JordanGeography: The Middle East kingdom of Jordan is bordered on the west by Palestine, Israel and the Dead Sea, on the north by Syria, on the east by Iraq, and on the south by Saudi Arabia. It is comparable in size to Indiana. Arid hills and mountains make up most of the country. The southern section of the Jordan River flows through the country.

The Government

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a constitutional monarchy with representative government. The reigning monarch is the head of state, the chief executive and the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. King Abdullah II exercises his executive authority through the prime minister and the Council of Ministers, or cabinet.

National Holidays

• January 1 New Year• January 30 King Abdullah’s

Birthday• 3 Days Eid Al Fitr end of Ramadan• 3 Days Eid Al Adha end of

Pilgrimage• 1st Hijra New Year, According to

Islamic Calendar• May 1 Labor Day• May 25 Independence Day• Forth month of Islamic Calendar Prophet’s Birthday• November 14 King Hussein Remembrance Day• November 16 El Issra Wall-Miraj• December 25 Christmas Day

Religion

A majority of Jordanians are Muslim, about 92% are Sunni Muslim, and 1% are Shia or Sufi. Cities in the south of Jordan have the highest percentage of Muslims. Christians, living mostly in Amman or the Jordan Valley, make up 6% of the total, with 1% representing other religions.

Gestures and Body Language

• Here’s a whole range of gestures used in Arab culture which will either be new to you or which carry different meanings from the same gesture in your home country.

• Rather than nodding, yes is indicated by inclining your head forwards and closing your eyes.

• No is raising your eyebrows and tilting your head up and back, often accompanied by a little “tsk” noise (which doesn’t indicate impatience or displeasure). Shaking your head from side to side means I don’t understand. A very useful gesture, which can be used a hundred times a day in all kinds of situations. In putting your right hand over your heart: this indicates genuineness or sincerity, and can soften be a “no thanks” to a street-seller or a “sorry” to a beggar, or reinforce a “thank you very much” to someone who’s helped you. Many people in the south of Jordan will instinctively touch their right hand to their heart after shaking hands.

• Pointing at someone or something directly with your index finger, as you might do at home, in Jordan casts the evil eye

• Sitting with your soles of your feet or shoes facing your guest is a direct insult.

Male Dress CodeMale dress codes:Business suits is a must for any business meeting. Dressing nicely is a must for going out.Visiting tourists who wear shorts on the street give roughly the same impression that they would wandering around Bournemouth or Baltimore in their underpants. Long trousers are essential in the city, the country and the desert, whatever the weather – clean and respectable light cotton, denim or canvas ones in plain colors (not flimsy, brightly patterned beach-style trousers). If you must wear shorts, go for the loose-fitting knee-length variety rather than brief, shape-hugging athlete’s shorts. Any top that doesn’t cover your shoulders and upper arms counts as underwear. Wear a T-shirt if you like, but a buttoned shirt tucked into your trousers broadcasts a sounder message about the kind of value you place on cultural sensitivity. Jordanian men never, in any situation, walk around topless.

Before the MealBefore the meal:If you’re invited to eat with someone at home and you choose to accept, the first thing to consider is how to repay your host’s hospitality. Attempting to offer money would be deeply offensive – what is appropriate is to bring some token of your appreciation. A kilo or two of sweet pastries handed to your host as you arrive will be immediately ferreted away out of sight and never referred to again; the gesture, however, will have been appreciated. Otherwise, presenting gifts directly will generally cause embarrassment, since complex social etiquette demands that such a gift be refused several times before acceptance. Instead, you can acknowledge your appreciation by giving gifts to the small children: pens, small toys, notebooks, football stickers, even picture-postcards of your home country will endear you to your hosts much more than might appear from the monetary value of such things.

During and After the Meal

Once you arrive for a meal, you may be handed a thimbleful of bitter Arabic coffee as a welcoming gesture; down it rapidly, since everyone present must drink before sociability's can continue. Hand the cup back while jiggling your wrist: this indicates you don’t want any more (if you just hand it straight back, you’ll get a refill). The meal – often a mansaf – may well be served on the floor if you’re in a tent, generally with the head of the household, his adult sons and any male friends squatting on one knee or sitting cross-legged around a large communal platter; Western women count as males for social purposes and will be included in the circle. As guest of honor, you may be invited to sit beside the head of the household. Even if wives and daughters are present, they almost certainly won’t eat with you, and you may find that they all stay out of sight in another part of the tent or house for the duration of your visit. If they do, it would be grossly impertinent to enquire after them.

Leaving the Hosts Home

When leaving the home of the host.

It is important to give thanks for the invitation to the host and family. Shaking hands or sharing a cheek to cheek (also a form of a kiss) is acceptable if the host initiates it.

Taking Your Guest out

There are varieties of international restaurants in Jordan that you can invite your business associates to.

It is highly recommended that you welcome your business guests with a welcome hand shake, and a smile.

Photography Always ask permission before you photograph women in any context, even in the street – and, if you’re in or near a family house or in the desert next to Bedouin tents, ask permission of the men too. Some people don’t mind, others do. Any refusal will be given graciously and smilingly, but perhaps a little diffidently – ask twice if necessary to be sure you don’t mistake a no for a yes.

Month Of Ramadan Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. This

means no food or drinks (Including smoking) is acceptable from anyone. You have to respect the culture you are in.

Many Hotels provide food inside their restaurants during all hours.

Work hours is limited in this month