Jordan

Jordan is considered to be one of the most peaceful, welcoming countries in the Middle East. In this constitutional monarchy, the king still has significant executive and legislative control. The degree of human development and the income level are both pretty high, especially for the West Asian region and the Arab world generally. The nation contains desert lands, forests, mountains, and streams, and it is overall temperate and a little bit dry. Phosphate and oil shale are an important part of the economy, as is tourism. Petra and Jerash are outstanding historical sites with fine archaeology museums. You can also take a tour of the intriguing desert of Wadi Rum where T.E. Lawrence once visited, or soak up some modern Middle Eastern urban culture in Amman.

Many of the popular foods in Jordan are popular throughout the Middle East: hummus and ful medames (fava beans), baba ghanoush made from eggplant, and the local version of cracked wheat-based kibbeh, koubba maqliyz. Mansaf is a truly Jordanian dish, lamb cooked in fermented dried yogurt atop rice or bulgur. Pickled vegetables like carrots, radishes, cucumbers, or cauliflower can be quite wonderful. You can procure vegetarian Jordanian, Arabic, or Turkish meals without too much trouble, if that’s your preference. Try washing your food down with lime-mint juice or the cardamom-flavored Arabic coffee called Gahwa Sada. Food traditions are a big part of family occasions and holidays, and having mezze (small plates) together as a community is the most typical meal style. Jordanians really appreciate the cultural value of food, and accepting their hospitality is a win-win.