Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Jordan Today
Home to a Seventh Wonder
When Petra was voted by popular ballot as one
of the seven 'new' wonders of the world, it was
a large accolade for a small country. But Jordan
- straddling the ancient Holy Land of the
world's three great monotheistic religions, and
once an important trading centre of the Roman
Empire - is no stranger to punching above its
weight. Stand on Mt Nebo, consecrated by Pope
John II, and survey the land promised to Moses;
unfurl a veil at Mukawir, where Salome cast a
spell over men in perpetuity; float in the Dead
Sea beside a pillar of salt reputed to be Lot's disobedient wife - go just about anywhere in
Jordan and you'll find every stone bares a tale.
»
»
Population:
6.5 million
»
»
Population growth rate:
1%
»
»
Inflation
: 5%
»
»
GDP
: US$34.5 billion
»
»
Main exports:
Clothing, fertilisers, potash,
phosphates, vegetables
»
»
Unemployment
: 13.4%
»
»
Average annual income:
US$5000
Jordan circa 2011
With so much history wrapped up in this tiny desert kingdom, it's easy to overlook the
modern face of Jordan - something the government is trying to address by improving pro-
ductivity, making Jordan a more attractive country for foreign investment, promoting
Jordan as a hi-tech service centre, and by building ambitious tourist developments, includ-
ing a Star Wars theme park near Aqaba.
