Jordan, officially known as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is a country located in the Middle East, bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and east, Iraq to the northeast, Syria to the north, and Israel and Palestine to the west. It has a population of approximately 10 million people and covers an area of about 89,342 square kilometers (34,495 square miles).
Administratively, Jordan is divided into 12 governorates (muhafazat in Arabic), each headed by a governor appointed by the central government. These governorates serve as the primary administrative divisions responsible for local governance and implementation of national policies. Each governorate is further subdivided into districts (liwa), which are then further divided into sub-districts (qda).
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Amman Governorate: Amman is not only the capital city of Jordan but also serves as a governorate. It is the largest city in the country and the political, cultural, and economic hub. Amman Governorate is known for its historical sites such as the Citadel and the Roman Theatre, as well as its vibrant modern culture and bustling markets.
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Balqa Governorate: Balqa is located to the northwest of Amman and is known for its agricultural productivity, particularly in citrus fruits and vegetables. The University of Jordan and Al-Balqa Applied University are two major educational institutions located in this governorate.
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Irbid Governorate: Irbid is situated in the northern part of Jordan, close to the borders with Syria and Israel. It is the second-largest city in Jordan and an important cultural and educational center, hosting several universities including Yarmouk University and Jordan University of Science and Technology.
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Jerash Governorate: Jerash is known for its historical significance, particularly the ancient Roman city of Gerasa (modern-day Jerash), which is one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. The governorate also encompasses agricultural areas and rural communities.
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Karak Governorate: Karak is located in the southern part of Jordan and is known for the ancient Crusader castle, Karak Castle, perched atop a hill overlooking the town. The governorate includes both agricultural areas and small towns.
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Ma’an Governorate: Ma’an is the largest governorate in terms of land area but has a relatively small population. It is located in the southern desert region of Jordan and includes the historic site of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
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Madaba Governorate: Madaba is known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, particularly the famous 6th-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. The governorate also includes agricultural areas and smaller towns.
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Mafraq Governorate: Mafraq is located in the northern part of Jordan, near the border with Syria. It is known for its strategic location and serves as a transit point for trade and transportation. The Zaatari refugee camp, one of the largest refugee camps in the Middle East, is located in this governorate.
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Ajloun Governorate: Ajloun is known for its green hills and forests, which make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers. The historic Ajloun Castle, built in the 12th century by Saladin’s nephew, is a major tourist attraction in the governorate.
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Aqaba Governorate: Aqaba is Jordan’s only coastal city, located on the Red Sea in the southernmost part of the country. It is known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and marine life, making it a popular destination for diving and snorkeling. The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) oversees economic development in the region.
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Tafilah Governorate: Tafilah is located in the southern part of Jordan and is known for its rugged landscapes and traditional villages. The governorate is primarily agricultural, with olive and fruit orchards being common in the area.
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Zarqa Governorate: Zarqa is located northeast of Amman and is known for its industrial activity, particularly in manufacturing and textiles. It is the third-largest city in Jordan and has experienced rapid urbanization and population growth in recent decades.
Each governorate in Jordan has its own unique characteristics, cultural heritage, and economic activities, contributing to the diversity and development of the country as a whole. The administrative divisions play a crucial role in local governance, infrastructure development, and the implementation of national policies aimed at promoting socio-economic growth and improving the quality of life for Jordanian citizens.