Officially known as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Jordan is an Arab nation on the east bank of the River Jordan. The country, which is a constitutional monarchy with a representative government, has a population of around 6.6 million.
In recent years, Jordan's economy has gone through a major shift, moving from an aid-dependent state to becoming one of the region's most robust, competitive and open economies. With limited natural resources, the country has a thriving service sector, and the capital city, Amman, is growing as a commercial and financial centre for the Levant. A highly skilled, educated and literate workforce has been a major driver of economic growth.
Tourism also plays a major role in the economy. Jordan is home to a number of major historical sites which include the world-renowned ancient city of Petra, as well as the coastal attractions of the Dead Sea and the Red Sea.