Country Profile: Jordan

Jordan is a Hashemite Kingdom located in the Middle East, bordered by Israel, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. With a population of approximately 11.3 million people, it has a rich cultural heritage and a diverse demographic that includes significant Palestinian and Syrian communities. The economy, classified as upper-middle-income, faces challenges such as high debt levels and youth unemployment, but benefits from key sectors like agriculture and tourism. The country's governance is structured as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, currently led by King Abdallah II.

Geography

Jordan is situated in the Middle East, between Israel to the west and Iraq to the northeast. The country features a mostly arid desert climate with a rainy season from November to April. Its terrain includes the Great Rift Valley, the Jordan River Valley, and the Dead Sea, which is the lowest point on Earth. Notable natural resources include phosphates and potash.

Area: 89,342 sq km, roughly three-quarters the size of Pennsylvania.
Borders: Shares a total of 1,744 km of land boundaries with four countries.
Highest point: Jabal Umm ad Dami at 1,854 m.
Lowest point: The Dead Sea at -431 m.
Coastline: Measures 26 km along the Gulf of Aqaba.

People and Society

Jordan's estimated population is 11,312,507 as of 2025, with a significant urban concentration, particularly in and around the capital, Amman. The country is ethnically diverse, predominantly Jordanian (69.3%), with sizable Syrian and Palestinian minorities. Arabic is the official language, and Islam is the predominant religion.

Urban population: 92% of the total population lives in urban areas.
Life expectancy: Approximately 76.5 years at birth as of 2024.
Literacy rate: High at 94.8% across the population.
Median age: The median age is 25.4 years in 2025.
Population growth rate: Estimated at 1.68% for 2025.

Economy

Jordan has an upper-middle-income economy that is heavily reliant on imports due to limited natural resources. Key economic sectors include services (60.4%), industry (25.1%), and agriculture (5.1%). The country is known for its high unemployment rates, especially among young people, and relies significantly on foreign aid and remittances.

GDP: Estimated at $109.986 billion (2024) based on purchasing power parity.
Unemployment rate: Stands at 18% in 2024.
Public debt: Approximately 102.8% of GDP in 2023.
Youth unemployment: A stark 41.7% among those aged 15-24 in 2024.
Average household spending: 25% of expenditures is on food as of 2023.

Government

Jordan is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, where the King holds significant authority and appoints the Prime Minister. The National Assembly comprises a bicameral legislature with a House of Representatives and a Senate. The country has experienced various political challenges and interactions with foreign powers over the years.

King: Abdallah II has been the reigning monarch since 1999.
Capital: Amman, with a population of about 2.232 million as of 2023.
Legal system: A mixed system incorporating elements of Islamic law and Ottoman codes.
Administrative divisions: Jordan consists of 12 governorates.
Suffrage: Citizens can vote at 18 years of age.

Military and Security

The Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) include ground, air, and naval branches, overseeing territorial defense and border security. The country engages in various regional initiatives and has established itself as a key partner of the United States in military affairs.

Active duty personnel: Approximately 100,000 in 2025.
Military expenditure: 4.5% of GDP for 2024.
Military service age: Voluntary service can start from 17 years.
UN Peacekeeping: Engaged with deployed forces, including 140 personnel in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Security partnerships: Jordan is designated as a Major Non-NATO Ally of the U.S.

Energy

Jordan's energy sector relies heavily on imported fossil fuels, with a growing interest in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. The country has achieved nearly complete electrification.

Electricity access: 100% of the population has access to electricity as of 2022.
Installed electricity capacity: Totaling 6.891 million kW in 2023.
Fossil fuels: Account for 76.9% of total installed capacity.
Natural gas consumption: Approximately 5.441 billion cubic meters in 2023.
Energy consumption per capita: Estimated at 32.909 million Btu in 2023.

Environment

Jordan faces environmental challenges, including limited freshwater resources, desertification, and biodiversity loss. The nation is part of several international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

Total renewable water resources: Roughly 937 million cubic meters as of 2022.
Urbanization: 92% of the population is urbanized as of 2023.
Waste generation: Approximately 2.53 million tons of municipal solid waste produced annually.
Carbon dioxide emissions: Around 22.434 million metric tonnes in 2023.
Recycling rate: Only 14.6% of municipal waste is recycled as of 2022.

Transportation

Jordan's transportation infrastructure includes a mix of roads, railways, and an international airport system, facilitating both domestic and international travel.

Airports: A total of 18 operational airports are present as of 2025.
Railways: Total length of 509 km as of 2020.
Merchant marine: Comprises 34 vessels in 2023.
Public transport: Mainly served through road networks within urban areas.
Ports: The key port includes Al Aqabah, which includes oil terminals.

Communications

Jordan has a well-established communications infrastructure with high levels of internet penetration and mobile subscriptions.

Internet penetration: About 93% of the population uses the Internet as of 2023.
Mobile subscriptions: Estimated at 8.05 million in 2024, translating to 70 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants.
Fixed-line telephones: Subscriptions total 451,000 as of 2023.
Broadband access: Approximately 805,000 fixed broadband subscriptions in 2023.
Broadcast media: Dominated by the government-owned Jordan Radio and Television Corporation.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	11,312,507 (2025 est.)
Area	89,342 sq km
GDP	$109.986 billion (2024 est.)	Purchasing power parity
Unemployment Rate	18% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	76.5 years (2024 est.)
Youth Unemployment Rate	41.7% (2024 est.)	Ages 15-24
Energy Consumption per Capita	32.909 million Btu/person	(2023 est.)
Electricity Access	100% (2022 est.)
Agricultural Land	11.5% (2023 est.)	Total land used for agriculture
Urban Population	92% (2023 est.)