Demographics of Jordan

Most Jordanians are primarily of indigenous Levantine Semitic stock, admixed with various other peoples who have through its history come to conquer or settle the area - principally Arabians (also a Semitic people) during the Islamic expansionism that brought Arab culture, language and the Muslim faith.

There are also a few smaller communities of Chechens, Circassians, Assyrians, Armenians, and Kurds, some of which have also adapted to Arab culture. The official language is Arabic, but English is used widely in commerce and government. About 70% of Jordan’s population is urban; less than 6% of the rural population is nomadic or semi-nomadic. Most people live where the rainfall supports agriculture. About 2.6 million persons registered as Palestinian refugees and displaced persons reside in Jordan, most as citizens.

Jordanians are Semetic Levantines, except for a few small communities of Circassians, Chechens, Armenians, and Kurds which have adapted to Arab culture. Jews were expelled in 1923 and denied citizenship since. The official language is Arabic, but English is used widely in commerce and government. About 70% of Jordan’s population is urban; less than 6% of the rural population is nomadic or seminomadic. Most people live where the rainfall supports agriculture. About 1.5 million Palestinian Arabs registered as refugees and displaced persons reside in Jordan, most as citizens.