Ancient Jordan: The Cradle of Civilization

Jordan is an ancient land, a country rich in history and culture that enjoys the reputation of being the foundation of civilization since Babylonian, Assyrian, and Persian times.  For thousands of years, Jordan has enjoyed her place in history in the Middle East, from biblical times to the 21st century. Archaeological remains and wonders of the world can be found in Jordan, as can modern amenities and some of the most exotic and exquisite dining experiences, accommodations, and fun things to do.

Jordan in a Snapshot

• Currency: Jordanian dinar
• Language: Arabic
• Climate: Dry in summer with average temperatures of 90°F and cool winters with averages of 32°F
• Capital: Amman

Jordan is a place of culture, religion, and history.  It offers the magnificent ruins at Petra, Greek or Roman ruins in Jerash and evokes visions of sprawling, sandy deserts, exquisite beauty, and the fertile, Jordan Valley. Visitors to Jordan relish the warm waters of the Red Sea; enjoy rock climbing, 4x4 safaris, horseback riding, and historical treks through this ancient land. From spa facilities to four-star hotels and gourmet dining, Jordan is a destination that welcomes visitors from around the world and offers experiences that can be found nowhere else.

While most of Jordan is covered by desert, most especially the famous Arabian Desert, fertile valleys found in the northwest portion of the country beckon to travelers who desire to view the country's sacred Jordan River. Other more hospitable areas offer visitors numerous sightseeing opportunities, such as the Great Rift Valley, the Fertile Crescent and the Gulf of Aqaba.

Visitors to Jordan invariably visit her many wildlife, nature, and wetland reserves or take in the scenery from the top of Mount Nebo, rising over 2680 feet above sea level in the western portion of the country.  Visitors also get their feet in the Dead Sea and the Red Sea, and bask in the warm sunshine that graces their coastlines.  Travelers to Jordan enjoy a wide variety of outdoor and indoor activities, sightseeing excursions, museums, ancient and modern architecture and historical landmarks.

Why Health Tourism in Jordan?
According to the September/October 2008 issue of Jordan's Tourism Board Monthly Newsletter, Jordan is the only country in the Middle East with a booming healthcare business. Medical tourism revenues in 2007 exceeded $1 billion and foreign patients have grown at about a 10% rate annually since 2004. Jordan has fast created a reputation for its superlative and groundbreaking cardiac and organ transplant surgeries of the 70s and 80s, to cancer treatments, cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures, fertility treatments and procedures in ophthalmology, and more.

U.S. travelers pay one-tenth the cost of surgeries performed in their homeland, while Europeans save at least one-third on costs. In addition, American medical travelers to Jordan save months, if not years, on surgical wait times for surgical procedures.

Medical travelers from around the world, including the near Middle East, Britain, and the United States visit Jordan every year to enjoy the benefits of state-of-the-art and technologically advanced private hospitals, clinics and outpatient facilities. While in Jordan, medical travelers also benefit from the wealth of things to do and see throughout the country.

10 Fun Things to Do in Jordan

• Visit ancient Petra and see ruins from biblical times
• Explore Al-Kahf, also known as the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, near Amman
• Stroll through the oak and pine forest of the Ajloun Nature Reserve
• Visit the site of Christ's baptism in Bethany on the east bank of the Jordan River half hour from Amman
• Go bird watching in Azraq
• Take a mud bath in the Dead Sea
• Enjoy the bustle of downtown Amman
• Visit the 2 million stone piece sixth century map of Jerusalem at Madaba
• Go hiking in the Mujib nature preserve near the Dead Sea

Visiting Jordan is an eye opening and often-unexpected experience. From its canyons to the River Jordan, to its ancient ruins to shimmering deserts, Jordan offers visitors a chance to step back in time and bask in the history of civilization in this beautiful desert kingdom. Take advantage of the superlative modern technology available in Jordan, while at the same time appreciating the legacy, culture and history of one of the oldest countries in the world.