Jordan

Country Information

Jordan is a country for those who love to explore the great outdoors. There is the Wadi Rum where people can camp and ride through a desert landscape. Others prefer to scuba dive and explore the neighboring Dead Sea. The variety of outdoor pursuits is practically endless

Lifestyle and Family

In recent years the typical Jordanian family has begun to change. Once, families were large with many children. Now, because of the country’s economic situation, families are becoming smaller, with fewer children. Whether large or small the father is head of the family. He is in charge of the finances and the well being of the entire family. The mother used to take care of the children, but now a large number of mothers are going to work. Children are the center of the parents’ life and are cared for even after marriage.

Teen Life and Sports

Sports are usually played only by men. Soccer, which is the most popular sport, is largely played by men with some women playing it at school or a club. Women play other sports, like volleyball and basketball, at school or a club as well. For leisure, teens visit friends, go to the movies or go to cultural events.

Diet

The national dish of Jordan is mansaf. The national dish consists of rice that is topped off with stewed lamb. Most of the meals in Jordan have either lamb or chicken; never pork because of religious reasons. Vegetables and fruits, which are locally grown, are included in the meals. The most popular are eggplant, onions, grapes, and figs.

Language and Religion

The official language of Jordan is Arabic. 92% of Jordanians are Sunni Muslim and the other 6% are Christian. Both religions live harmoniously side by side and the people of each religion abide by their religion’s laws.