From its countless ancient ruins to its stunning desert and sea sites, Jordan is one of the most intriguing destinations in the Middle East, and in honor of Jordan’s Independence Day, which is celebrated annually on May 25th, we’ve put together a list of seven fascinating facts about Jordan.
1. There are over 100,000 archaeological and tourist sites in Jordan
Jordan is home to more than 100,000 archaeological, religious, and tourist sites. Some of them include the Nabatean stone-carved city of Petra, the stunning Wadi Rum desert, and the Greco-Roman city ruins of Jerash.
2. Jordan’s national dish is Mansaf
Mansaf is a delicious lamb and rice dish cooked with a dried yogurt sauce called “jameed.” It is usually served on a large tray that is covered with flat Arabic bread and garnished with fried almonds or pine nuts, and it is a staple in Jordanian homes. Mansaf was inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
3. The Lowest point on Earth is in Jordan
The Dead Sea is home to a beautiful salt-filled sea that is about 1,378 feet (420 meters) below sea level, allowing you to fully float above water and making it the lowest point on earth.
4. Jesus Christ is Believed to Have Been Baptized in Jordan
Located in a remote area in the Jordan Valley, Bethany Beyond the Jordan, also referred to as “Al-Maghtas,” is believed to be the site where Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River.
(Photo credit: Damiano Moretti)
5. Jordan has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The list contains Petra, Wadi Rum, Quseir Amra (an 8th century exceptionally preserved desert castle), Um er-Rasas (a 5th century Roman military camp and town), As-Salt (an ancient trading city), Bethany Beyond the Jordan, and, as of 2024, Umm El Jimal — the latest addition to the list, recognized by UNESCO for its layered history of almost 2,000 years and unique basalt architecture.
6. You Can Walk Across Jordan in 40 days
The Jordan Trail is a 420-mile (675 kilometers) long walking trail filled with many of Jordan’s must-visit spots and 75 villages and towns, taking about 40 days to complete. For upcoming thru-hikes across Jordan, you can follow this link to register.
7. The Capital of Jordan Was Once Known as Philadelphia
Amman, the capital city of Jordan, was once called Philadelphia by the Greeks, when it was part of the historic Decapolis League.
