Jordan is a flourishing Middle Eastern country with a long history spanning thousands of years. This book provides a careful study of the country--in particular, its traditions, people, economy, and geography.

Jordan today -- Geography. A varied landscape -- Urban areas -- Climate -- Bodies of water -- Wildlife and forests -- History. Long ago -- Jordan's emergence -- Foundation of modern conflict -- A new nation -- Modern Jordan -- Exchanging power -- A divided electorate -- Government. Design of leadership -- A recent monarchy -- Political support and obligation -- A succession of Western queens -- Guaranteed delegates -- Regulations and enforcement -- The legal system -- Economy. Economic backbones -- Farming -- Visitors -- Labor -- Fiscal challenges -- Modes of transit -- Environment. Pollution -- Hazardous garbage -- Desertification -- Threatened wildlife -- Renewable energy -- Jordanians. Populace data -- Clothing -- Minorities -- Treatment of outsiders -- Lifestyle. Interactions -- Societal attributes -- Familial focus -- Wedlock -- Burial and grief -- Changing roles of women -- Schooling -- Medicine -- Domiciles -- Religion. Early beliefs -- Submission to Allah -- Islam's tale -- Foundations of Islam -- Alternative religions and Islamic denominations -- Language. An age-old tongue -- Varying approaches to communications -- Further variations -- The written work -- Nonverbal cues -- Other tongues -- Arts. Art in ruins -- Religious impact -- Elaborate rhythms -- Written works -- Authors -- Craftwork -- Today's artworks -- Building and design -- Leisure. Socializing and food -- Other leisure pursuits -- Competitions -- Media -- Festivals. Marriage celebrations -- Muslim and Christian celebrations -- Dance and family -- Food. Eating -- Food types -- Treats -- Fast foods -- Kitchen equipment -- The supermarket -- Map of Jordan -- About the economy -- About the culture -- Timeline -- Glossary.