2.7. Economy
Growing in population,
paved streets and busier traffic are, however, only a surface indication of
a nation's progress. To gauge the true quality and extent of development that
has occurred in Jordan, one must look at all sections of its life. From the
combined achievements of its government and its people, the evidence abounds;
in the new schools, the hospitals, the rapidly expanding economy, business,
industry and agriculture, the modern transportation and communication networks
that web the country, and in the obviously enriched cultural life of its society.
Jordan is not an oil producing country. It must import most of its basic requirements.
Therefore all of Jordan's development plans have been aimed at reducing the
trade deficit and increasing economic self-sufficiency. Recent studies of
the economy point to two main areas of productive potential. One is the full
utilisation of the Jordan Valley water resources for irrigation. The other
is the exploitation of mineral deposits, particularly of phosphates, potash,
copper and limestone. With recent projects to utilise these mineral reserves
Jordan will soon be in a position to operate sizeable and sophisticated fertiliser
and chemical industries.
Greater utilisation of Jordan's natural and human resources, however, would
not only accelerate the development of the other sectors of the economy and
improve the well-being of its citizens, it would also bring the country fiscal
self-reliance once and for all. That would further contribute to the prosperity
and progress of the Arab world as a whole.
Agriculture is still an important feature of the economy. It engages about
one-fifth of the working population and contributes about one-tenth of the
Gross Domestic Product (G.D.P.). In the industrial sector the rate of development
has been no less impressive. The share of mining and manufacturing in G.D.P.
in current prices increased. Two large cement factories, a petroleum refinery,
a number of foundries, a tannery, several marble factories and phosphate-mining
plants are already in operation. Other industrial activities include milling,
oil pressing, textiles, bottling, brewing, tobacco products, footwear, metal
products, furniture, detergents, food products, batteries, glass, printing
and publishing.
In July 1965, the Industrial Development Bank was established. The bank aims
to hasten industrial development by offering medium and long-term loans and
providing technical assistance and advice.
Extensive geological surveys led to the discovery of large deposits of phosphates
which has been exploited for three decades. Several surveys show the existence
of minerals such as iron, lead sulphide, tin, granite, pyrite, molybdenum,
decorative marble rocks and gypsum. Detailed studies on their characteristics
are now under way. Besides this, other studies have been made on oil exploration
including seismic, gravity and magnetic surveys as an integrated program for
development of energy. This will prevent Jordan from being entirely dependent
on imported crude oil. They have proven that there is existence of large quantities
of oil shale and further studies are being made to evaluate their economic
viability.
The tourist industry has gone through phenomenal expansion in recent years.
In 1995 the annual number of tourists visiting Jordan had exceeded the three
million mark with an income of 488 million JD which is about 10 % of the G.D.P.
The number of modern hotels was increased and roads connecting the various
religious and archaeological sites have been constructed to make them more
accessible to visitors.
Great progress has been made in education, public health and social services.
The number of private and government hospitals and clinics increased appreciably
during the same period, and the standard of medical services improved consistently.
Trade and commerce, transport and communications were given special attention.
Contents of the Guide Book
| 1. | Welcome to Jordan |
| 2.. | The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan |
| 2.1. | Geography, Climate and Borders |
| 2.2. | Entry and Departure Procedures |
| 2.3 | Population |
| 2.4. | Currency |
| 2.5. | History |
| 2.6. |
Government |
| 2.7. | Economy |
| 3. | Jordan, where the Adventure awaits you |
| 3.2 | Amman, the Dynamic Capital City |
| 3.2. | The
Kings´Highway (Madaba, Mt. Nebo, Mukawir, Wadi Mujib, Karak, Shobak) |
| 3.3. | Petra, the Spectacular Rose-Red City |
| 3.4. | The Cities of Decapolis (Pella, Gadara, Abila, Philadelphia, Gerasa, Umm el Jimal) |
| 3.5.. |
Following
the Footsteps of "Lawrence of Arabia"; |
| 3.6. | Aqaba, Jordan´s year-round Red Sea Resort |
| 3.7. | The Dead Sea and Termal Spas; The healing power of the Dead Sea; The Hot Springs of Zarqa Ma´in |
| 3.8. | Biblical Sites in Jordan |
| 3.8.1. | The
Biblical Sites from North to South; Gadara, Anjara, Pella, Bethany, Machaerus, Madaba, Mt. Nebo, the Kings´Highway, Wadi Musa, Sodom & Gomorra, Ayla |
| 3.9. | Nature Reserves in Jordan; Wadi Rum, Dana, Zubia, Azraq, Shaumari |
| 4. | The Tourist Facilities in Jordan |
| 4.1. | Transportation;
Flight Connections, Tourist Buses, Bus-, Train-, Ferry-Connections; Car Rental and Driving in Jordan |
| 4.2. | Communication |
| 4.3. | Sports; Aquatic Sports and Diving; Horseback Riding and Camel Trips; Ballooning; Glimbing and Hang-gliding |
| 4.4. | Culture and Entertainment; Museums and Galleries; Festivals; Other Entertainments |
| 4.5. | Restaurants |
| 4.6. | Shopping and Souvenirs |
| 4.7. | Tourist Guides |
| 4.8. | Accommodation; |
| 5. | Incentive Travel |
| 5.1. | Incentive Special Events |
| 6. | Helpful Facts about Jordan |
| 6.1. | Best Time to Travel and Safty |
| 6.2. | Tipping (Bakshish) |
| 6.3. | Holidays, Ramadan, Business Hours |
| 6.4. | Local Customs - How to Dress? |
| 6.5. | Electric Current, Water Supply |