16 incredible facts about Jordan

Jordan is a country full of history, culture and breathtaking landscapes. In this article you will learn the 16 most extraordinary facts about this fascinating country that you surely didn't know yet.

The Dead Sea - a natural wonder

The Dead Sea, which lies on the border between Jordan and Israel, is the deepest point on earth with a depth of 430 meters below sea level. Moreover, it contains so much salt that you can swim on it. It is known for its healing properties and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Camel Beauty Contest

"Camel Beauty Contest: When beauty comes on four legs": In Jordan, there is an annual competition for the country's most beautiful camels, which also involves handsome prize money. It is an event where camel breeders from Middle Eastern countries present their most beautiful and best camels and compete against each other. The camels are judged on various criteria such as beauty, size, strength and health. The competition is an important part of Jordanian culture and attracts many visitors every year.

Petra - the famous rock city

Petra is one of the most famous and impressive sights in Jordan. The ancient rock city was built by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

King mountain

Jordan is the only country in the world that has a mountain as its king. The Jordanians have recognized a mountain called Jebel Al-Madhbah, also known as Mount Nebo, as their king. The reason for this lies in the biblical story of Moses climbing the mountain and seeing the Holy Land.

Biblical Jordan

Jordan is an important place in biblical history and is home to several biblical sites, including the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized. Even today, visitors can dive in the river at some sites.

Wadi Rum - an alien landscape

Wadi Rum is an impressive valley in the southern desert of Jordan, known for its spectacular rock formations, red sand dunes and breathtaking landscapes. It is often referred to as the "Valley of the Moon" due to its almost otherworldly landscape, reminiscent of a lunar landscape. It has been the setting for films such as "Lawrence of Arabia" and "The Martian".

It is also an important archaeological site, with numerous petroglyphs and petroglyphs that are up to 12,000 years old. There are also remains of ancient fortresses used by different peoples, including the Nabataeans, who also built the famous city of Petra.

In addition to the unique landscape, Wadi Rum also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including jeep safaris, sandboarding, climbing, hiking and camel riding. Visitors can also stay in Bedouin camps and enjoy traditional cuisine, as well as experience Bedouin culture and hospitality.

The Bedouins

The Bedouins are a group of people who live scattered throughout the country of Jordan. Many of them still live as nomads, moving from one campsite to the next with their herds of goats. However, other Bedouins have relocated to small villages. They are known for their rich culture and traditions, their hospitality and their skills in dealing with life in the desert. The Bedouin have their own language and culture and are proud to maintain their way of life, despite the increasing modernization of the country. Many visitors take the opportunity to interact with the Bedouin and learn from their way of life and culture.

Jordanian cuisine - a taste explosion

Jordanian cuisine is rich in flavors and spices and offers a wide range of delicious dishes. There is a lot of cooking with spices such as cumin, cinnamon and cardamom. Popular dishes include mansaf, a traditional dish of lamb, rice and yogurt sauce, as well as falafel and hummus. Grilled dishes such as shish taouk (marinated chicken) and kafta (seasoned minced meat skewers) are also common. For vegetarians, Jordanian cuisine also offers a variety of delicious dishes such as taboulé (salad of bulgur, tomatoes, cucumbers and parsley) or fattoush (bread and vegetable salad).

The desert queen - a mysterious find

In 2010, archaeologists discovered in a burial mound in the Jordanian desert the remains of a woman who later became known as the "Desert Queen". The woman was buried in a magnificent robe and with numerous jewels and jewelry, indicating that she was an important person in society. Nevertheless, the story of her identity and death remains a mystery to this day. Some believe that she was a Nabataean, while others suggest that she may have come from Persia or even Greece. Whatever the true identity of the desert queen was, her mysterious find has helped expand our understanding of Middle Eastern history and given us a glimpse into a bygone culture.

Amman - a city of contrasts

The capital of Jordan is a city of contrasts, where modern skyscrapers and ancient ruins exist side by side. Visit the Citadel and the Roman Theater for a glimpse into the city's rich history.

The date palms - an important economic factor

Date palms are an important source of income for many people in Jordan. The sweet fruits are widely grown and exported and are an important part of Jordanian cuisine.

The Red Sea - a paradise for divers

The Red Sea is known for its breathtaking underwater world. A whimsical fact about the Red Sea is that there is an "underwater graveyard" consisting of dozens of sunken tanks, trucks, jeeps and even a helicopter from the 1960s and 1970s wars. These vehicles were intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef and increase the fish population in the area. Today, these wrecks have become a popular destination for divers and snorkelers who want to explore the colorful underwater world and unique atmosphere.

Contested borders

The border between Jordan and Israel is one of the most disputed borders in the world. The two countries have had a complicated relationship for decades and there are many conflicts and political tensions.

Paradise for archaeologists

Jordan is a paradise for archaeologists. The country is home to many archaeological sites, including Jerash, the best preserved Roman city outside Italy. Other important sites include the Crusader castle of Karak and the ancient city of Umm Qais.

Great progress in renewable energies

Jordan has significant potential in the field of renewable energy. Despite its comparatively small size, the country holds immense opportunities in terms of solar and wind energy. It has made significant progress in switching to sustainable energy sources in recent years.

Rich wine tradition

Jordan has a rich wine tradition. Although it is a Muslim country, it has a long tradition of wine production. Already in ancient Jordan wine was grown and produced. Today there are several wineries in Jdort that produce wines of the highest quality.

Jordan is a country full of surprises that has much to offer. It offers a wealth of whimsical and unique experiences. From the desert queen to the lunar landscape of Wadi Rum to the rock city of Petra, there is much to discover and experience. A round trip through Jordan is not only an exciting experience, but also a sustainable choice. The country is strongly committed to environmental protection and has launched many projects to protect its precious natural resources. So, visiting Jordan is not only discovering a new country, but also helping to preserve it for future generations. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and experience the fascinating Jordan for yourself!

Do you want to learn more about Jordan, then please have a look at the Field report about Jordan over.

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