11 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Jordan

Sure, Petra is the crown jewel—but it’s not the only impressive archaeological site. Jordan is home to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside of Italy, and Um Qais, where you can literally stand where three countries meet.

Jordanians take hospitality very seriously. It’s not uncommon to be invited for tea or a meal, even if you just met someone five minutes ago. In Bedouin culture especially, guests are considered a blessing.

The Dead Sea is dropping more than 1 meter per year. Water diversion and climate change are major culprits, and unless something changes, it could vanish within decades. Go while you can still float!

Despite its location, Jordan is known for its political stability and safety. The country works hard to maintain peace, and tourism is a huge part of the economy—so travelers are genuinely welcomed and protected.

Manakish is a popular Levantine flatbread topped with za’atar, cheese, or minced meat. It’s often called the “Arabic pizza,” and it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack on the go.

Jordan isn’t all desert and heat. In winter, Ajloun and some mountainous regions in the north can get snow—enough for skiing, snowball fights, and cozy fireside tea.

The capital of Jordan originally sprawled across seven hills, or “jebels,” though it now covers more than double that number.

Jordan has a significant population of livestock, and in some years, the number of sheep exceeds the number of human residents.

In some rural desert communities, camels are equipped with solar-powered collars that monitor weather conditions and help predict sandstorms and droughts.

Jordan has a mix of Bedouins, Palestinians, Circassians, Armenians, and more. This diversity shows in its food, dialects, traditions, and festivals.

The Jawa Dam in northeastern Jordan is considered one of the oldest known dams in the world, dating back to the 4th millennium BCE.