Jordan

Jordan (Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan) is a country located in the Middle East, bordered by Syria to the north, Iraq to the east, Saudi Arabia to the south and southeast, Israel and the Palestinian territories to the west, and the Gulf of Aqaba to the southwest. Covering approximately 89,000 km², Jordan is characterized by predominantly arid and semi-arid landscapes. The country’s topography includes desert plateaus in the east, rugged highlands in the west, and the Jordan Rift Valley, which forms part of the Great Rift Valley system. The Dead Sea, located along Jordan’s western border, is the lowest point on Earth’s land surface at about 430 meters below sea level. Jordan experiences a largely Mediterranean climate in the western highlands, with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, while the eastern and southern regions are dominated by desert conditions with low and highly variable rainfall.

Jordan’s physical geography strongly influences its natural resources and patterns of settlement. Most of the population is concentrated in the northwestern highlands and around major cities such as Amman, Zarqa, and Irbid, where rainfall is relatively higher and agricultural conditions are more favorable. Water scarcity is one of the country’s greatest environmental challenges, as Jordan is among the most water-stressed countries in the world. Limited surface water, declining groundwater reserves, population growth, and climate change place increasing pressure on water resources and agricultural production.

The history of Jordan is closely linked to the development of ancient civilizations in the Near East. The region was home to important kingdoms such as Edom, Moab, and Ammon and later became the center of the Nabataean Kingdom, whose capital, Petra, is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. Over the centuries, the area came under the control of successive empires, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Islamic caliphates. During the Ottoman period, Jordan formed part of a larger imperial province until the First World War. Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the territory became the Emirate of Transjordan under British administration. Full independence was achieved in 1946, when the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was established. Since then, Jordan has developed into a relatively stable state in a region often affected by political conflict, while playing an important diplomatic role in Middle Eastern affairs.
Agriculture contributes a modest share of Jordan’s economy because of limited arable land and scarce water resources. Nevertheless, it remains important for rural livelihoods and national food production. Cultivation is concentrated in the Jordan Valley and the northwestern highlands, where irrigation and relatively favorable climatic conditions support crop production. Major crops include tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, citrus fruits, olives, grapes, and other vegetables and fruits. Olive cultivation is particularly significant both economically and culturally. Livestock farming, including sheep, goats, poultry, and cattle, is widespread in rural areas and contributes to domestic food supplies. Agricultural development increasingly depends on efficient irrigation systems, water-saving technologies, and the use of treated wastewater.

Fisheries play a relatively minor role in Jordan compared with neighboring coastal countries because of its limited access to marine resources. The country possesses only a short coastline of about 27 km along the Gulf of Aqaba. Marine fisheries in the Gulf provide fish and seafood for local consumption, while aquaculture has been promoted to supplement domestic production. Fish farming, particularly in controlled inland systems, contributes to food security and economic diversification. However, the fisheries sector remains small and is constrained by limited water availability and geographic conditions.

Forestry is also limited because of the country’s dry climate and low rainfall. Forests cover only a small proportion of Jordan’s territory and are concentrated mainly in the northern and western highlands. These forests consist primarily of pine, oak, and juniper species and provide important ecological functions, including soil conservation, watershed protection, biodiversity conservation, and carbon storage. Forest ecosystems face pressures from urban expansion, overgrazing, wildfires, and climate change. Consequently, forest management policies emphasize conservation, reforestation, and sustainable land use rather than commercial timber production.

Overall, Jordan is characterized by the close relationship between its arid environment and human activities. Limited water resources shape settlement patterns, agricultural systems, and economic development. Despite significant environmental constraints, the country has achieved considerable progress in education, infrastructure, and economic modernization while continuing to address challenges related to water security, sustainable resource management, and regional stability.

In 2010 Gerold was in Jordan for some days, coming and going via Tel Aviv.