A - Advertising Agencies - Arabic Sweets, Pastries, Chocolates - Architects B - Banks - Beauty C - Car Rental - Coffee Shops - Commerce - Consulting - Craft D - Data Processing & Computer Systems - Decoration & Furnishing E - Environment / Waste Management Services - Express Delivery - Equipment : food services, catering, kitchen, laundry F - Financial Services - Flowers - Food & Beverage H - Hotels 3 - Hotels 4 & 5 - Hotels & Suites I - Industry - Insurance - Interior Design / Decoration - Internet J - Jewelleries L - Leisure - Lighting M - Medias - Medical / Technology O - Office Equipments / Electronics - Outside Decoration P - Printing R - Real Estate - Restaurants S - Security - Shop Systems - Superstores T - Telecommunication & Mobile Phones - Transport - Travel Agencies

Get a brief overview of the main economic sectors in Jordan, and of their importance in the national economy. Facts, figures that will give you a better idea of the potentiality of this country. More information about Jordan's economy are available in the section "Investment Opportunities" on the home page.

In 1996, the primary sector (agriculture, forestry and fishing) employed about 7% of the working population and represented 6% of Jordan Gross Domestic Product. The agriculture in Jordan is dependent on the abundance of rain and on the irrigation. Indeed, 90% of the country is classified as desert.

The construction of the Ghor canal between the Tiberiade Lake and the Dead Sea has developed the economy of the entire Jordan valley. Thus the percentage of irrigated lands has been multiplied by two in ten years and is now 16%. Fruits and vegetables are cultivated in this valley. The main cultivation are barley and wheat and they are grown in the rain-fed upland areas. In 1997, the industry in Jordan employed 14% of the country's labour force and represented 16.7% of Jordan's Gross domestic Product. The Jordan's industry can be divided in two main sectors: - Mining and Quarrying - Manufacturing Phosphates and potash are Jordan's main natural resources. Both minerals are used in the production of fertilisers. Jordan is one of the three more important exporters of phosphates in the world. In recent years, the growth of Jordan's pharmaceutical industry has been very impressive. Jordan is now exporting its pharmaceutical products in more than 30 countries. The manufacturing sector in Jordan is not only pharmaceuticals, it is also detergents, soaps and toiletries. Some companies are also manufacturing electronics, electrical appliances or satellite dishes. Jordan generates 99.6 percent of its electricity in thermal installations using imported petroleum. In 1997 the country's output was 6 billion kilowatt-hours. In Jordan, there are some natural resources such as oil that remains untapped, or also natural gas and shale oil.

In 1997, the engineering and contracting sector represented 6.5% of Jordan's Gross domestic Product. Construction materials like cement, stones or steel reinforcement bars are produced locally at very competitive prices.

Jordan also produces its own ceramic tiles, sanitary fixtures, air conditioning, elevators, pipes and wires. Jordan's construction industry is working in the country but also outside Jordan on various projects in collaboration with international firms.

Transport and communication in Jordan represented 15.7% of Jordan's Gross domestic Product in 1997. Because of its geographic location, many countries are using Jordan's transport network for their exportation. Jordan has a modern road network of 7120 km; nearly all of it paved. Asphalt roads link all major cities. The port of Aqaba is one of the most efficient in the Middle East because of its ideal location and of its modern equipment. So this port plays an important role as a transhipment center for the countries of the region. The Royal Jordan Airline and many other international airlines serve the air terminal in Amman. Jordan's air transportation is handled by 3 airports: Queen Alia international airport, Amman civil airport and Aqaba international airport.

The communication infrastructures in Jordan are reliable and modern. This is the Jordan Telecommunication Corporation (J.T.C.) who is developing and expanding this line network.

Telecommunication is not only this line network but also the cellular phones network, pagers data transmission and satellite networks. There is a fast growing demand for all these services. The development of internet in Jordan is also very fast. Most companies are now connected to the internet network

The finance and investment sector represented 22.5% of Jordan's Gross domestic Product in 1997. There are now more than 20 banks that operate in Jordan. Services provided by banks and financial institutions are wide and flourishing. It is possible for an expatriate or a foreign company to open an account in both Jordanian Dinars or foreign currencies.