Background: For most of its history since independence from British administration in 1946, Jordan was ruled by King HUSSEIN (1953-99). A pragmatic ruler, he successfully navigated competing pressures from the major powers (US, USSR, and UK), various Arab states, Israel, and a large internal Palestinian population, despite several wars and coup attempts. In 1989 he reinstituted parliamentary elections and gradual political liberalization; in 1994 he signed a formal peace treaty with Israel. King ABDALLAH II - the eldest son of King HUSSEIN and Princess MUNA - assumed the throne following his father's death in February 1999. Since then, he has consolidated his power and undertaken an aggressive economic reform program. Jordan acceded to the World Trade Organization in 2000, and began to participate in the European Free Trade Association in 2001. After a two-year delay, parliamentary and municipal elections took place in the summer of 2003. The Prime Minister and government appointed in April 2005 declared they would build upon the previous government's achievements to respect political and human rights and improve living standards.
June 22nd 2008Middle East » Jordan » West » Dead Sea I admit that two years overseas have definitely compromised my competencies in a few “Americanisms.” I can’t tell you who won the Rose Bowl and my March Madness bracket was unfathoma ... 19 photos[full story]
June 1st 2008Middle East » Jordan » West » Dead Sea Swimming in The Dead Sea is one of those remarkable experiences never to forget. You walk into the sea as normal but then try to sit or lie down and bounce straight to the surface, feeling bouyant. Th ... [full story]
May 20th 2008Middle East » Jordan » West » Dead Sea Das Königreich Jordanien ist ein Land das vielseitiger kaum sein kann:
Mit seinen Burgen und Schlössern, mit Jerrash, den besterhaltensten Rückständen einer Stadt aus der goldenen römischen Zeit, d ... 12 photos[full story]
May 2nd 2008Middle East » Jordan » West » Al Karak Today was a massive day. We joined our tour group in the morning at about 9am at the Shepherd Hotel in Amman. They had all only just arrived from the UK at about 2am. We were the only people doing a ... 5 photos[full story]
March 21st 2008Middle East » Jordan » West » Madaba Hi guys! Well here we are in long awaited Jordan - we have been so busy, making the most of our 11 days in this amazing place.
Our overnight flight was uneventful (thanks to those little pink pill ... 15 photos[full story]
February 2nd 2008Middle East » Jordan » West » Dead Sea Our Final stop before going home was a trip to the dead sea. Even though I knew we would float, I still wanted to see for myself...and yes you really do float! Yugs spent some time floating around w ... [full story]
Map of Jordan
Jordan's Flag
