Jordan Country Report

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a constitutional monarchy in the Middle East that borders Israel, the West Bank, Syria, Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea. The government includes an executive cabinet headed by the Prime Minister and a representative Parliament; however, the King has vast executive powers and is the highest authority in all matters of government. Parliamentary elections occur regularly, but serious opposition to the monarchy is prohibited, therefore Jordanians can only make superficial changes to their government. Situated amid the West Bank and war-torn Iraq and Syria, Jordan is home to some 2.7 million refugees from Palestine, Iraq and Syria that constitute nearly half of the population. Some social unrest exists due to refugee issues, but overall the country remains stable, primarily due to the government's support for international businesses, policies of liberalization and its well-trained and equipped security forces.

Jordan has enjoyed relative peace and security as a result of a peace treaty with Israel and significant financial and military support from the United States. However, cross-border clashes from Syria or Israel are a threat in the northeastern regions, and Jordanian security forces periodically engage border infiltrators. Certain sections of this northeast border remain a closed military zone. The Islamic State (IS) has been linked to a number of attacks against security and military forces, however Jordan's capable counter-terrorism forces help to mitigate this threat. Jordan's economy is still developing and lacks the abundance of natural resources that has granted wealth to its neighbors to the south. This has made the country partially dependent on external aid. However, with the monarchy's Western-leaning policies, the government has created a climate favorable to foreign investment and business in the kingdom has been growing rapidly as a result. The primary threats to foreign travelers in Jordan's main cities are automobile accidents and petty theft. Infrastructure is well developed in these areas by regional standards, but much less so in rural areas.

The security environment in Jordan is relatively stable by regional standards and thousands of international business travelers and tourists visit the country each month without issue. Petty theft poses the primary threat to visitors, particularly in urban centers and tourist sites. Violent crime is rare. Civil unrest occurs frequently over various socio-economic and political issues and can escalate into violence. Tribal and inter-clan tensions occasionally escalate into communal violence. Conflict spillover from Syria is a threat in the northeastern border areas, and Jordanian security forces periodically clash with border infiltrators. Parts of the northeast at the border with Syria have been declared a closed military zone. The Islamic State group has been linked to a number of attacks against security and military forces, however Jordan's capable counter-terrorism forces help to mitigate this threat.

The Israel-Hamas conflict has resulted in heightened geopolitical tensions in the region. Jordan is concerned the domestic unrest occurring in response to the conflict will escalate into a genuine threat to the status quo within the kingdom. Jordan hosts over 2.3 million Palestinians in its territory, with a history of unrest and violence. There is also an increased risk of militant attacks throughout the country.

There are no major concerns over air travel.

Jordan has a poor road safety record, and road travel presents a hazard to foreign travelers. Road surface conditions can be poor, particularly in rural areas, and traffic accidents are common.

Jordan has only one major seaport, called the Port Of Aqaba and it is considered efficient.

Public service provision of water, electricity and gas is variable, and may be poor in more rural areas.

Jordan has been the victim of several cyber attacks and Internet scams, some of which have targeted the Jordanian government and military.

Jordan's climate is characterized by long, hot, dry summers and short, cool winters. It is located in an active seismic zone and experiences periodic tremors and minor earthquakes. Flash flooding can occur during the rainy season from November to March. Dust storms can occur for days or weeks in the spring. Landmines are known to exist near the Syrian and Israeli border areas, although most minefields are well-marked.

Travelers' diarrhea is the most common ailment among travelers to Jordan. Seasonal dust storms in the spring can aggravate allergies and asthma. Medical facilities in Amman are of good quality, although those outside Amman are basic and primitive. Pharmacies are well-stocked and most medicine is readily available.

The government and political situation are stable. Corruption is somewhat of a concern in Jordan and can be an obstacle for international businesses operating in the country. Jordan has one of the best-trained and most professional police forces in the region. Police usually respond promptly to calls for assistance.