Verified Facts

Official NameHashemite Kingdom of Jordan
CapitalAmman
Population11.7 million
Area89,342 km² (34,495 sq mi)
LanguagesArabic
CurrencyJordanian dinar (د.ا)
TimezoneUTC+03:00
RegionAsia / Western Asia
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API

Quick Facts

GDP (nominal)($43.8 billion estimate)
GDP Per Capita($4,300 estimate)
Income Classification(Upper-Middle)
Main Industries(Pharmaceuticals, Tourism, Manufacturing)
CurrencyJOD
Unemployment Rate(approximately 19%)
Ease of Doing Business(ranked 75th globally)

Economic Overview

Jordan has a relatively small but open economy, with a mix of state-owned and private enterprises. The country's economic classification is upper-middle income, with a GDP per capita of around $4,300. Jordan's economy has been steadily growing over the years, driven by a combination of factors including tourism, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. The country has been working to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on foreign aid, with a focus on developing its private sector and increasing foreign investment. Jordan's economy is also heavily influenced by its strategic location, with the country serving as a key trade hub between Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Jordan's economic development level is considered to be relatively high, with a strong focus on education and human development. The country has made significant progress in recent years in terms of economic reform, with efforts to improve the business environment and increase competitiveness. However, the economy still faces challenges, including a high unemployment rate and a large trade deficit. The government has been working to address these challenges through a range of initiatives, including investments in infrastructure and efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation.

Despite these challenges, Jordan's economy is considered to be relatively stable, with a strong financial sector and a well-developed banking system. The country has also been working to develop its tourism industry, with a focus on attracting visitors to its historic sites, natural beauty, and cultural attractions. Overall, Jordan's economy is considered to be a key player in the region, with a strong potential for growth and development in the coming years.

Key Industries

IndustryContributionDetails
Pharmaceuticals15% of GDPJordan is home to a number of major pharmaceutical companies, including Hikma Pharmaceuticals and Jordan Pharmaceutical Company
Tourism10% of GDPJordan's tourism industry is driven by its historic sites, including Petra and Jerash, as well as its natural beauty and cultural attractions
Manufacturing20% of GDPJordan's manufacturing sector is driven by a range of industries, including textiles, food processing, and chemicals
Services40% of GDPJordan's services sector is driven by a range of industries, including finance, IT, and logistics
Mining5% of GDPJordan is home to a number of major mining companies, including the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company

Trade Profile

Top Exports:

  • Pharmaceuticals: Jordan is a major exporter of pharmaceuticals, with a focus on markets in the Middle East and North Africa
  • Textiles: Jordan's textile industry is a significant exporter, with a focus on markets in the United States and Europe
  • Potash: Jordan is a major exporter of potash, a key ingredient in fertilizers
  • Fruits and Vegetables: Jordan is a significant exporter of fruits and vegetables, with a focus on markets in the Middle East and Europe
  • IT Services: Jordan's IT sector is a growing exporter, with a focus on markets in the Middle East and North Africa

Top Imports:

  • Oil: Jordan is a major importer of oil, with a focus on markets in the Middle East
  • Machinery: Jordan imports a significant amount of machinery, including electronics and industrial equipment
  • Vehicles: Jordan imports a significant number of vehicles, including cars and trucks
  • Food: Jordan imports a significant amount of food, including grains and livestock
  • Chemicals: Jordan imports a significant amount of chemicals, including fertilizers and plastics

Key Trading Partners:

  • United States: The United States is one of Jordan's largest trading partners, with a focus on exports of pharmaceuticals and textiles
  • Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is a significant trading partner for Jordan, with a focus on imports of oil and machinery
  • China: China is a growing trading partner for Jordan, with a focus on imports of machinery and electronics
  • United Arab Emirates: The United Arab Emirates is a significant trading partner for Jordan, with a focus on exports of pharmaceuticals and IT services
  • Germany: Germany is a significant trading partner for Jordan, with a focus on imports of machinery and vehicles

Infrastructure

  • Jordan has a well-developed transportation network, including a number of major highways and a international airport in Amman
  • The country has a number of major ports, including the Port of Aqaba, which is a key trade hub for the region
  • Jordan has a relatively high level of internet penetration, with around 70% of the population having access to the internet
  • The country has a number of major energy projects, including a number of solar and wind farms
  • Jordan has a well-developed telecommunications network, with a number of major mobile phone operators, including Orange and Zain

Economic Outlook

Jordan's economy is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by a combination of factors including tourism, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. The government has been working to promote economic development and reduce unemployment, with a focus on investments in infrastructure and efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation. One of the major projects currently underway is the development of the Jordanian rail network, which is expected to improve transportation links and increase trade with neighboring countries. Additionally, the government has been working to develop the country's renewable energy sector, with a focus on solar and wind power.

The country is also working to promote economic development in key sectors, including IT and tourism. The government has established a number of initiatives to support start-ups and entrepreneurs, including the Jordanian Entrepreneurship Fund, which provides financing and support to new businesses. The country is also working to develop its tourism industry, with a focus on attracting visitors to its historic sites and natural beauty. Overall, Jordan's economic outlook is positive, with a strong potential for growth and development in the coming years. However, the country will need to continue to address challenges, including a high unemployment rate and a large trade deficit, in order to achieve its economic goals.

Related: Cost of Living · Monthly Budget Guide