Jordan
Jordan
- Capital
- Amman
- Population
- 10,203,140
- Region
- Asia
- Languages
- Arabic
Jordan is home to the world's oldest known statues, the Ain Ghazal figures, which date back nearly 9,000 years to the Neolithic period. Unlike modern sculptures, these hollow figures were crafted from lime plaster and reeds, featuring distinctive painted details on their faces. They were discovered by accident during construction in Amman and provide a rare glimpse into the spiritual and artistic lives of prehistoric humans long before the rise of the first empires. Today, these ancient relics are displayed in museums globally, representing a foundational moment in the history of human creativity.
Currency
The official currency is the Jordanian Dinar, denoted by the ISO code JOD. It was introduced in 1950 to replace the Palestinian Pound, and today it remains one of the highest-valued currency units in the world due to its fixed peg against the US Dollar.
Flag symbolism
The flag of Jordan features three horizontal bands of black, white, and green, which represent the historic Abbasid, Umayyad, and Fatimid Caliphates respectively. A red chevron on the hoist side symbolizes the Hashemite dynasty and the Great Arab Revolt of 1916. Within this red triangle sits a white seven-pointed star, representing the seven verses of the Opening Sura of the Quran and the unity of the Arab people. The specific arrangement of colors and shapes serves as a visual testament to the country's Islamic heritage and its struggle for modern independence.
Emblem history
The Hashemite Coat of Arms features a bronze shield topped by a golden eagle, which rests upon a blue globe symbolizing the spread of Islamic civilization. Behind the shield, two crossed spears and two swords represent defense and justice, while ears of grain and a palm frond signify abundance and peace. The emblem is draped in a red velvet mantle with gold trim, a nod to the royal lineage and authority of the monarchy. An inscription on a ribbon at the bottom honors the King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, reinforcing the connection between the state and its ruling family.