Facts

Location: Middle East, northwest of Saudi Arabia

Area (only Total) total: 92,300 sq km

Climate: mostly arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April)

Terrain: mostly desert plateau in east, highland area in west; Great Rift Valley separates East and West Banks of the Jordan River

Population: 6,198,677 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): Arabic

Government type: constitutional monarchy

Capital (Name): Amman

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+2

Independence: 25 May 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration)

National holiday: Independence Day, 25 May (1946)

HOLIDAYS

January 1 New Year's Day

January 10 Islamic New Year

January 12 Arbor Day

March 20 Prophet's Birthday

May 1 Labour Day

May 25 Independence Day

August 9 Accession of HM Abdullah

August 11 Ascension of Mohammed

June 10 Army Day

October 1 Eid Al Fitr*

November 14 Birthday of Late King Hussein

December 20 Eid Al Adha

December 25 Christmas (Christians only)

December 31 New Year's Eve

Weekend - Friday, Saturday

Some Christian businesses may close on Sunday afternoon