The Economy of Jordan
Jordan at a Glance
Jordan is a small, resource-poor Middle Eastern country that relies on services, remittances, phosphates and foreign aid, and hosts large numbers of refugees.
Jordan has about 11 million people and almost no oil, unlike its Gulf neighbours. It is one of the world’s most water-scarce countries.
Economy
Services, tourism, mining, pharmaceuticals, garments and remittances from Jordanians abroad.
Position
A stable kingdom in a turbulent region, valued by Western and Gulf donors.
Challenges
High unemployment, especially for young people, and heavy public debt.
A small state
Jordan depends on aid, remittances and services to make up for lack of oil.
Assuming every Middle Eastern country is oil-rich
Jordan is not.
Key takeaways
- Jordan lacks oil.
- Aid and remittances matter.
- Services dominate.
- Unemployment is high.
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