10 Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About Jordan

Planning for a vacation, deciding on a destination, and searching for places to visit can be very overwhelming. If you’re looking for a place to visit this fall, then Jordan is the perfect place.

Jordan is one of the most iconic ancient cities in the Middle East. If you want to know some fascinating facts about Jordan before planning your visit, here is where to start.

Jordan is home to more than 100,000 archaeological, religious and tourist sights. Like Petra, Dead Sea, Wadi Rum and Jerash, only to name a few. Jordan is rich in history and culture, it is a great holiday destination to enjoy your time and educate yourself on Middle Eastern heritage.

Jordan’s majestic Mount Nebo reaches a height of more than 800 feet, overlooking the town known as the Holy Land. It has become a popular pilgrimage destination, hikers can enjoy a stunning panoramic views of the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, and the cities of Bethlehem and Jerusalem.

The Jawa Dam is the first dam to be built, it was constructed in 3,000 BCE, located in the driest areas of the Black Desert of Eastern Jordan.

Amman is one of the oldest cities to ever exist, it’s no surprise it shelters the oldest statues in the world. The Ain Ghazal Statues date back to 7500 BC, they can be found at The Jordan Museum. 

Food is always a great way to explore the country’s culture and heritage. Mansaf is a delicious lamb dish cooked with fermented yogurt called jameed and is usually served with rice topped with pine nuts. This dish will be the highlight of your trip.

The Dead Sea has ten times the amount of salt than any sea. It lies 420 meters below level, where you can enjoy a unique floating experience. Also make sure to try the magical healing power of the Dead Sea mud.

Jordan’s location is remarkable, it shares borders with a huge number of Middle Eastern countries. It’s neighbors with Syria, Iraq, Palestine, Southern Saudi Arabia, and Egypt’s Sinai.

The first thing you think of when you hear Jordan is the magnificent city of Petra. Petra is one of the Seven Wonders of the world, that was rediscovered in the early 19th century. It was the set of the most famous Hollywood movies, including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

The Jordan Trail is 402 miles and takes about 40 days to cross it. If you’re a hiker and love walking it’s a route worth taking, you will pass by the country’s best-known places, such as Petra, Wadi Rum, and Greco-Roman ruins at Gadara.

According to Jordanian traditions, you are allowed to refuse a meal up to three times before finally accepting a lunch or dinner invitation.

Looking for budget-friendly places to stay in Jordan? Check out ibis hotel in Jordan. For more places to stay, see all of Accor's hotels in Jordan to book your travel.

Quick Travel Tips for Jordan

• Currency: 1 Jordan Dinar – $1.41 USD, keep in mind that Amman is a moderately priced city.
• Language: Native language is Arabic, however many citizens speak English.
• Visa: Most visitors will need to get a visa. US citizens can get a visa on arrival.
• Jordan Pass: It is a prepaid entry to over 40 attractions in Jordan. You can use the Jordan Pass as a tourist visa if you purchase it before arrival and stay a minimum of three nights.