Bordering Countries of Jordan
Jordan, located in the heart of the Middle East, shares borders with several key nations: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Israel, and Palestine. Each of these neighboring countries plays a pivotal role in Jordan’s geopolitical, economic, and cultural landscape. The Kingdom of Jordan, with its strategic location, has developed strong diplomatic relations with each of its neighbors, navigating through regional conflicts and fostering economic cooperation.
Saudi Arabia
Country Overview
Saudi Arabia, located to the southeast of Jordan, is one of the most influential and economically powerful countries in the Arab world. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is known for its vast deserts, significant oil reserves, and religious importance as the birthplace of Islam. The capital, Riyadh, is a modern metropolis and the political and administrative center of the country. Saudi Arabia’s economy is largely driven by its oil industry, though the country is also working on diversifying its economy through initiatives like Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia has long been a dominant force in the region, and it plays a central role in Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Country Facts:
Religion: Islam is the official religion, with the majority of the population being Sunni Muslims. There is a small Shiite Muslim minority, particularly in the Eastern Province.
Official Language: Arabic
Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Transportation Infrastructure: Saudi Arabia boasts a highly developed transportation infrastructure, including modern highways, an extensive railway system, and several international airports, including King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The country is also investing in high-speed rail networks as part of its Vision 2030 initiative.
Visa Requirements: Jordanian citizens do not require a visa for short visits to Saudi Arabia. For other foreign nationals, a visa is generally required, which can be obtained through the Saudi embassy or consulate.
Iraq
Country Overview
Iraq, located to the northeast of Jordan, is a country rich in history and cultural heritage, serving as the cradle of ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia. Over the centuries, Iraq has witnessed numerous empires, invasions, and conflicts, including the Iraq War that began in 2003. Despite challenges, Iraq remains an important player in the Middle East, rich in oil resources and with strategic geopolitical significance. Baghdad, the capital, is a city with a rich historical and cultural heritage, though it has faced considerable challenges in recent decades due to political instability and conflict.
Country Facts:
Religion: The majority of Iraq’s population is Muslim, with a division between Sunni and Shiite Muslims. There is also a small Christian minority.
Official Language: Arabic and Kurdish
Currency: Iraqi Dinar (IQD)
Transportation Infrastructure: Iraq’s transportation infrastructure has suffered from years of conflict, but the country still has significant railway lines, highways, and two main international airports: Baghdad International Airport and Erbil International Airport. The road system is being rebuilt, and the country is working on modernizing its infrastructure.
Visa Requirements: Jordanian citizens can visit Iraq with a visa, which must be obtained through the Iraqi embassy. Visa policies for other countries vary, and citizens from several countries can obtain visas on arrival at certain airports or border crossings.
Syria
Country Overview
Syria, located to the north of Jordan, has been at the center of the Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape for decades. Once one of the region’s most prosperous and culturally rich countries, Syria has been deeply affected by the civil war that began in 2011, leading to significant internal displacement, loss of life, and destruction. Damascus, the capital, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and Syria’s cultural heritage is rich with historical sites, including ancient ruins and monuments. While the ongoing conflict has severely impacted Syria’s economy and infrastructure, the country still retains significant regional importance.
Country Facts:
Religion: Islam is the dominant religion in Syria, with the majority of the population being Sunni Muslims. There are also significant Christian and Alawite Muslim minorities, with the Alawites holding political power.
Official Language: Arabic
Currency: Syrian Pound (SYP)
Transportation Infrastructure: Syria’s transportation infrastructure has been significantly damaged due to the ongoing civil war. However, the country still has a network of roads and railways, although many areas are impassable. Damascus International Airport serves as the main international gateway, though flights are limited due to the conflict.
Visa Requirements: For Jordanian citizens, a visa is required to enter Syria, which can be obtained from the Syrian embassy. Other nationals may face challenges obtaining visas due to the ongoing conflict.
Israel
Country Overview
Israel, located to the west of Jordan, is one of the most geopolitically important countries in the Middle East. Established in 1948, Israel is the world’s only Jewish-majority state and has a highly developed economy and military. Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, holds religious significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, and the city’s status is a key point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel’s economy is diverse, with strengths in technology, defense, and agriculture. The country has had a complicated relationship with many of its neighbors, including Jordan, although the two countries signed a peace treaty in 1994.
Country Facts:
Religion: Judaism is the official religion, with a significant Muslim minority, as well as smaller Christian and Druze communities.
Official Language: Hebrew and Arabic
Currency: Israeli New Shekel (ILS)
Transportation Infrastructure: Israel has a highly developed transportation system, including modern highways, a robust public transit network, and major international airports like Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv. The country also has a well-developed rail network that connects major cities.
Visa Requirements: Jordanian citizens need a visa to enter Israel. However, the visa process may be more straightforward for those traveling through the Allenby Bridge border crossing. Other nationalities may need to apply for a visa in advance at Israeli embassies or consulates.
Palestine
Country Overview
Palestine, located to the west of Jordan, consists of two main regions: the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is landlocked and bordered by Israel, while Gaza is bordered by Israel and Egypt. The State of Palestine, recognized by many countries but not universally, has been seeking full sovereignty and independence, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been ongoing for decades. The West Bank’s capital is Ramallah, while Gaza is governed by Hamas, with Gaza City as its largest city. Despite its difficult political situation, Palestine has a rich history, culture, and a significant historical and religious importance to Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike.
Country Facts:
Religion: The majority of Palestinians are Muslim, though there is also a significant Christian minority, particularly in cities like Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
Official Language: Arabic
Currency: Israeli New Shekel (ILS) in the West Bank, Egyptian Pound (EGP) in Gaza
Transportation Infrastructure: Transportation infrastructure in Palestine varies by region. The West Bank has a network of roads and public buses, but movement is often restricted due to Israeli security measures. Gaza’s infrastructure is limited due to blockades and conflict, with a few roads and occasional public transportation. Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel is the closest major airport to the West Bank.
Visa Requirements: Jordanian citizens do not require a visa to visit Palestine, particularly if entering via the Allenby Bridge from Jordan. For other nationals, visa policies can vary, and most travelers must obtain a visa through Israeli or Palestinian authorities, depending on where they are entering from.
Geopolitical Relations of Jordan with Its Neighboring Countries
Jordan’s location at the crossroads of the Middle East has shaped its relationships with its bordering countries, allowing it to play a significant role in regional diplomacy, trade, and security.
Economic Relations
Jordan’s economy is highly integrated with its neighboring countries. The country benefits from trade and economic partnerships, particularly with Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Israel. Jordan has signed agreements with these countries to facilitate trade, energy cooperation, and infrastructure development. The country is also a recipient of foreign aid, particularly from Gulf states like Saudi Arabia, which support Jordan’s efforts to develop its economy and maintain regional stability.
Political Relations
Jordan maintains strong diplomatic ties with its neighboring countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and Israel, with whom it shares common interests in regional security. The Jordanian government has played a key role in peace efforts between Israel and the Palestinians, and it continues to work with its neighbors on matters related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and regional security concerns. Jordan’s relations with Iraq and Syria are more complex, especially due to regional conflicts and the instability in Iraq and Syria.
Security and Military Cooperation
Jordan’s strategic location makes it a critical partner in regional security efforts. It has cooperated with countries like the United States and its neighbors in combating terrorism, especially groups like ISIS. Jordan also plays an active role in the Arab League and has been involved in various peacekeeping and humanitarian missions in the Middle East. Its security collaboration with Israel and Saudi Arabia has been particularly crucial in the fight against extremist organizations in the region.