Topography

Jordan's main topographical feature is a dry plateau running from north to south. This rises steeply from the eastern shores of the Jordan River and the Dead Sea, reaching a height of between 610 and 915 metres (about 2-3,000ft). This plateau area includes most of Jordan's main cities and towns.

In the west runs the Great Rift Valley, a deep depression, which includes the Jordan Valley, the Wadi Araba and the Dead Sea. In the area of Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee) the valley is about 213m (700ft) below sea level and the Dead Sea marks the world's lowest point, at 395m (1,296ft) below sea level.

In the extreme east, the land slopes downwards from the plateau to the semi-arid steppe country of the Syrian Desert.

Jordan is landlocked except for a short stretch of coast along the Gulf of Aqaba in the south. The Eastern Desert occupies about 80% of the country. Bordered to the east by steep highlands, the Jordan River Valley lies in the West. Jabal Ramm in the south, is Jordan's highest point; it reaches 5,754 ft. Amman is capital and largest city; summer is hot and dry; winter is cooler and wetter.