FACTS

Location: Middle East, northwest of Saudi Arabia

Area (only Total) total: 92,300 sq km

Climate: mostly arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April)

Terrain: mostly desert plateau in east, highland area in west; Great Rift Valley separates East and West Banks of the Jordan River

Population: 6,198,677 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): Arabic

Government type: constitutional monarchy

Capital (Name): Amman

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+2

Independence: 25 May 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration)

National holiday: Independence Day, 25 May (1946)