Jordan is a country located in the Middle East, known for its rich history, culture and natural beauty. It shares borders with Iraq, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. Many people are drawn to the country for its historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural diversity. However, living in Jordan also has its downsides. Here are some pros and cons to consider if you’re thinking about making the move:
Pros:
- Rich history and culture: Jordan is home to many historical sites and landmarks, including Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and the ancient city of Jerash.
- Natural beauty: Jordan has a diverse range of landscapes, from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea, and the Wadi Rum desert, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Cultural diversity: Jordan is a melting pot of cultures with a diverse population of Arabs, Kurds, Circassians, and Palestinian refugees.
- Good healthcare: Jordan has a well-developed healthcare system with a range of private and public hospitals and clinics, and medical treatment is generally affordable.
- Strong expat community: There is a large expat community in Jordan, which can be a great resource for newcomers looking to make friends, find housing, and navigate the local culture.
- Good education system: Jordan has a well-developed education system, with many opportunities for language learning and academic study.
- Safe country: Jordan is considered to be a safe country with a low crime rate.
- Good weather: Jordan has a pleasant weather with hot summers and mild winters.
- Good job opportunities: Jordan has many job opportunities in various sectors, particularly in the tourism and IT industries.
- Good transportation: Jordan has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, with buses and trains connecting the major cities and tourist destinations.
Cons:
- Bureaucracy: Dealing with Jordan’s bureaucracy can be a challenge, and expats may find it difficult to navigate the local government agencies and legal system.
- Limited privacy: Living in a shared culture and space where people have different ideas of privacy compared to the West, can be challenging for some expats.
- Scams: Scammers and fraudsters are present in Jordan like in any other country, and it is important to be aware of common scams and to take precautions to protect yourself.
- Cultural differences: Adapting to the local culture and customs can be difficult for some expats, particularly when it comes to issues like personal space, punctuality, and respect for authority.
- Air pollution: Air pollution is a growing problem in Jordan, particularly in larger cities like Amman.
- Political instability: Jordan’s political instability and potential tensions with neighboring countries can be a concern for some expats.
- Limited job opportunities for foreigners: Job opportunities for foreigners can be limited and may require a good command of the Arabic language.
- Economic struggles: Jordan has an economy that relies heavily on foreign aid and with high rates of unemployment and poverty.
- Strict laws: Jordan has strict laws and regulations, which can be challenging for some expats to navigate.
- Limited freedom of speech: Jordan has limited freedom of speech and censorship laws which can be challenging for some expats.
In conclusion, living in Jordan can be a great experience for those who are looking for rich history and culture, natural beauty, cultural diversity, good healthcare, strong expat community, good education system, safety, good weather, good job opportunities and good transportation. However, it also has its downsides such as bureaucracy, limited privacy, scams, cultural differences, air pollution, political instability, limited job opportunities for foreigners, economic struggles, strict laws and limited freedom of speech. It’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons and to be prepared for the unique challenges of living in a foreign country before making the decision to move to Jordan. Additionally, it’s important to familiarize oneself with the local customs, laws and regulations to ensure a smooth transition to living in Jordan. It’s also important to be aware of the fact that Arabic is widely spoken in Jordan, and it might be helpful to learn it as well.