Jordan: Location and Geographical Significance

Jordan

Context

Jordan has gained attention amid escalating tensions in West Asia following reports of Iranian missile strikes targeting a U.S. military airbase in the country.

About Jordan

  1. Jordan is a landlocked country in West Asia. It is located in the northern part of the Arabian Peninsula. Its capital and largest city is Amman.
  2. It shares borders with Syria in the north, Iraq in the east, Saudi Arabia in the south and southeast, and Israel and the West Bank in the west.
  3. Most of the country consists of an arid desert plateau. A major north-south geological rift runs along its western side.
  4. Jabal Umm ad Dami is the highest point in Jordan.
  5. The Jordan River is the country’s main river. It flows into the Dead Sea.
  6. The Dead Sea lies along Jordan’s western border.
  7. Other important water bodies associated with Jordan are the Gulf of Aqaba and the Sea of Galilee.
  8. Aqaba, located on the Gulf of Aqaba, is Jordan’s only seaport.
  9. Jordan’s major natural resources include phosphates, potash, and shale oil.