25th May: Jordan Independence Day

Today is Jordan Independence Day. 10 facts you may not have known about Jordan.

1. Jordan is almost, but not quite, landlocked. It has a 26 km (16 mi) coastline on the Gulf of Aqaba in the Red Sea, where the country's only port, Aqaba, is located. It may be the only one, but Jordan seems to have gone for quality rather than quantity where ports are concerned - the port was ranked as being the "Best Container Terminal" in the Middle East by Lloyd's List.
2. The kingdom is named after the Jordan River. The origin of the river's name is disputed - it is either from the Hebrew word "yarad" meaning "the descender" or the Arabic word "wrd" meaning "to come to" as in people coming to a major source of water - as well they might since Jordan is the world's second poorest country in terms of Water resources per capita.
3. Unlike many countries in the region, Jordan doesn't have oil reserves, but is rich in phosphates and Uranium.
4. The capital and largest city is Amman.
5. The highest point in Jordan is Jabal Umm al Dami, at 1,854 m (6,083 ft), while the lowest is the Dead Sea −420 m (−1,378 ft) which also happens to be the lowest land point on earth. The Dead Sea is known for being 20 times saltier than seawater, hence all those pictures of people floating in it while reading a book! The water and the mud around it are rich in minerals - good for the skin and said to help relieve joint pain. The lake gives off bromine, a natural sedative, so it's a very relaxing place to be.
6. Instability in the region has damaged the tourist industry of Jordan although there is plenty to see. It has numerous historical sites of religious significance to both Christians and Muslims, including: Al-Maghtas where Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist; Mount Nebo where Moses looked on to the Promised Land; Machaerus, a fortified hilltop overlooking the Dead Sea where John the Baptist was imprisoned and executed; Umm Qais where Jesus is thought to have expelled demons out of a man near the shores of the Sea of Galilee; shrines of the prophet Muhammad's companions who died during battles with the Byzantines; the site of the Battle of Mu'tah in Al-Karak where the shrines of 'Abd Allah ibn Rawahah, Ja'far ibn Abi Talib and Zayd ibn Harithah lie; and Ajlun Castle built by Muslim Ayyubid leader Saladin in the 12th century AD during his wars with the crusaders. The ancient city of Petra is here and the more modern attractions of filming locations for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Lawrence of Arabia, Red Planet, and The Martian.
7. The black iris is Jordan’s national flower. It grows only in Wadi Rum and only in spring.
8. The national dish is mansaf — lamb shank cooked in fermented Yoghurt broth, dried and seasoned with paprika and cumin, and served on a large platter with sherak (flatbread) and Rice. The lamb is sprinkled with pine nuts and chopped Almonds, warm yogurt sauce.
9. Jordan is a monarchy. At time of writing the king is Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, who has reigned since February 1999. Another well-known member of the Jordanian royal family is Queen Noor, an American who married the previous monarch King Hussein, and is the current king's step-mother. Although the people were unsure about having a foreign born queen at first, they soon warmed to her. She is known for her charitable and philanthropic work.
10. Jordan is one of the least forested countries in the world. Less than 2% of it is covered in trees. The usual average is 15%.