Good
Sun
8.8h Good
Humidity
66% Muggy
Month Temp Feels Like Rain Sun Humidity Status Details
January 13°C / 5°C 10°C / 2°C 7days (34 mm) Good 9.1h Good 69% Muggy Fair View Details
February 14°C / 5°C 11°C / 2°C 7days (33 mm) Good 9.8h Good 70% Muggy Fair View Details
March 18°C / 8°C 15°C / 5°C 6days (35 mm) Good 10.9h Excellent 61% Muggy Good View Details
April best 24°C / 12°C 23°C / 9°C 3days (10 mm) Excellent 12.2h Excellent 47% Moderate Excellent View Details
May best 28°C / 15°C 27°C / 13°C 2days (5 mm) Excellent 12.9h Excellent 41% Moderate Excellent View Details
June best 32°C / 18°C 31°C / 17°C 0days (0 mm) Excellent 13.1h Excellent 42% Moderate Excellent View Details
July 34°C / 20°C 34°C / 20°C 0days (0 mm) Excellent 13.1h Excellent 44% Moderate Excellent View Details
August 34°C / 21°C 34°C / 21°C 0days (1 mm) Excellent 12.9h Excellent 48% Moderate Good View Details
September best 32°C / 19°C 32°C / 19°C 0days (0 mm) Excellent 11.6h Excellent 50% Moderate Excellent View Details
October best 27°C / 15°C 26°C / 14°C 1days (3 mm) Excellent 10.7h Excellent 51% Moderate Excellent View Details
November 21°C / 11°C 19°C / 9°C 4days (14 mm) Good 9.7h Good 58% Moderate Good View Details
December 16°C / 7°C 13°C / 4°C 4days (20 mm) Good 8.8h Good 66% Muggy Good View Details

Temperature

42°C 36°C 30°C 24°C 18°C 12°C 6°C 0°C -6°C JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
HighLow

Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 13°C / 5°C . Feb: 14°C / 5°C . Mar: 18°C / 8°C . Apr: 24°C / 12°C . May: 28°C / 15°C . Jun: 32°C / 18°C . Jul: 34°C / 20°C . Aug: 34°C / 21°C . Sep: 32°C / 19°C . Oct: 27°C / 15°C . Nov: 21°C / 11°C . Dec: 16°C / 7°C .

Rainfall

0 mm 7 mm 14 mm 21 mm 28 mm 35 mm JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Rainfall

Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 34 mm. Feb: 33 mm. Mar: 35 mm. Apr: 10 mm. May: 5 mm. Jun: 0 mm. Jul: 0 mm. Aug: 1 mm. Sep: 0 mm. Oct: 3 mm. Nov: 14 mm. Dec: 20 mm.

Frequently Asked Questions

The population of Jordan is approximately 12M (2024).

The capital of Jordan is Amman.

Jordan's GDP per capita is $4.9K (2024).

Life expectancy in Jordan is 77.98 years (2024).

Jordan covers 89,342 km² (34,495 sq mi).

Jordan has a moderate population density of 132 people per km², close to the global average of 60.

Jordan's population is growing steadily at 1.0% per year, in line with global averages.

Based on GDP per capita, Jordan falls in the upper-middle GDP-per-person tier at $4.9K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Jordan reports a very low intentional homicide rate of 1.0 per 100,000 people — among the safest in the world by this measure.

The official language of Jordan is Arabic.

Jordan uses the Jordanian dinar (د.ا) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Jordan are April, May, June, September, October, based on climate data for the capital.

Latest estimates show that Jordan has a population of approximately 11.8 million people, which places the nation at a global rank of 83. The country is highly urbanized, with roughly 93% of the total population residing in urban centers. This demographic growth is supported by an annual growth rate of 0.99%.

Jordan has a total GDP of approximately 53.35 billion USD, according to latest available data. This translates to a GDP per capita of 4,851 USD, ranking the country 138th globally. While the economy grows at an annual rate of 2.49%, the unemployment rate remains high at 16.5%.

The average life expectancy at birth in Jordan is 77.98 years, representing one of the higher figures in the region. Recent data indicates that Jordan holds a global life expectancy rank of 69 out of 215 countries. This longevity is supported by a robust healthcare system and high literacy rates.

Jordan is a highly connected nation, with 95.6% of its population identified as active internet users. This high level of digital penetration gives the country a global rank of 27 for internet usage. Such connectivity supports the growth of the nation's service sectors and modern educational initiatives.

No, Jordan is not landlocked, as it possesses a narrow coastline of 26 km (16 mi) along the Gulf of Aqaba. This southern outlet provides the country with essential maritime access to the Red Sea. It serves as a vital hub for international trade and is home to the port of Aqaba.

Current estimates indicate that Jordan has an adult literacy rate of 94.4%, reflecting the nation's historical investment in its education system. This achievement places Jordan at a rank of 81 globally out of 170 tracked countries. The country continues to focus on human capital as a primary economic driver.

Jordan is currently ranked 83rd in the world by population out of 215 countries and territories. In its regional context, it ranks 26th in Asia and 6th within Western Asia. This ranking places it as a mid-sized nation, comparable in population size to countries like Greece and Azerbaijan.

The current estimated population density of Jordan is 132.7 people per km² (343.7 people per sq mi). While the overall density rank is 84th globally, the actual distribution is highly uneven. The majority of residents live in the fertile northwestern regions, while the vast eastern desert areas remain very sparsely populated.

The annual population growth rate in Jordan is currently 0.99%. This rate has slowed significantly over the last several decades due to declining fertility and the stabilization of migration flows. Current estimates show a net population increase of approximately 313 people every day through natural change and migration.

The latest fertility rate in Jordan is 2.6 births per woman, ranking 73rd globally. While this is lower than historical averages, it remains high enough to support continued population growth. The rate has gradually decreased as urban living and expanded access to education for women have influenced family planning trends.

Approximately 93% of Jordan's population lives in urban environments, which is the 24th highest urbanization rate in the world. This high concentration is largely due to the dominance of the Amman metropolitan area. The trend toward city living is driven by the concentration of services, industry, and government jobs in the north.

On average, Jordan experiences 647 births and 99 deaths every day. When factoring in migration and natural trends, the population increases by approximately 313 people daily. This steady growth contributes to the ongoing expansion of the nation's major urban centers and the demand for increased infrastructure and public services.

All Indicators

Explore Jordan's data across 50+ indicators

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