“O camel litters, O desert bells, this is where barefoot Jordanians once passed, their swords in hand.”
Amjad Nasser
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Population
Area
Currency
Religions
Sunni Muslims (92%)
Christians (6%)
Druze, Shiites (2%)
GDP (nominal)
Main exports
Main imports
Main customers
Main suppliers
Political system
Jordan gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1946 and has been ruled since its founding by the Hashemite dynasty, which established a centralized monarchy. Under the reign of King Hussein (1952–1999), the country weathered several major crises, including the Arab-Israeli wars, the massive influx of Palestinian refugees, and the confrontation with the Palestine Liberation Organization during the “Black September” massacres in 1970. Lacking significant natural resources, Jordan relies on international aid, regional diplomacy, and a robust security apparatus to ensure its survival. The peace treaty signed with Israel in 1994 marked a strategic turning point.
Since 1999, King Abdullah II has been implementing cautious political and economic reforms. The country remains a key regional player, relatively stable despite surrounding conflicts and a fragile economic situation. The conflict in Gaza has strained relations with Israel, as the kingdom fears a massive influx of Palestinians into its territory, which would threaten its national security.
King since 1999, Abdullah II embodies the stability of a state facing significant economic and geopolitical pressures. He maintains a balance between monarchical authority and controlled political openness. A key ally of the United States, he serves as a regional mediator, particularly on the Palestinian issue. Since the war in Gaza, he has adopted a firmer diplomatic stance toward Israel in order to contain internal tensions. He supports gradual economic and administrative reforms. Unemployment, debt, and social pressure remain his main challenges.
