JORDAN

Compiled from the October 2004 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes.

Official Name:
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

PROFILE

Geography

Area: 89,544 sq. km. (34,573 sq. mi.).

Cities: Capital—Amman (pop. 1.9 million). Other cities—Irbid (272,681), Az-Zarqa (472,830).

People

Nationality: Noun and adjective—Jordanian(s).

Population: (2003 est.) 5.48 million.

Religions: (est.) Sunni Muslim 95%, Christian 4%, Other 1%.

Languages: Arabic (official), English.

Education: (2001) Literacy—90%.

Health: (2003) Infant mortality rate—19/1,000. Life expectancy—71 yrs.

Ethnic groups: Mostly Arab but small communities of Circassians, Armenians, and Kurds.

Work force: (1.29 million) Services—74.9%; industry—21.8%; agriculture—3.6%

Unemployment rate: 14.5%.

Government

Type: Constitutional monarchy.

Independence: May 25, 1946.

Constitution: January 8, 1952.

Branches: Executive—king (chief of state), prime minister (head of government), council of ministers (cabinet). Legislative—bicameral National Assembly (appointed Senate, elected Chamber of Deputies). Judicial—civil, religious, special courts.

Political parties: Wide spectrum of parties legalized in 1992.

Suffrage: Universal at 18.

Administrative subdivisions: Twelve governorates—Irbid, Jarash, Ajloun, al-'Aqaba, Madaba, al-Mafraq, al-Zarqa, Amman, al-Balqa, al-Karak, al-Tafilah, and Ma'an.

Economy

GDP: (2003 nominal) $9.95 billion.

Annual growth rate: (2003) 3.3%; (first half 2004) 7.2%.

Per capita GDP: (2003) $1,817.

Natural resources: Phosphate, potash.

Agriculture: Products—fruits, vegetables, wheat, olive oil, barley, olives. Land—10% arable; 5% cultivated.

Industry: (24.8% of GDP) Types—phosphate mining, manufacturing, electricity and water; cement and petroleum production, and construction.

Trade: (2003) Exports—$2.36 billion: phosphates, potash, textiles and garments, fertilizers, pharmaceutical products, agricultural products. Major markets—U.S., Iraq, India, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., Israel. Reexports: $0.72 billion. Imports—$5.74 billion: crude petroleum and derivatives, vehicles, machinery and equipment, cereals, fabrics and textiles. Major suppliers—Saudi Arabia, China, Germany, U.S., Iraq, EU.

Note: From 1949 to 1967, Jordan administered that part of former mandate Palestine west of the Jordan River known as the West Bank. Since the 1967 war, when Israel took control of this territory, the United States has considered the West Bank to be territory occupied by Israel. The United States believes that the final status of the West Bank can be determined only through negotiations among the parties concerned on the basis of UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338.

PEOPLE

Jordanians are Arabs, except for a few small communities of Circassians, Armenians, and Kurds which have adapted to Arab culture. The official language is Arabic, but English is used widely in commerce and government. About 70% of Jordan's population is urban; less than 6% of the rural population is nomadic or seminomadic. Most people live where the rainfall supports agriculture. About 1.7 million persons registered as Palestinian refugees and displaced persons reside in Jordan, most as citizens.

HISTORY

The land that became Jordan is part of the richly historical Fertile Crescent region. Around 2000 B.C., Semitic Amorites settled around the Jordan River in the area called Canaan. Subsequent invaders and settlers included Hittites, Egyptians, Israelites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arab Muslims, Christian Crusaders, Mameluks, Ottoman Turks, and, finally, the British. At the end of World War I, the League of Nations as the mandate for Palestine and Transjordan awarded the territory now comprising Israel, Jordan, the West Bank, Gaza, and Jerusalem to the United Kingdom. In 1922, the British divided the mandate by establishing the semiautonomous Emirate of Transjordan, ruled by the Hashemite Prince Abdullah, while continuing the administration of Palestine under a British High Commissioner. The mandate over Transjordan ended on May 22, 1946; on May 25, the country became the independent Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan. It ended its special defense treaty relationship with the United Kingdom in 1957.

Transjordan was one of the Arab states which moved to assist Palestinian nationalists opposed to the creation of Israel in May 1948, and took part in the warfare between the Arab states and the newly founded State of Israel. The armistice agreements of April 3, 1949 left Jordan in control of the West Bank and provided that the armistice demarcation lines were without prejudice to future territorial settlements or boundary lines.

In 1950, the country was renamed the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to include those portions of Palestine annexed by King Abdullah. While recognizing Jordanian administration over the West Bank, the United States maintained the position that ultimate sovereignty was subject to future agreement.

Jordan signed a mutual defense pact in May 1967 with Egypt, and it participated in the June 1967 war between Israel and the Arab states of Syria, Egypt, and Iraq. During the war, Israel gained control of the West Bank and all of Jerusalem. In 1988, Jordan renounced all claims to the West Bank but retained an administrative role pending a final settlement, and its 1994 treaty with Israel allowed for a continuing Jordanian role in Muslim holy places in Jerusalem. The U.S. Government considers the West Bank to be territory occupied by Israel and believes that its final status should be determined through direct negotiations among the parties concerned on the basis of UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338.

The 1967 war led to a dramatic increase in the number of Palestinians living in Jordan. Its Palestinian refugee population—700,000 in 1966—grew by another 300,000 from the West Bank. The period following the 1967 war saw an upsurge in the power and importance of Palestinian resistance elements (fedayeen) in Jordan. The heavily armed fedayeen constituted a growing threat to the sovereignty and security of the Hashemite state, and open fighting erupted in June 1970.

No fighting occurred along the 1967 Jordan River cease-fire line during the October 1973 Arab-Israeli war, but Jordan sent a brigade to Syria to fight Israeli units on Syrian territory. Jordan did not participate in the Gulf war of 1990-91. In 1991, Jordan agreed, along with Syria, Lebanon, and Palestinian representatives, to participate in direct peace negotiations with Israel sponsored by the U.S. and Russia. It negotiated an end to hostilities with Israel and signed a peace treaty in 1994. Jordan has since sought to remain at peace with all of its neighbors.

GOVERNMENT

Jordan is a constitutional monarchy based on the constitution promulgated on January 8, 1952. Executive authority is vested in the king and his council of ministers. The king signs and executes all laws. His veto power may be overridden by a twothirds vote of both houses of the National Assembly. He appoints and may dismiss all judges by decree, approves amendments to the constitution, declares war, and commands the armed forces. Cabinet decisions, court judgments, and the national currency are issued in his name. The king, who may dismiss other cabinet members at the prime minister's request, appoints the council of ministers, led by a prime minister. The cabinet is responsible to the Chamber of Deputies on matters of general policy and can be forced to resign by a two-thirds vote of "no confidence" by that body.

Legislative power rests in the bicameral National Assembly. The number of deputies in the current Chamber of Deputies is 110, with a number of seats reserved for various religions, ethnicities, and a women's quota. The Chamber, elected by universal suffrage to a 4-year term, is subject to dissolution by the king. The king appoints the 55-member Senate for a 4-year term.

The constitution provides for three categories of courts—civil, religious, and special. Administratively, Jordan is divided into 12 governorates, each headed by a governor appointed by the king. They are the sole authorities for all government departments and development projects in their respective areas.

Principal Government Officials

Last Updated: 1/11/05

King: ABDALLAH II
Prime Minister: Faisal al-FAYEZ
Deputy Prime Minister: Marwan MUASHER
Min. of Agriculture: Sharari SHAKHANBEH
Min. of Awqaf & Islamic Affairs: Ahmad HILAYEL
Min. of Culture & Government Spokesperson: Asma KHADER
Min. of Defense: Faisal al-FAYEZ
Min. of Education: Khalid TOUQAN
Min. of Energy & Mineral Resources: Azmi KHREISAT
Min. of Environment: Yousef SHUREIQI

Min. of Finance: Mohammad Abu HAMMOUR
Min. of Foreign Affairs: Hani Fawzi al-MULKI
Min. of Health: Saeed DARWAZEH
Min. of Higher Education & Scientific Research: Issam ZABALAWI
Min. of Industry & Trade: Ahmad HINDAWI
Min. of Interior: Samir HABASHNEH
Min. of Justice: Salah BASHIR
Min. of Labor: Amjad MAJALI
Min. of Municipal Affairs: Amal FARHAN
Min. of Planning & International Cooperation: Bassam AWADALLAH
Min. of Political Development: Munther SHARA
Min. of Public Works & Housing: Raed ABU SAUD
Min. of Social Development: Riyad ABU Karaki
Min. of Telecommunications & Information Technology: Nadia SAEED
Min. of Tourism & Antiquities: Alia HATTOUGH-Bouran
Min. of Transport: Soud NSAIRAT
Min. of Water & Irrigation: Hazem NASSER
Min. of State for Legal Affairs: Fahd Abul Athem ENSOUR
Min. of State for Parliamentary Affairs: Nayef HADID
Min. of State for Prime Ministry Affairs & Government Performance: Marwan MUASHER
Min. of State for Public Reforms: Ahmad MASAADEH
Ambassador to the US: Karim Tawfiq KAWAR
Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: ZEID Ra'ad Zeid al-Hussein , Prince

Jordan maintains an embassy in the United States at 3504 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202-966-2664).

POLITICAL CONDITIONS

King Hussein ruled Jordan from 1953 to 1999, surviving a number of challenges to his rule, drawing on the loyalty of his military, and serving as a symbol of unity and stability for both the East Bank and Palestinian communities in Jordan. In 1989 and 1993, Jordan held free and fair parliamentary elections. Controversial changes in the election law led Islamist parties to boycott the 1997 elections. King Hussein ended martial law in 1991 and legalized political parties in 1992.

King Abdullah II succeeded his father Hussein following the latter's death in February 1999. Abdullah moved quickly to reaffirm Jordan's peace treaty with Israel and its relations with the U.S. Abdullah, during the first year in power, refocused the government's agenda on economic reform.

Jordan's continuing structural economic difficulties, burgeoning population, and more open political environment led to the emergence of a variety of political parties. Moving toward greater independence, Jordan's Parliament has investigated corruption charges against several regime figures and has become the major forum in which differing political views, including those of political Islamists, are expressed. In June 2001, the King dissolved Parliament. Parliamentary elections were held in June 2003 and municipal elections were held in July 2003. The King dissolved the government in October 2003, appointing a new Prime Minister and ushered in an unprecedented three women and several young technocrats as ministers. The cabinet declared its commitment to accelerated economic and political reforms. In October 2004, the cabinet was reshuffled.

ECONOMY

Jordan is a small country with limited natural resources. The country is currently exploring ways to expand its limited water supply and use its existing water resources more efficiently, including through regional cooperation. Jordan also depends on external sources for the majority of its energy requirements. During the 1990s, its crude petroleum needs were met through imports from neighboring Iraq. Since early 2003, oil has been provided by some Gulf Cooperation Council member countries. In addition, a natural gas pipeline from Egypt to the southern port city of Aqaba was completed in 2003. The government plans to extend this pipeline north to the Amman area and beyond. Since 2000, exports of light manufactured products, principally textiles and garments manufactured in the Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZ) that enter the United States tariff and quota free, have been driving economic growth. Jordan exported $6.9 million in goods to the U.S. in 1997, when two-way trade was $395 million; it exported $661 million in 2002 with two-way trade at $1.05 billion. Similar growth in exports to the United States under the bilateral Free Trade Agreement that went into effect in December 2001, to the European Union under the bilateral Association Agreement, and to countries in the region, holds considerable promise for diversifying Jordan's economy away from its traditional reliance on exports of phosphates and potash, overseas remittances, and foreign aid. The government has emphasized the information technology (IT) and tourism sectors as other promising growth sectors. The low tax and low regulation Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) is considered a model of a government-provided framework for private sector-led economic growth.

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States that went into effect in December 2001 will phase out duties on nearly all goods and services by 2010. The agreement also provides for more open markets in communications, construction, finance, health, transportation, and services, as well as strict application of international standards for the protection of intellectual property. In 1996, Jordan and the United States signed a civil aviation agreement that provides for "open skies" between the two countries, and a U.S.-Jordan treaty for the protection and encouragement of bilateral investment entered into force in 2003. Jordan has been a member of the World Trade Organization since 2000. More information on the FTA is available on www.jordanusfta.com.

Jordan is classified by the World Bank as a "lower middle income country." The per capita GDP was approximately $1,817 for 2003 and 14.5% of the economically active population, on average, was unemployed in 2003. Education and literacy rates and measures of social well-being are relatively high compared to other countries with similar incomes. Jordan's population growth rate is high, but has declined in recent years, to approximately 2.8% currently. One of the most important factors in the government's efforts to improve the wellbeing of its citizens is the macroeconomic stability that has been achieved since the 1990s. Rates of price inflation are low, at 2.3% in 2003, and the currency has been stable with an exchange rate fixed to the U.S. dollar since 1995.

While pursuing economic reform and increased trade, Jordan's economy will continue to be vulnerable to external shocks and regional unrest. Without calm in the region, economic growth seems destined to stay below its potential.

FOREIGN RELATIONS

Jordan has consistently followed a pro-Western foreign policy and traditionally has had close relations with the United States and the United Kingdom. These relations were damaged by support in Jordan for Iraq during the first Gulf war. Although the Government of Jordan stated its opposition to the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait, popular support for Iraq was driven by Jordan's Palestinian community, which favored Saddam as a champion against Western supporters of Israel.

Following the first Gulf war, Jordan largely restored its relations with Western countries through its participation in the Middle East peace process and enforcement of UN sanctions against Iraq. Relations between Jordan and the Gulf countries improved substantially after King Hussein's death. Following the fall of the Iraqi regime, Jordan has played a pivotal role in supporting the restoration of stability and security to Iraq. The Government of Jordan signed a memorandum of understanding with the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq to facilitate the training of up to 30,000 Iraqi police cadets at a Jordanian facility.

Jordan signed a nonbelligerency agreement with Israel (the Washington Declaration) in Washington, DC, on July 25, 1994. Jordan and Israel signed a historic peace treaty on October 26, 1994, witnessed by President Clinton, accompanied by Secretary Christopher. The U.S. has participated with Jordan and Israel in trilateral development discussions in which key issues have been water-sharing and security; cooperation on Jordan Rift Valley development; infrastructure projects; and trade, finance, and banking issues. Jordan also participates in the multilateral peace talks. Jordan belongs to the UN and several of its specialized and related agencies, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and World Health Organization (WHO). Jordan also is a member of the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Nonaligned Movement, and Arab League.

Since the outbreak of the Intifadah in September 2000, Jordan has worked hard, in a variety of fora, to maintain lines of communication between the Israelis and the Palestinians to counsel moderation and to return the parties to negotiations of outstanding permanent status issues.

U.S.-JORDANIAN RELATIONS

Relations between the U.S. and Jordan have been close for four decades. A primary objective of U.S. policy has been the achievement of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East.

U.S. policy seeks to reinforce Jordan's commitment to peace, stability, and moderation. The peace process and Jordan's opposition to terrorism parallel and indirectly assist wider U.S. interests. Accordingly, through economic and military assistance and through close political cooperation, the United States has helped Jordan maintain its stability and prosperity.

Since 1952, the United States has provided Jordan with economic assistance totaling more than $9 billion ($1.3 billion in loans and $7.7 billion in grants), including funds for development projects, health care, education, construction to increase water availability, support for microeconomic policy shifts toward a more completely free market system, and both grant and loan acquisition of U.S. agriculture commodities. These programs have been successful and have contributed to Jordanian stability while strengthening the bilateral relationship. U.S. military assistance – provision of material and training – is designed to meet Jordan's legitimate defense needs, including preservation of border integrity and regional stability.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials

AMMAN (E) Address: P.O. Box 354, Amman 11118; APO/FPO: APO AE 09892; Phone: +(962) 6 590-6000; Fax: 962-6-592-0163 (Admin); Work-week: Sun-Thurs 0800-1700; Website: http://www.usembassyamman.og.jo

TRAVEL

Consular Information Sheet

February 4, 2005

Country Description: The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a constitutional monarchy with a developing economy. While many aspects of Jordanian life are modern and the government is Western-oriented, Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservative foundation for of the country's customs, laws and practices. Tourist facilities are widely available, although quality may vary depending on price and location. The local workweek for Jordanian government offices and most businesses is Saturday through Thursday.

Entry/Exit Requirements: A passport and a visa are required. Visitors may obtain a visa for Jordan for a fee at most international ports of entry upon arrival except at the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge. For further information, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, 3504 International Drive, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 966-2664, Internet website www.jordanembassyus.org. Foreigners who wish to stay fourteen days or more in Jordan must register at a Jordanian police station by their fourteenth day in the country. Failure to do so subjects the traveler to a fine of one Jordanian dinar (approximately $1.40) per day of overstay. This fine is usually assessed at departure. See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on Jordan and other countries. Visit the Embassy of Jordan web site at http://www.jordanembassyus.org/ for the most current visa information.

For information regarding Jordan's entry requirements for travelers coming from SARS-(Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) infected areas, please contact the nearest Jordanian Embassy or Consul ate or visit the U.S. Embassy's website at http://amman.usembassy.gov.

Safety and Security: The events of September 11, 2001 serve as a reminder of the continuing threat from transnational terrorists and extremist groups to Americans and American interests worldwide, and specifically in Jordan, where a U.S. diplomat was assassinated in October 2002.

Recent worldwide terrorist alerts have stated that extremist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in the region. Therefore, American and U.S. facilities, as well as sites frequented by Americans (including tourist spots, places of worship, residential areas, hotels, restaurants, and clubs), may be the target of terrorist groups. In light of these security concerns, U.S. citizens are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. Special sensitivity and caution should be exercised at religious sites, on holy days and the Friday Muslim sabbath. Modest attire should be worn in deference to local custom.

Since late 1999, there has been a series of serious, confirmed terrorist threats and disrupted terrorist plots targeting U.S. interests in Jordan. In April 2004, Jordanian authorities disrupted a plan to attack the U.S. Embassy and Jordanian leadership sites with explosive-laden vehicles. Anti-Western sentiment, though less pronounced since the end of the Gulf War, has been sparked by incidents within the region, particularly those related to Israeli/Palestinian issues and, to a lesser extent, Iraq.

The ongoing violence in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza continues to have an impact on the security climate in Jordan. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have occurred periodically throughout Jordan since violence between Israelis and Palestinians broke out in September 2000. Anti-U.S. sentiments are often in evidence at demonstrations and protests. At such times, Americans should avoid traditional gathering places such as universities, refugee camps, and city centers.

Visitors to Jordan and U.S. citizens who reside in Jordan should maintain a strong security posture by being aware of surroundings, avoiding crowds and demonstrations, keeping a low profile, varying times and routes for all required travel, and contacting the U.S. Embassy in case of any change in the local security situation. In addition, U.S. citizens are also urged to avoid contact with any suspicious or unfamiliar objects and to report the presence of such objects to local authorities. Vehicles should be kept locked at all times. U.S. Government personnel overseas have been advised to take the same precautions. Suspicious activities, individuals, or vehicles should be reported to the U.S. Embassy.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and other Public Announcements can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.

Crime: Crime is generally not a serious problem for travelers in Jordan, but petty crime is prevalent in the downtown Amman Hashimiyah Square area and near the Roman Theater. In the narrow streets of the Old City, crowded conditions invite pickpockets and other petty criminals. It is safer to travel in groups when visiting the center of Amman. We urge travelers to be more guarded in these areas so that they do not present easy opportunities to criminals. Purse-snatchings in central and western Amman are reportedly on the increase. In several cases, thieves in moving vehicles snatched pedestrians' purses and drove off. In some instances, victims were injured when they were unable to free themselves from their purses. When carrying a purse, it would be wise to conceal it if possible, to avoid walking near the road within reach of passing vehicles, and to walk towards the flow of traffic.

Information for Victims of Crime: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and to U.S. Embassy. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. The Embassy staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. See our information on Victims of Crime at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1748.html.

Medical Facilities and Health Information: Basic modern medical care and medicines are available in the principal cities of Jordan, but not necessarily in outlying areas. Most hospitals in Jordan, especially Amman, are privately owned. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for services. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

Medical Insurance: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Jordan is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Roads are particularly treacherous during the periods of rain, from December to March. Drivers and passengers are required to wear seat-belts and all cars must have a fire extinguisher and warning triangle in the vehicle. Child car seats are not required and generally are not available in Jordan. The police exercise strict enforcement of speed limits. Violators of speed limits may face fines up to $140.00. Police routinely pull over reckless drivers as well as those driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Licensed drivers must carry local third party insurance with sufficient coverage for accidents resulting in injury or death. Jordanian Public Safety officials estimate that two people are killed and fifty more are injured in 145 road accidents daily throughout the Kingdom.

Poor lighting and road conditions prevail, so extra caution must be exercised at all times, especially when driving at night. Highways are more crowded around the Muslim holidays, when many Jordanians return from their work in the Gulf States. Also, city driving in Amman is more hazardous in the summer months, when many Gulf residents visit Amman and drive using the customs of their country of origin. Jordan does not have restrictions on women driving and it is not unusual for women to drive alone.

The desert highway outside Aqaba, a popular tourist destination, is particularly dangerous because it is narrow, winding, steep and crowded with trucks. This area should be avoided at night, if possible. Also, when driving in both urban and rural areas, motorists should beware of livestock, including camels, sheep, and goats. Collisions between livestock and automobiles are common.

Land mines are often located within two miles of military installations and borders, including the popular Dead Sea area. Mine fields are usually fenced off and marked with signs carrying a skull and crossbones, but the fences and signs may be in poor repair or hard to see. Avoiding these areas reduces the risk of accidentally setting off a mine.

Jordan has bus and taxi services. Yellow taxis are generally safe for travel in the cities and use meters to determine fares. One may also rent a service car (or livery car) for longer trips, such as to Damascus, Jerusalem, Aqaba, or Petra. The service cars have a good reputation for road safety.

Emergencies should be referred to the Civil Defense Department at telephone number 199 (Jordan's equivalent to 911).

For information on driving regulations, please contact the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, 3504 International Drive, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 966-2664, Internet website http://www.jordanembassyus.org.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Jordan as being in compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards for oversight of Jordan's air carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA's internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm.

Special Circumstances: Travelers may contact the U.S. Embassy in Amman for the latest information on border crossing hours. Israel does not require advance visa issuance for U.S. citizens traveling on tourist passports at any crossing point. U.S. diplomatic and official passport holders are required to obtain an Israeli visa prior to entering Israel. Jordan issues visas at most international border crossings, except the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge. To cross into Jordan at the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge, U.S. citizens must already have either a visa for Jordan in their passports or have an entry permit from the Ministry of Interior. Both Jordan and Israel assess an exit tax for tourists at all border crossings. Note: "King Hussein" and "Allenby" denote the same crossing point, which is referred to by Jordan as the King Hussein Bridge and by Israel as the Allenby Bridge.

American citizens are subject to Jordanian laws while in Jordan. American citizens who also possess Jordanian nationality may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Jordanian citizens.

Although no longer subject to immediate conscription, all U.S.-Jordanian dual national males under the age of 37 are required to register for service in the Jordanian military. Those subject to registration may be prevented from leaving Jordan until permission to do so is obtained from appropriate Jordanian authorities. This permission is often granted to U.S. citizens, but may take some time to obtain and is limited to a single trip.

Furthermore, the government of Jordan considers U.S.-Jordanian dual nationals as Jordanian citizens and sometimes may not notify the Embassy of arrests, detentions, or accidents involving dual nationals. For this reason, dual nationals in particular are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, evidence of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available.

There have been isolated incidents of sexual harassment, assault and unwelcome advances of a sexual nature against Western women both visiting and residing in Jordan. These incidents, while troubling, are not pervasive. However, women are advised to use common sense and to take reasonable precautions: dress conservatively and do not travel alone. Under Jordanian law, husbands may prevent their wives and children from leaving Jordan by placing a hold on their travel with the Jordanian authorities. This is true even if the woman's sole nationality is American.

Islam is the state religion of Jordan. The Jordanian government does not interfere with public worship by the country's Christian minority. Although the majority of Christians are allowed to practice freely, activities such as proselytizing or encouraging conversion to the Christian faith are prohibited as they are considered legally incompatible with Islam. It is illegal for a Muslim to convert to Christianity. In the past, American citizens have been detained or arrested for discussing or trying to engage Jordanians in debate about Christianity. Furthermore, the U.S. Embassy is often not notified by Jordanian authorities when an American citizen has been arrested.

Jordanian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Jordan of items such as drugs, firearms, poisons, chemicals, explosives and pornographic materials, among other items. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Jordan in Washington, D.C., or one of the Jordanian consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

The United States government is committed to providing full consular services to all American citizens. Due to circumstances beyond our control, however consular assistance may be limited in some cases. For instance, Jordanian officials often do not notify the U.S. Embassy when an American citizen is arrested or detained, particularly in the case of dual nationals.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available. In accordance with Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, to which Jordan is a party, competent authorities in the host country must notify a consular post of the arrest of one of its citizens without delay. As stated previously, however, Jordanian authorities generally do not report arrests of dual nationals to the U.S. Embassy.

Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offences. Persons violating Jordanian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Jordan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in illicit sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.

Children's Issues: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children's Issues website at http://travel.state.gov/family/family_1732.html.

Registration/Embassy Location: Americans living or traveling in Jordan are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Jordan. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy in Amman is located on Al-Umayyaween Street, Abdoun, P.O. Box 354. The telephone number is [962](6) 590-6000 and the fax number is [962](6) 592-4102. The after-hours emergency telephone number is [962](6) 590-6000. The Internet website is http://amman.usembassy.gov. The U.S. Embassy is open Sunday through Thursday.

International Adoption

January 2005

The information below has been edited from a report of the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Overseas Citizens Services. For more information, please read the International Adoption section of this book and review current reports online at www.travel.state.gov/family.

Disclaimer: The information in this circular relating to the legal requirements of specific foreign countries is provided for general information only. Questions involving interpretation of specific foreign laws should be addressed to foreign legal counsel. Questions involving interpretation of U.S. immigration and orphan requirements should be addressed to the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Availability of Children for Adoption: Jordanian government statistics reflect that seven Jordanian children were "adopted" by U.S. citizens between January 2000 and June 2003. As Islam is the official religion of Jordan, adoption procedures follow Islamic practice. Islam does not recognize the term "adoption," nor does it allow a child to take the family name of a non-biological parent, i.e., an ""adoptive" parent. Legally, all official parties use the terms "fostering" or "legal custody." In Jordan, these terms are used interchangeably with the non-Islamic term "adoption." Under Islam, no child may be put up for "adoption" if one or both parents or a relative, however distant, is known. Therefore, the only children available for adoption are those for whom there are no known relatives. An abandoned child, who is the responsibility of the Government of Jordan (GOJ), is placed and cared-for in an MSD (Ministry of Social Development) orphanage. Abandoned children are not available for "adoption."

Jordanian Adoption Authority: "Adoption" in Jordan falls under the purview of the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).

Ministry of Social Development
Family and Childhood Section / Fostering Program
P.O. Box 925379
Jabal Al Hussein
Amman, Jordan;
Fax 962-6-569-4953 or
962-6-569-4346

Age and Civil Status Requirements: By law, all adoptive parents must be Muslim and married for five or more years. The husband must be between 35 and 55 years of age and the wife must be between 30 and 50 years of age. Parents must be medically certified as infertile. They may have up to two children total, including adopted children. If the parents have one child already, then the adopted Jordanian child must be of the same sex. Parents who have previously adopted in Jordan must wait a minimum of two years before adopting another child of the same sex from Jordan. Single people cannot "adopt" children in Jordan.

Residency Requirements: There are no Jordanian residency requirements for prospective adoptive parents.

Time Frame: The MSD reports that adoptive parents can expect to wait an average of three months from the time they initiate contact with the MSD to when they are given custody of a child. Once a child has been identified, an IR-4 immigrant visa can be processed in a minimum of one week by the Embassy, though processing can run concurrently with the MSD procedure.

Adoption Agencies and Attorneys: There are no adoption agencies in Jordan. The Embassy maintains a list of numerous attorneys practicing in Jordan.

Country Fees: MSD does not charge any fees. However, adoptive parents can expect to pay fees for the baby's birth certificate, passport, and family book issuance. (A "Family Book" is a document issued by the Jordanian government to families, which contains biographical information about each member of the family.)

Jordanian Adoption Procedures: Regardless of nationality, all couples are required to apply to the MSD to qualify to become foster parents. The pre-qualification process is similar to those in most U.S. states. To begin this process, prospective adoptive parents are asked to submit a fostering request to the MSD.

Parents must submit the following documents as part of their request to "adopt": a copy of the marriage certificate, a copy of each parent's valid passport, and a "social study" (forms will be provided through the Jordanian Embassy). The parents' employer(s) must provide detailed information about their income, employment status, etc. Original doctor's reports about the health of the parents must also be provided, including medical proof of the parents' infertility. If either or both of the parents are converts to Islam, a copy of the conversion certificate must be provided. All of these documents must be translated into Arabic and certified by the Jordanian Embassy in Washington, which will forward them to the MSD (through the Foreign Ministry).

There are no court proceedings involved with adoption in Jordan. MSD is the only entity that grants "adoption." According to the precepts of Islam and the laws of Jordan governing the "adoption" of infants of unknown parentage, the "adoptive" parents are permitted to choose the first name of the child. The Ministry of Interior, Department of Civil Status chooses four fictitious names for the mother and father, which along with the child's first name are placed on the Jordanian birth certificate. Parents' names, which are chosen at random and do not identify with any common Jordanian family or tribal names, are required for issuance of a Jordanian birth certificate. The child, per Jordanian law, will carry the names of the fictitious father. Once a birth certificate has been issued, the child is also issued a Jordanian "Family Book" and a Jordanian Passport. At this point, the "adoptive" parents may petition for an immigrant visa for their child at the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan.

Please review current reports online at travel.state.gov/family for more detailed information.

Documentary Requirements For Jordanian Adoption: The following documents are required:

• Copies of the marriage certificate;
• Copies of each parent's valid passport;
• "social study" (forms will be provided through the Jordanian Embassy);
• Employment letters;
• Original health reports of both parents, including medical proof of the parents' infertility; and
• If applicable, copy of the conversion certificate to Islam.

All of these documents must be translated into Arabic and certified by the Jordanian Embassy in Washington, which will forward them to the MSD (through the Foreign Ministry).

Authentication Process: All U.S. documents submitted to the Jordanian government, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, must be authenticated. For additional information about authentication procedures, see the Judicial Assistance page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs Web site at http://travel.state.gov.

Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan:
3504 International Drive, NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
Phone: (202) 966-2664; Fax: (202) 966-3110

U.S. Immigration Requirements: A child adopted by a U.S. citizen must obtain an immigrant visa before he or she can enter the U.S. Please see the International Adoption section of this book for more details and review current reports online at travel.state.gov/family.

U.S. Embassy in Jordan: As soon as prospective adoptive parents arrive in Jordan, they should contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in order to register their presence in Jordan. The Consulate Section is located at:

U.S. Embassy in Amman
P.O. Box 354
Amman 11118 Jordan
Phone: 962-6-592-0101;
Fax: 962-6-592-4102
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: http://amman.usembassy.gov/

Questions: Specific questions regarding adoption may be addressed to the Consular Section of a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. Parents may also contact the Office of Children's Issues, U.S. Department of State, CA/OCS/CI, 2201 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818, toll-free tel: 1-888-404-4747 with specific questions.

International Parental Child Abduction

January 2005

The information below has been edited from the report of the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Overseas Citizens Services. For more information, please read the International Parental Child Abduction section of this book and review current reports online at travel.state.gov

Disclaimer: The information in this circular relating to the legal requirements of specific foreign countries is provided for general information only. Questions involving interpretation of specific foreign laws should be addressed to foreign counsel.

NOTE: The information contained in this flyer is intended as an introduction to the basic elements of children's issues in Jordan. It is not intended as a legal reference. Currently there are no international or bilateral treaties in force between Jordan and the United States dealing with international parental child abduction. The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction cannot be invoked if a child is taken from the United States to Jordan, or vice versa, by one parent against the wishes of the other parent or in violation of a U.S. custody order.

General Information: Jordanian laws regarding divorce and custody of minor children are adjudicated in religious courts. If the marriage partners are Muslim, disputes will be resolved before a Sharia court judge who will apply principles of Islamic law. In the case of Christians, the court will be an Ecclesiastical Court composed of clergymen from the appropriate religious community. For Christians, the law will be derived from principles governing family status in the Greek Orthodox Church, Roman Catholic Church or other Christian denominations.

Child Custody Law: In both theory and practice, Muslim and Christian courts in Jordan differ very little in how they resolve disputes over the custody of children of divorced or separated parents. The relevant laws all give priority for custodianship to the mother as long as certain restrictive conditions are met. In Muslim courts, this right of custody extends to the natural mother until the children reach 18 years of age. In cases where custody of small children is granted to a woman other than the mother, custody reverts to the father when a boy reaches age nine and a girl reaches age eleven. Christian courts will generally award custody to the mother until the children come of age.

In actual practice, the conditions placed on the mother's primary right to custody often enable the father to maintain a great deal of influence on the rearing of the children even though he may not have legal custody. For example, travel restrictions exist in Jordan. The mother must seek the father's approval to travel with the children. Frequently, he is actually able to assume legal custody against the wishes of the mother, when she is unable or unwilling to meet the conditions set by law for her to maintain her right to custody of the children.

A mother can lose her primary right to custody of a child in a number of ways. The court can determine that she is incapable of safeguarding the child or of bringing the child up in accordance with the appropriate religious standards.

The mother can void her right to custody by re-marrying or by residing in a home with people that might be "strangers" to the child. The mother may not deny visitation rights to the father or the paternal grandfather and may not travel outside Jordan with the child without their approval and the approval of the court. In general, a Jordanian man divorcing his non-Jordanian wife will be awarded legal custody of their children by showing that any of the above conditions may not be met to the satisfaction of the court.

Right of Visitation: In cases where the father has custody of a child, the mother is guaranteed visitation rights. It has been the experience of the Embassy in Amman that the father and the paternal grandparents of the child are generally very open and accommodating in facilitating the right of the mother to visit and maintain contact with the child.

Enforcement of Foreign Orders: Custody orders and judgments of foreign courts are not enforceable in Jordan if they potentially contradict or violate local laws and practices. For example, an order from a U.S. court granting custody to an American mother will not be honored in Jordan if the mother intends to take the child to the United States and live outside of Jordan. Nor will Jordanian courts enforce a U.S. court decree ordering a parent in Jordan to pay for child support since Jordanian law states that the parent with custody is responsible for providing financial support for the child.