Surrounded on all sides by the deserts of the Middle East, Jordan has just 26 km (16 miles) of maritime coastline on the Gulf of Aqaba. The vast majority of the population lives in the northwest of the country, on the east bank of the Jordan River. Jordan ceded its claim to the West Bank of the river to the aspiring Palestinian state in 1988. Phosphates, and tourism associated with important historical sites such as Petra, are the mainstays of the economy.

Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country drawn from Bedouin roots, with a Christian minority. About half the population are Palestinian in origin. The monarchy's power base lies among the rural tribes, which also provide the backbone of the military. National identity is strong.

Strengths

Major exporter of phosphates. Skilled workforce. Recovery of tourist industry after 1991 Gulf War. Port of Aqaba, special economic zone.

Weaknesses

Reliant on imports of energy. Poor export to import ratio. Unemployment, exacerbated by influx of refugees from Kuwait after Gulf crisis. Little arable land.

King Abdullah II acceded to the throne in February 1999 upon the death of his father, King Hussein. Although lacking in political experience, he is respected by the army and enjoys the support of Jordan's tribal leaders. Multiparty elections, initiated in 1993, have benefited pro-government parties, despite a strong Islamist opposition lobby. The appointment in 2000 of Prime Minister Ali Abu al-Ragheb marked a shift toward a more modernizing and pro-business government.

Jordan's position as a key player in Middle East politics is under question. Policy toward the emerging Palestinian state is uncertain since Jordan's relations with Israel remain much less aggressive than those of other Arab countries. The USA signed a ten-year free trade agreement with Jordan in 2000.

Jordan has recently been at the forefront of the rehabilitation of Iraq, having refused to join the anti-Iraq coalition formed by the Gulf states in 1991.

The armed forces are loyal to the monarchy. They have a reputation for thorough training and professionalism. The forces are dependent on Western support for credit in purchasing advanced arms and equipment, but Jordanian forces played no part in the 1991 Gulf War.

Oil deposits have been discovered. Phosphates, livestock, and crops such as tomatoes, wheat, olives, and vegetables are the main resources.

Conservation is a government priority. Rare animals are protected and species that became extinct in the wild in the 1950s are being reintroduced into controlled environments.

Adequate roads link main cities. A railroad links the port of Aqaba with the Syrian capital, Damascus.

Health care is subsidized by the government. Hospitals are well distributed throughout the country.

Men and women receive the same education. Jordanian teachers work all over the Middle East.

Jordan is largely peaceful. Crime levels are generally low, although theft in urban areas is rising.

Poverty is relatively rare, though refugee camps still exist and 25% unemployment damaged many family incomes in the late 1990s.

Aqaba offers fine beaches, water sports, and scuba diving, while the ancient city of Petra attracts those visitors interested in Nabatean remains. Amman is developing as a center for Arabic culture and the arts.

Jordan, previously the British-mandated territory of Transjordan, became independent in 1946.

• 1953 Hussein appointed king.
• 1967 Israel seizes West Bank territories.
• 1970 Massive crackdown on Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in Jordan.
• 1988 Jordan cedes claims to West Bank to PLO.
• 1994 Peace treaty with Israel.
• 1999 Death of King Hussein; succession of King Abdullah II.