amman

Amman is the capital and largest city of Jordan, serving as the country’s political, cultural, and economic center. It lies in north-central Jordan on the Amman Plateau, a highland area with hills and valleys at elevations around 700 meters above sea level.

Historically, Amman has been inhabited since ancient times. It was the homeland of the Ammonites and was later known as Philadelphia under Greek and Roman rule. The city experienced Byzantine and Islamic periods, and in the modern era it grew rapidly after 1921 and became the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom in 1946.

Geographically, Amman sits on several connected hills and covers a broad plateau. The climate is semi-arid, with hot, dry summers and cool, wetter winters; most rain falls in winter.

Demographically, Amman forms the core of the Greater Amman Municipality and hosts a metropolitan population of several million, reflecting Jordan’s diverse society, including Palestinian and other Arab communities, expatriates, and migrant workers.

Economically, Amman is the national center of government, finance, and services. It houses ministries, the parliament, courts, banks, and multinational firms, and serves as a regional hub for education and culture. The city is home to the University of Jordan and several other institutions.

Cultural and historical sites include the Amman Citadel, the Roman Theater, the Jordan Museum, and the King Abdullah I Mosque. Neighborhoods range from the historic core to modern districts such as Abdoun and Sweifieh.

Transportation and infrastructure include Queen Alia International Airport located south of the city, major highways, and public buses and taxis. Amman is the primary gateway for international visitors to Jordan.