Jordan

Jordan is a small but remarkable country in the heart of the Middle East, bordered by Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Israel, and the Palestinian Territories. Despite having limited natural resources — no significant oil reserves, scarce water, and little arable land — Jordan has built a reputation as one of the most stable, welcoming, and culturally rich nations in the region. The country sits at a geographic and historical crossroads, where ancient trade routes once connected the civilisations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Mediterranean.

Petra is Jordan's most famous landmark and one of the world's greatest archaeological sites. Known as the "Rose City" for the pink sandstone from which it is carved, Petra was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom over 2,000 years ago. Thousands of carved tombs, temples, and streets are hidden within the rose-red cliffs of southern Jordan. The ancient city was largely unknown to the Western world until 1812, when Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it. Petra is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

With a population of around 10 million people, Jordan is a constitutional monarchy led by King Abdullah II, who has worked to modernise the country and maintain its role as a peaceful and hospitable nation in a turbulent region. Amman, the capital, is a vibrant modern city built on seven hills. The Dead Sea — the lowest point on Earth at over 430 metres below sea level — sits on Jordan's western border, its super-salty waters allowing visitors to float effortlessly on the surface.