Today we brave the heat of the Middle East as we’re heading to Jordan, a small country nestled in between Syria, Iraq, Israel and Saudi Arabia.

What I knew about Jordan before today

I didn’t know much about Jordan other than it’s in the Middle East, inspired Lawrence of Arabia and is home to the ancient ruins of Petra.

What’s Jordan’s top tourist attraction?

Obviously Petra. This ancient city carved into the sides of a canyon feels like something out of Indiana Jones. Petra is one of those places I very much want to visit, yet at the same time know it will be very busy and not at all like the photos. 

What was the last war or conflict Jordan took part in?

Despite its location, right in the centre of the Middle East Jordan has mostly avoided conflicts in recent history. During the Arab Spring reforms in response to widespread protests helped avoid unrest. There were some Al-Qaeda terrorist attacks in 2005 resulting in 60 people dying, but prior to that the last significant conflict was back in 1973 during the Yom Kippur War where Jordan sent troops to support Syrian forces.

A Bizarre fact about Jordan

Firstly Jordan is bigger than I thought, it’s actually larger than Austria. Secondly, Indiana Jones did actually visit Petra! Petra was the filming location for the final scene of Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade when Indiana is searching out the resting place of the Holy Grail. Maybe my childhood enjoyment of this movie is why I’m so drawn to visit Petra.

Was Jordan a former colony?

Yes, Jordan was a British protectorate from 1921-1946 and prior to that was part of the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years.

What are Jordan’s main exports?

Jordan's main exports are clothing, chemicals and chemical products.

What’s Jordan’s National dish?

Jordan’s national dish is widely considered to be mansaf, a dish originating from Bedouin tribes. Mansaf is a dish of lamb, fermented yoghurt (called jammed) and rice pilaf. It looks delicious.