Capital City: Amman
	It is %T:%M %A in Amman

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Economic trends

Jordan is classified by the World Bank as a "lower middle income country." It is a small country with limited natural resources. Through recent economic reforms aimed at liberalization of trade and attracting investments, Jordan has shown good performance and is thus considered as a regional economic role model. The GDP growth rate is over 6%. Poverty, unemployment (nearly 12%) and a large foreign debt remain major problems. The economy will continue to be vulnerable to external shocks and regional unrest.

Main branches of industry

Agriculture represents about 2.2% of the GDP. The lack of water is putting a brake on agricultural development. The principal crops are wheat, barley, lentils, tomatoes, eggplants, citrus fruits, olives, and grapes. Many Jordanians support themselves by raising sheep, goats, and poultry. Phosphates and potassium are the only natural resources. The manufacturing sector is rather limited and dominated by textiles. Industry and mining together contribute nearly 29% to the GDP. The government has identified the sector of information technology (IT) and the tourism as promising growth sectors. Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) which offers tax benefits & minimum regulatory restrictions is considered a model of a government-provided framework for private sector-led economic growth. The services sector contributes nearly 69% to the GDP.

International trade

Jordan is now increasingly opening up to international trade. The share of foreign trade in countries GDP is around 135%. Jordan is a member of WTO and signed a free-trade agreement (FTA) with the USA in December 2001 which will phase out duties on nearly all goods and services by 2010. Jordan has also signed am Agreement of Association with the EU. Being Iraq's main trade partner, Jordan should benefit from re-construction of this country. The country’s top three export partners are: the USA, Iraq and India. The commodities mainly exported are apparel & clothing accessories, fertilizers, pharmaceutical products, and edible vegetables. The top three import partners are: Saudi Arabi, China and Germany. Jordan mainly imports mineral fuels & oils, vehicles, machinery, and electric & electronic equipment.