Jordan

Jordan is a country in the Middle East. It is known for the ancient city of Petra, carved into rose-red cliffs. Jordan has deserts, the Dead Sea, and warm, welcoming people. Many ancient civilizations left their mark here.

Land and People

About 11 million people live in Jordan. The capital is Amman. Most of the country is desert, including the Wadi Rum, which looks like the surface of Mars. Jordan shares the Dead Sea with Israel. The Jordan River flows along the western border.

Some of the oldest human statues ever found.
Some of the oldest human statues ever found. (Jean Housen / Wikimedia Commons)

Culture and Fun Facts

Petra is called the Rose City because the rock is pinkish-red. It was carved over 2,000 years ago by the Nabataean people. Jordanians love mansaf, a dish of lamb and yogurt sauce over rice. Arabic coffee and sweet tea are offered to every guest.

Fun Facts

  • Petra in Jordan was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Wadi Rum desert in Jordan was used to film movies like The Martian because it looks like Mars.
  • Jordan is named after the Jordan River.

Did You Know?

Petra was a hidden city for hundreds of years before a Swiss explorer found it in 1812. The buildings are carved right into the sandstone cliffs and change color with the sunlight. About a million people visit Petra every year to see this wonder.