Jordan

Jordan Factbook

Jordan is dominated by Islam, but the people have shown some openness to the gospel in recent years. The vast majority of the population that has never heard of Jesus, but there are few restrictions against evangelism than in many Muslim countries.

Jordan is located in the Middle East. It shares borders with Israel, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Most of the land is desert except for the area on the eastern bank of the Jordan river. Jordan gave up claims to the west bank of the Jordan river in 1967 (an area now occupied by Israel).

The population of Jordan is nearly 5 million. Most of the people are Arab with a large Palestinian population. Most of the population is concentrated near the east bank of the Jordan.

The economy in Jordan struggles. Unlike many countries in this region, Jordan does not have significant oil fields. Lack of natural resources and almost continuous unrest in the region keep the economy under pressure.

Jordan was part of the Turkish-Ottoman empire until 1918 and finally gained independence from Great Britain in 1946 (2 years before Israel was recognized as a nation by the UN). King Hussein reigned from 1946 until his death in 1999. During the 1990's, King Hussein began to institute democratic reforms. There is growing pressure from Muslim groups for implementation of Islamic law.

There is freedom of religion for all groups, but it is illegal for a Muslim to convert to another religion. Christians have more freedom to evangelize than in many predominantly Muslim countries. Nearly 95% of the population is Muslim. Most Christians are either Easter Orthodox or Roman Catholic. Evangelicals account for less than one half of one percent.

Over the last 10 years, the people appear to be more open to the gospel and many have come to Christ. Although there have been conversion among the Muslims, the overall percentage of evangelicals has been declining. One significant cause is emigration from Jordan by Christians. Economic and social conditions are difficult, and Bible education opportunities are limited. Many leave and do not return.

Missionary activity is somewhat limited due to visa restrictions but a number of missionaries are working in Jordan. Pray for their attempts to spread the gospel and for more workers for this field.

Pray for efforts to use Christian radio, television, and literature to reach large portions of the population who have never heard the gospel.

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