Jordan

Jordan is an Arab kingdom on the east bank of the Jordan River in the heart of the Middle East. The country is bordered by Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the West Bank, territory west of the Jordan River.

Completing Jordan's impeccable tourism credentials, the Gulf of Aqaba protects some of the finest dive sites on the planet, while The Dead Sea might even keep non-swimmers afloat.

Carved deep into a pink sandstone chasm the magnificent settlement at Petra also know as the "Rose City" was lost for a thousand years, and only rediscovered in 1812. Work on the intricate temple facades and cave entrances suspended high up the cliff face were started by Nabatean Arabs in the 6th century BC. The Bedouins, who lived in the caves as recently as the 1980’s, executed some final touches.

Jordan's capital - Amman, is an ideal place to relax. The city sprawls chaotically over seven hills, and while there are a few things that shouldn't be missed - notably an impressive Roman amphitheatre.

Jordan has three main land regions: the Jordan River Valley, the Transjordan Plateau, and the Syrian Desert.

Summer temperatures in the Jordan River Valley regularly exceed 100°F (38°C). The valley receives little rain. Average temperatures in the Transjordan Plateau range between 64 and 86°F (18 and 30°C) during the summer and between 40 to 52°F (4 to 11°C) during the winter.

The Syrian Desert, also called the northern Arabian Desert, receives less than 10 inches (25 centimetres) of rain annually. Summer temperatures sometimes reach 120°F (49°C).

It's been advised against all but essential travel to within 3 km of the entire Syrian border, and to within 6 km of the Syrian border between routes 15 and 35. This is due to the risk of small arms fire, stray mortars, or other attacks in the area.

Landmines may be located near military installations and borders. Minefields are usually fenced off and marked with a skull and crossbones sign, but fences and signs may be in a poor state of repair.

Crime levels are generally low in Jordan. Most crime is limited to pickpocketing, occasional bag snatching and theft from cars. Be vigilant and keep your valuables secure.

Reports of cases of sexual assault against foreign women are still low, but there has been an increase in reports of harassment in recent years. Female visitors should take care when walking or travelling alone even during daylight hours, and consider dressing modestly when in public.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Jordan. Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners, particularly hotels, shopping malls and tourist sites.

Information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK www.fco.gov.uk