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The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is geographically one of the smallest country, but when it came to the struggle for power, the enthusiasm was in it's full swing. An Arab country, Jordan shares it's borders with coastlines of Dead Sea and Gulf of Aquaba. World War I was the breakthrough event in the history of the desert kingdom Jordan. It was the time when Ottoman Empire fell apart and the family of Hashemites ascended the throne. For Christians, Muslims and Jews, Jordan is the religious land and they visit the place as pilgrims.
Official Languages:
Although, Arabic is the official language of the country, yet English and French are widely spoken and understood. While English is treated as the second language, in which the upper class and the middle class are well versed, French is used as the mode of communication by business community as well as the many government officials. In schools and universities too, French is taught.
Independence, Republic and Government:
Since May 15, 1923, Britain had authority over Transjordan under the Anglo-Transjordan treaty. However, the interference of Britishers into King Emir Abdullah was confined to external affairs. On May 25, 1946, Abdullah managed to get over the mandate of Britishers over the Anglo-Transjordan treaty and the country was renamed as Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
The country government operates under the Constitutional Hereditary Monarchy. All kinds of executive powers are assigned to the King and he chooses the Council of Ministers. He is also the signing authority of all laws. Two third votes of the National Assembly can overpower his veto power too. National currency again bears the King's name. The council of ministers, headed by Prime Minister is appointed by the Kind. The Prime Minister has indirect powers to cancel the membership of other council member. The constitution is divided into three categories: Religious, Civil & Special. Jordan is further divided into twelve governorates and each operated under Governor, who are appointed by the King himself.
Top Cities of Jordan:
Amman:The largest city and the capital of Jordan, Amman is a fusion of traditional and modern Jordan. The city is expanded over nineteen hills. Also it provides the exotic desert landscape. Amman shows the influence of many civilizations that came and with time left it. Among some of them are Ghassanian, Neolithic and others. Along with the heritage of these eras, the country has many new buildings that grew rapidly in last ten years. The Archaeological museum, Jebel-el-Qalat, the beach of Dead sea, the Citadel Hill all are most loved tourist destination spots. The city has some of the best restaurants too.
Madaba: Popularly known as 'the city of Mosaics', Madaba excels in terms of artistic creations. The name was given to the city after King Mesha, who ruled the territory in 9th Century. The place is famous for the 6th Century Byzentine Mosaic map, which portrays the Jordan region with some of the Palestinian territories.
Jerash: One of the Roman towns in Jordan, Jerash is full of rich historical past that is still reflected in the aura of the city. Despite such an ancient city, it is a happening place for the foreign tourists, who get to see the art and culture of the country at one place. Jordan Festival is the event where all enjoy singing, dancing, theaters, cinema etc in the typical Jordan style.
Petra: The word Petra has been derived from a Greek word 'Stone'. It is also called as the Red Rose City. It is one of the famous archaeological sites in the world. Thus, the city has a lot of historical as well as prehistorical monuments that are worth paying a visit. There is 'The Petra Tomb', 'The Corinthian Tomb', 'Al-Khazneh' and many other places to go.
Culture and Heritage:
Due to the influence of immigrants that came to Jordan from different places (mainly Circassians and Chechens), it's culture is rich and varied. Majorly people following Islam and people following Christianity are there in the country. Topping this is the Arabic culture. Thus, Jordan displays a good variety. The music of Jordan is highly influenced from that of neighboring countries like Syria, Saudi Arabia. Music forms like rural zajal played with instruments like reed pipe and rabab are very famous amongst people of Jordan. Traditional music mixed with rock and other western form of music too has gained popularity in the last decade.
You would find a number of local artists there. Artistic talent is brimming in the natives of Jordan. Specially, Iraqi people living in Jordan possess immense talent. In the capital city Ammana, many galleries and exhibitions are conducted. Looking to the cuisines loved in Jordan, we cannot skip the mention of dry fruits, Dates, almonds, cashews that are found in abundance there. Lebanese and Indian cuisines are part of their staple diet.
Tourism
Jordan is mostly visited for it's ancient and religious sites. But it is full of natural landscape too. There are historic monuments, museums, religious places, desert castles and many more. The miracle of Mother nature can be witnessed in Nabatean mountains. The huge rock is pink in color and has a 1.25 km narrow gorge in the middle of it. This looks amazing and people from far and wide places come to see it.
Tourism is one of the important source of income for the country. In GDP, it gives 10percent of it's contribution. Moreover, due to the political stability of Jordan, it is one of the favorite tourist destinations too.
Get in-depth information about the beautiful country of Jordan as you go through other section of the site countriesandcapitals.
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