Jordan, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (Arabic: الأردنّ‎ al-Urdunn), is an Arab country in Southwest Asia spanning the southern part of the Syrian Desert down to the Gulf of Aqaba. It shares borders with Syria to the north, Iraq to the north-east, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories to the west, and Saudi Arabia to the east and south. It shares control of the Dead Sea with Israel, and the coastline of the Gulf of Aqaba with Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Much of Jordan is covered by desert, particularly the Arabian Desert; however the north-western area, with the sacred Jordan River, is regarded as part of the Fertile Crescent. The capital city of Amman is in the north-west.

Jordan has a rich history; its location in the central Middle East has long made it a prized possession. During its long history, Jordan has seen numerous civilisations, including such ancient eastern civilisations as the Sumerian, Akkadian, Israelite, Babylonian, Assyrian, Mesopotamian, and Persian empires. Jordan was for a time part of Pharaonic Egypt, and spawned the native Nabatean civilisation who left rich archaeological remains at Petra. Cultures from the west also left their mark, such as the Macedonian, Roman, and Byzantine empires. Since the seventh century the area has been under Muslim and Arab cultures, with the exception of a brief period under British rule. 

The best known attractions include:

Ancient sightseeing

• Petra in Ma'an, the home of the Nabateans, is a complete city carved in a mountain. The huge rocks are colorful, mostly pink, and the entrance to the ancient city is through a 1.25 km narrow gorge in the mountain - called the Siq. In the city are various structures, all (except 2) are carved into rock, including al Khazneh - known as the Treasury - which has been designated as one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World" by the for-profit New Open World Corporation. Other major sites of interest in Petra include the Monastery, the Roman theater, the Royal Tombs, the High Place of Sacrifice. Petra was rediscovered for the western world by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812.
• Umm Qais, a town located on the site of the ruined Hellenistic-Roman city of Gadara.
• Ajlun, famous for the Al-Rabad Castle.
• Jerash, famous for its its ancient Roman architecture, including the colonnaded streets, arches, Roman theaters, and the Oval Plaza.
• Amman contains the Roman theater, in addition to several museums, where one may find remains of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
• Al Karak contains an important castle from the times of Salah al-Din, known as Al-Karak Castle.

Religion-related

• Madaba, well known for its mosaics, as well as important religious sites such as:
  • The Madaba Map.
  • The River Jordan, which is the river where Jesus of Nazareth was baptized, by John the Baptist.
  • Mount Nebo, where Moses was said to have gone to get a view of the Promised Land before he died.

• Seaside
  • The Dead Sea - It is the lowest point on earth, 402 meters below sea level,^[22] and becomes 1 meter lower each year. It is located near River Jordan.
  • Aqaba is a town on the shore of the Gulf of Aqaba with numerous shopping centers, hotels and access to water sports.
• Other sites
  • Wadi Rum is a desert full of mountains and hills located south of Jordan. It is popular for its sights in addition to a variety of sports that are practiced there, such as rock-climbing. It is also known for its connection to Lawrence of Arabia.
  • Fuheis, a beautiful town about 20 minutes north-west of Amman.
  • Mahis with important religious sites, and wonderful landscape.
  • Al-Omwia's Palace, placed to the north east of Jordan, of Islamic design.