Jordan: About the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan - Part 2

From ExecutivePlanet.com

Government, economy and travel

Government

Jordan's current government was established by King Abd Allah the First, a member of the Hashemite family who are direct descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. The current king, Abd Allah the Second, is the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan's fifth king. Both he and his wife, Queen Rania, are highly educated, completely fluent in English, open to strong international relations and reform oriented.

The constitution of Jordan ensures the rule of law, plurality of religious ideas, democratic government, and basic human rights.

The daily operation of the country is handled by more than 20 ministries whose activities are subject to the elected House of Representatives and the appointed Upper House. These two houses form the legislative authority of Jordan. National elections are held every 4 years.

Each city of the country has its own elected local government. And, each region has either a Governor or Lieutenant Governor who represents the King's authority.

Jordan has been involved in various Pan Arab political moves over the years, including close ties to Jamaal Abd Al Nasr. At one time, there was even an attempt to form a united state that included Egypt, Syria and Jordan. Currently, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon are investigating closer political ties possibly as a step toward economic and/or political union.

Economy

Jordan's major exports are fruits and vegetables, phosphates, and potassium. The current government is strongly encouraging growth in the tourist industry and in Information Technology services.

Recently, a special zone has been established in Aqaba that encourages manufacturing by creating a completely import tax free area.

Export, and consequently economic development, is hampered by the long period of war with America in Iraq and the ongoing violence in Palestine.

The Jordanian Dinar is fixed to the US Dollar. One US Dollar is equal to .709 JOD.

Within Jordan, there is only a small spread between the buy and sell prices. All major currencies can be easily exchanged at a money changer or a bank.

Visa and Master card are accepted for cash advances at major banks and some retail establishments. ATM's are plentiful in the major cities and most of them give you access to the international networks like 'Plus.' When using an ATM to withdraw local currency from a non-Jordanian account, daily international exchange rates are used.

Travel

Almost all North American and European nationals can obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport. Recently, the fee for the entry permit was 10 JOD [14 USD]. Such a permit is good for 14 days, after which it may be extended to three months by registration at the local police station.

Difficulty may be experienced when trying to cross the border between Jordan and the occupied lands of Palestine.

A yearly residence permit can be obtained by application to the Ministry of the Interior. A sponsor is required.

For investors bringing more than 50,000 USD of capital into the country, there are special facilities and services available through the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Submit a Comment on this Article