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Jordan

 Flag of Jordan

Last reviewed: 05 October 2009

Country information

Geography

Land use: Permanent Pastures 9%, Arable Land 4%, Permanent Crops 1%, Forests and Woodland 1%, Other 85%
Natural resources: Phosphates, Potash, Shale Oil
Coastline: 26km
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Dead Sea –408m, highest point: Jabal Ram 1,734m

The greater part of Jordan consists of a plateau some 700-1,000 metres above sea level. There are no natural topographical frontiers between Jordan and its neighbours Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, and the plateau continues unbroken into three countries. The River Jordan rises just inside Syria and flows through Israel and Jordan until entering the Dead Sea 251km from its source. It is a tiny trickle of a river, especially in summer and, though a de facto frontier, is not a great natural obstacle.

Summers are hot, especially on the plateau and in the Jordan valley, where temperatures over 49ºc have been recorded. Winters are fairly cold, and on the plateau frost and some snow are usual. The key element is rainfall. Only about 25% of the total area of Jordan is suitable for cultivation. Jordan is therefore far from self-sufficient in foodstuffs, notably wheat. Some winter crops (grains) are grown in highland areas. High value vegetable and fruit crops are grown under irrigation in the Jordan Valley region, partly for export to neighbouring Arab countries. Jordan's plans for agricultural development entail increased irrigation, which depends on the availability of water, a scarce commodity in the region and therefore a potential bone of contention between Jordan and its neighbours. Various projects to improve the availability of water are being considered.

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Contacts

Jordan

Address:

Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
6 Upper Phillimore Gardens
London W8 7HA

Defence Attaché's Office:
16 Upper Phillimore Gardens
London W8 7HB

Telephone:

(020) 7937 3685
(020) 7937 9611 Defence Attaché's Office
(020) 7937 9499 Jordan Information Bureau
(090) 6550 8968 Visa Information Service

Fax:

(020) 7937 8795
(020) 7937 7505 Defence Attaché's Office
(020) 7937 6741 Jordan Information Bureau

Email: info@jordanembassyuk.org

Office hours:

Mon–Fri: 0900–1500

Defence Attaché's Office: Mon–Thurs: 0900–1500 / Fri: 0900-1200
Visa Information Service: Mon-Fri: 1000-1300
Jordan Information Bureau: Mon-Thurs: 0900-1500 / Fri: 0900-1300

Website: www.jordanembassyuk.org