Overview of Jordan
[Country] The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
[Area]
89,340 km2
[Capital]
Amman, with a population of 2.5 million (2006), accounts for 42.3% of total population. As Amman spans over an area of 14 mountains, it is also called “The City of Mountains”.
[Language]
Arabic is the official language, and English is widely used.
[Time Differences]
(-6) Six hours later than BJT. For instance, when it is 2:00 pm. in Beijing, then it is 8:00 am. in Jordan.
[Currency]
Jordanian dinar (JOD) 1 JOD = 1. 41043 UDS, and 1 USD = 11.675 RMB
[King]
Abdullah II Bin Hussein, enthroned on Feb. 7, 1999.
[Religion]
92% inhabitants are Sunnites; 6% believe in Christianity, most of which the Orthodox disciples.
[Business Convention]
Jordanese works till the 13:00 for the first half of a working day. The later half begins from 14:00 to 16:00 and ends at 17:30 or 18:00.Shirts and ties are required for businessmen.
[National Holidays]
Al-Isra' ul-Miraj on Mar 5th; Eid ul-Fitr on May 7th; Independence Day on May 25; Eid ul-Adha on Jul 14th; King Hussein's Accession to the Throne on Aug 11th; Muharram on Aug 4th; Mawlid al-Nabi on Oct. 13th; King Hussein’s Birthday on Nov. 14th.
[Weather and Dresses]
Mediterranean climate with current average temperature 7—16 Celsius degrees, and temperature in desert may be as high as 30—40 Celsius degrees. Even in summer, it is cool at nights; therefore, sweaters or shawls may be necessary. The average temperature in Jan. is 7—14℃ and 26—33 ℃ in Jul. Amman and the mountainous areas in the west are of mild subtropical Mediterranean climate.
[Voltage and Drinking Water]
220V AC; twin-round-pin plug; independent water purification system available at three-star hotels and above.
[Specialties]
Dead Sea mud, tapestry, pottery, silver jewelry, mother-of-pearl, olive wood and traditional nickel-rimmed ware <0}
[Tips]
10% of fare for taxi driver, 15% at restaurants, and 10% for hotel waitpersons.
[Population]
5.907 million (2006). Most are Arabs, of which 60% are Palestinians; some Turcoman, Armenian and Kirghiz.
[Geographic Location]
in the northwest of Arabia, with Palestine to the west, Syria to the north, Iraq to the northeast, Saudi Arabia to the south and southeast, and Gulf of Aqaba to the southwest. Jordan is basically an inland country with the only marine outlets at the Gulf of Aqaba.
[Name]: Republic of Iraq
[Geography]:
Located at southwest Asia and northeast of Arabia, Iraq covers 441,839 km2, with Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, Syria and Jordan to the west, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to the south, and Persian Gulf to the southeast. The coastline is 60 km long, and breadth of the territorial sea is 12 sea miles. Part of Arabian Highland in southwest Iraq extends to the eastern plain. Kurd Mountains lie on the northeast and deserts on the west, between which is the Mesopotamia Plain covering most of the country with average altitude lower than 100 m. Euphrates and Tigris follow through from the whole country from the northwest to the southeast, which join at al Qurnah as Shatt al Arab, which empties into Persian Gulf. The local climate is mostly desert and the northeastern mountainous regions have Mediterranean climate. The highest temperature in summer could be as high as over 50℃ and 0℃ in the winter. With few rainfalls, the mean annual precipitation increases northward from 100 to 500 mm, and maximizes at the northern mountainous regions with 700 mm.
[Population]:
about 23.10 million (2000), of which Arab account for 73.5%, Kurd 21.6%, and Turk, Armenian, Assyrian, Jew and Iranian constitute the rest. The national official language is Arabic, and the official language in the northern Kurdish regions is Kurdish. Some tribes in the eastern regions speak Persian, and English is widely used all over the country. 95% inhabitants are Muslims (Shi'a 54.5%, Sunni 40.5%). Kurds in the northern regions are also Muslims, most Sunni and few of them believe in Christianity or Judaism.
[Capital]:
Baghdad, with a population of 7.96 million (2003 estimated)
Baghdad, Capital of Iraq
[Regions]:
Iraq is divided into 18 governorates (or provinces), which are subdivided into districts (or qadhas), then towns and villages: Al Anbar, Arbil, Babil, Al Muthanna, Baghdad, An Najaf, Al Basrah, Ninawa, Dhi Qar, Al-Qādisiyyah, Diyala, Salah ad Din, Dahuk, Sulaymaniyah, Karbala, At Ta'mim (Kirkuk), Maysan,Wasit.
A Brief History: Iraq cherishes a long history, and the Tigris and Euphrates rivers extent is the cradle for one of the four ancient civilizations. By 4700 B.C., there had been some city-states. The country flourished under the names of Babylonia, Assyria and Second Dynasty of Isin around 2000 B.C., when it is known as one of the “Four Great Ancient Civilizations”. Various invaders conquered the land after Nebuchadnezzar's death, including Persian Empire in 550 B.C., Arabia Empire in the 7th Century, and Ottoman Empire in the 16th Century. In 1920, Iraq became a League of Nations mandate under British control, which declared independence as under the name of Faisal Dynasty in Aug. 1921; however, the nominal independence was only achieved in 1932, when the British Mandate officially ended. On Jul. 14th, 1958, officers from the Nineteenth Brigade known as "Free Officers", under the leadership of Brigadier Abd al-Karīm Qāsim overthrew the Hashimite monarchy, and Republic of Iraq was founded. On Feb. 8th, 1963, Qāsim was forced to back down when the Ba'ath Party took power and Colonel Abdul Salam Arif assumed the office as President. On Jul. 17th, 1968, Ba'ath Party officers headed by Ahmad Hasan al-Bakr in cooperation with the young officer group headed by Abd ar-Razzaq an-Naif overthrew Arif. Ba'ath Party retook the power and Bakr became the President. On Jul. 1979, Ahmad Hasan al-Bakr resigned due to health causes, successor, Saddam Hussein, assumed the offices of both President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council.
Long-time territorial disputes with Iran led to an eight-year war, the Iran-Iraq War On Sept. 22nd, 1980, which ended on Aug. 20th, 1988.
In the middle of Jul. 1990, long-standing disputes concerning oil, territorial and debt issues between Iraq and Kuwait became escalated, which finally led to the invasion of Kuwait on Aug. 2nd with an armed force of 100,000 persons. In one day, Iraqi troops had controlled the whole Kuwait, raising strong international attention. When the diplomatic offices failed, Operation "Desert Storm" was ensued on January 17, 1991 (3am Iraqi time), with allied troops of 28 countries after 5 months’ military deployment. On Feb. 24th, ground attack , which known as “Desert Saber”, was launched to Iraqi troops. After great losses, Iraq announced on Feb. 26th its compliance with 12 UN resolutions since the invasion of Kuwait. At 00:00, Feb. 28th, allied troops ceased all attacks, and the 42-day Gulf War was put to an end. In the later half of 2002, U.S. government stated that Iraq was engaged in supporting terrorism and developing weapons of mass destruction, which made it “a potential danger” to U.S.A. Interests in the Middle East region. It is declared that U.S.A. has gotten the authentic evidences indicating that Iraq owned weapons of mass destruction. U.S. Government said that it has lost patience with Iraq regime which has been trying to cover the truth and deceiving the international society, expressing that Saddam regime must be overthrew with forces. In March 2003, U.S. and UK, on account of weapons of mass destruction, started the war with Iraq. On April 9, US troops took Baghdad, and Saddam regime collapsed. The post-war Iraq suffered from serious devastation and continuous violence. In April 2005, a transitional government was founded.
[Politics]:
On March 8, 2004, Coalition Provisional Authority members officially signed the Interim Constitution, which prescribed that in the future, the president and the prime minister shall not be the same person. The national assembly shall elect a president and two deputy presidents. The cabinet and the prime minister will be named by the President; however, the decree of President is only valid when signed by the two deputy presidents. According to the Interim Constitution, Islam is the national religion of Iraq, and Islamic traditions and principles should be taken into consideration in the course of legislation. However, Islam shall not replace the Constitution; neither shall it become the one and only factor taken into consideration in legislation. It is also prescribed that the federalism will be adopted, and the power of central and local government will be separated. The autonomy of Kurdish in the northern regions will continue, and Kurdish and Arabic will be the official language.
[Economy]:
With abundant oil and NG resources, oil production and export are crucial to Iraqi economy. In 1998, the proved reserves of Iraq are 112.5 billion barrels, the second largest in the world only next to Saudi Arabia, which accounts for 15.5% and 14% respectively in OPEC and global proved reserves. NG reserves are estimated to be 3100 billion m3, 2.4% of global proved reserves. The reserves of phosphates are estimated to be 10 billion tons. Oil production, refining and NG production constitute the majority of Iraqi industries. The oil and gas industries have been the leading two in domestic production. The nationalization of oil and gas industries in Iraq was completed in 1973. From the end of Iraq-Iran War till the start of Gulf War, the average daily production was 3.5 million barrels and 4.5 million barrels at the maximal. Due to serious destroy of production facilities in Gulf War, the daily production dropped to 300,000 barrels.
Oil production resumed upon the implementation of UNSC Resolution 986 in Dec. 1996. In 2000, the average daily oil production was 2.57 million barrels, which was exported via the Iraq-Turkey Pipeline and Al-Bakr Port. Turkey is planning for laying the third Iraq-Turkey Pipeline to improve the transport from Kirkuk, Iraq to Ceyhan, Turkey. In Nov. 2000, it was agreed on by Iraq and Syria that the pipeline between two countries, which had been closed for 18 years, would be re-opened. In Jan. 2001, two countries reached an agreement on re-laying a pipeline from Kirkuk Oil Field, Iraq to Baniyas, Syria to replace the old one. 70% of NG reserves in Iraq are associated gas, which are mainly produced at Kirkuk Oil Field in the north and Rumaila Oil Field in the south. There are 9 gas-gathering stations in Iraq, processing 420 million m3 each day. NG is transported via pipelines to liquefaction stations at Zubair and Basra to be processed for export. Arable land accounts for 27.6% of territory area, and the agricultural land is highly dependant on surface water, which is centralized at the Mesopotamia Plain between the Tigris and Euphrates. Agricultural population accounts for one third of the total. Iraq is not self-sufficient in terms of agricultural produces, and the major produces include: wheat, barley and date. There are over 33 million date trees in Iraq, producing 6.3 million tons of dates each year. The major tourist attractions include: Ur Remains (2060 BC), Assyria Remains (910 BC), Hartel Remains (also known as “Sun City”), and Babylon 90 km away in southeast Baghdad, where the famous “Hanging Gardens”, one of Seven Wonders of the world, is located. Besides, Seleucia and Nineveh along the Tigris River are also world famous tourist attractions.
Iraq has been subject to severe economic sanctions of UN since its invasion to Kuwait, which actually hamstrung its economy. In Dec. 1996, Iraq was allowed to export oil worthy of 2 billion USD every six months in line with UNSC 986 Resolution (i.e. Oil for Food Operation) to purchase humanitarian materials like foods and medicines. The export quota was increased to 5.2 billion USD every six month in the UNSC 1153 Resolution in Feb. 1998, and export upper limit removed in UNSC 1284 Resolution on Dec. 1999. Iraqi economy began to take a somewhat positive turn. On account of U.S. throttle-holding policy, Iraq decided on settlement with Euro from Nov. 1st, 2000. On Nov. 29th, 2001, UNSC 1382 Resolution was passed, announcing that “Oil for Food” operation would continue. In 2000, Iraqi GDP was 29.7 billion USD, growing by 4%.
[Currency]:
Iraqi Dinar (1 Dinar = 1,000 fils) (Data Source: Annual Report of British Quarterly Economic Survey 2001)
On Jul. 29th, 2004, U.S. President Bush signed an order, when the 14-year-long economic sanctions on Iraq were officially terminated. Due to Iraq-Iran War, Gulf War and international sanctions, the oil production facilities in Iraq suffered serious damages, and the infrastructures almost paralyzed. In Mar. 2003, U.S. and UK started the war with Iraq, asserting that Iraq owns weapons of mass destruction, which led to the collapse of Saddam regime. A spectacle of devastation was seen everywhere in the post-war Iraq, where violent attacks and instable situation continues. A “democratic, free and wealthy” Iraq does not emerge as U.S. has depicted.
[Military]:
Royal army was founded with the help of UK in 1921 after Iraqi independence. In 1930s, air and sea forces were founded successively. After the establishment of republic, the armies were re-organized. Weapons were mainly bought from the former USSR, and some from France, Italy, Spain, and Brazil. After the ceasefire of Iraq-Iran War, armament industry enjoyed priority in Iraq, when huge funds were invested to introduce high-tech and purchase advanced technologies and equipment so as to realize the domestic production of armament. During the Gulf War in 1991, Iraqi forces and armament suffered from great losses, and most military industry and facilities were destroyed. After the war, UN passed a resolution of destroying the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Missiles, bio-weapons and nuclear facilities were destroyed under the surveillance of UN. As the result of UN sanctions, 50% armament of Iraqi forces lack of parts and components. President Saddam also held the pose of Commander-in-chief of armed forces. The Military Bureau of Ba'ath Party is the sovereign military organization. The 352,500 armed forces consist of about 300,000 land forces (including 60,000 Republican Guards) armed with 2,700 tanks and 2,000 armored cars, 2,000 sea forces, 35,000 air forces armed with 120 attack helicopters, 350 transport helicopters, and nearly 40,000 paramilitary security forces.
[ Baghdad Martyrs Memorial]
News Media: Major newspapers include: Revolution, the official newspaper of Ba'ath Party since Jul. 1968; Republic, the official newspaper of the government since 1963; Iraq, the official newspaper of Kurdish Democratic Party since 1968; Baghdad Observant, the English newspaper for foreign circulation since 1969. In addition, Babylon is also influential. The Iraq News Agency founded in Nov. 1959 is the official news agency of Iraq, issuing news in Arabic and English. There are 16 MW radios and 1 FM radio in Iraq, in which Republic of Iraq Radio is the most influential, which broadcasts in Arabic and English. There are 13 TV-stations in Iraq, 2 of which in Baghdad: one is the Central TV and the other is Youth TV. Most TV programs are in Arabic, and some news is in English.
Diplomacy: Neutral and Non-alignment; member country of League of Arab States, Arab Parliamentary Union, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and Arab Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
Iraq and China: Iraq and China established diplomatic relations on Aug. 25th, 1958. Mohammed Bahr al-Ulloum, the President of Interim President of the Iraqi Governing Council, paid an official visit to China in Mar. 2004.
[Country]: Republic of Lebanon
Independence Day: Nov. 22nd (1943)
National Day: Nov. 22nd (1943)
[ National Flag]:
Rectangular flag with length-to-width ratio of 3:2; the white rectangle in the middle occupies half of the overall flag, and there are two rectangles in red lying above and below; in the middle there is a green Cedrus Libani, which is called “King of Plant” in the Holy Scripture. While white represents peace, red represent self-abnegation, the national tree of Lebanon, Cedrus Libani represents persistence and power of Lebanese, in addition to purity and eternity of life.
[National Emblem]:
On the coat of arms there is the tilted image of national flag, which is surrounded by white ribbons. On the ribbons at the bottom are characters of “Republic of Lebanon” in Arabic and French.
[National Tree]: Cedrus Libani
[Geography]: Total territory of 10,452 km2; located on the eastern bank of Mediterranean Sea in the south of Western Asia, with Syria to the east and north, Palestine to the south, and Mediterranean Sea to the west with a coast line of 220 km.
The territory can be divided into three parts: Lebanon Mountains on the eastern side of littoral plain, Beqaa Valley on the eastern side of Mount Lebanon, and Mount Antilibanos in the east. Mount Lebanon stretches from north to south through the whole country. The 3083-m Mount Qurnat-Sawda is the highest point of Lebanon. Rivers abound in Lebanon, emptying westward into Mediterranean Sea, and Litani River is the longest river. Lebanon has a tropic Mediterranean climate.
[ Population]:
4 million (2000); most are Arabs, with some Armenians, Turks, and Greeks. Arabic is the official language, and French and English are widely used. 54% inhabitants are Muslims, most Shiites, Sunnites and Druzes, while the Christians make up 46% of the population, mainly disciples of Maronite, Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholicism and Armenian Orthodox.
| National Holiday | Date | Content |
| New Year’s Day | Jan. 1 | |
| St Maroun’s Day | Feb. 9 | |
| Eid ul-Fitr | Mar. 3 | |
| Foundation Day of League of Arab States | Mar 22 | |
| Easter Sunday | Apr 17 | |
| Orthodox Good Friday | Apr 1-24 | |
| Eid al-Adha | May 10 | |
| Good Friday | May 25 | |
| Islamic New Year | May 31 | |
| Ashoura. | Jun 9 | |
| Mawlid al-Nabi | Aug 9 | |
| Assumption | Aug 15 | |
| All Saint’s Day | Nov 1 | |
| Independence Day (National Day) | Nov 22 | |
| Al-Isra' ul-Miraj| | Dec 20 | |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25 |
[ Lebanon Capital]:
Beirut, with a population of 1.5 million (2000); the highest average temperature could be 32 ℃ in July, and the lowest 11℃ in January.
[A Brief History]:
Canaanites from Araby were the earliest settlers here in around 3000 BC. In 2000 BC, Lebanon was a part of Phenicia. In the following history, Lebanon was ruled by Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia and Roma. In the 16th Century, it became a part of Ottoman Empire. After WWⅠ, UK and France invaded Lebanon, which became a mandate territory of France, which announced the end of mandate on Nov. 26, 1941. On Nov. 22, 1943, Lebanon declared independence as the Republic of Lebanon. However, the full autonomy only came in Dec. 1946, when France withdrew all its troops from Lebanon.
[Diplomacy]:
Implementing a neutral, non-alignment and open policy, Lebanon has been maintaining good relationship with western countries including U.S. and France, which is a member country of League of Arab States and Arab Parliamentary Union.
Lebanon established diplomatic relation with China on Nov. 9, 1971.
[Politics]:
According to the Constitution of Lebanon, the congress owns the legislative power, and the President the enforcement power.
A Fisherman Fishing on the Sea near Beirut Glance at Beirut
Overview of Lebanon
Overview of Iraq