Jordan is a landlocked country in the Middle East, bordered by Syria to the north, Iraq to the northeast, Saudi Arabia to the south and east, and Israel and the West Bank to the west. It has a total area of 89,342 square kilometers (34,522 square miles).
The country can be divided into four main physiographic regions:
* The Jordan Valley: The Jordan Valley is a narrow rift valley that runs north-south through the country. It is bordered by the East Bank and the West Bank. The Jordan River flows through the valley and empties into the Dead Sea.
* The East Bank: The East Bank is the larger of the two regions and makes up about two-thirds of the country. It is a plateau with an average elevation of 850 meters (2,789 feet). The region is home to the capital city, Amman, and other major cities such as Irbid, Zarqa, and Ma'an.
* The West Bank: The West Bank is a smaller region that makes up about one-third of the country. It is a series of hills and valleys with an average elevation of 500 meters (1,640 feet). The region is home to the Palestinian cities of Bethlehem, Jericho, and Hebron.
* The Dead Sea: The Dead Sea is a salt lake located at the lowest point on Earth, 420 meters (1,378 feet) below sea level. It is bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel to the west.
Climate
Jordan has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The average temperature in Amman in July is 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit), while the average temperature in January is 6 degrees Celsius (43 degrees Fahrenheit). The annual precipitation in Amman is about 650 millimeters (26 inches).
Water Resources
Jordan is a water-scarce country, with a renewable water supply of only 1.2 billion cubic meters per year. The country relies on desalination, water conservation, and wastewater reuse to meet its water needs.
Natural Resources
Jordan has several natural resources, including phosphates, potash, limestone, and natural gas. The country also has a small amount of oil reserves.
Environmental Issues
Jordan faces a number of environmental challenges, including water scarcity, desertification, and air pollution. The country is working to address these challenges through water conservation, reforestation, and renewable energy development.