Jordan is divided into 12 regions, called "governorates" in Arabic. The names of Jordan's regions will be useful to you when traveling around the country. The governorates are divided into 52 districts. Geographically, the country is divided into three regions: Central, Southern, and Northern. This division is not based on population or administrative structure but is based on geographical features: landscape and distance.
Central regions of Jordan:
Amman is a regional and modern Arab city. Anyone who wants to see a modern Middle East that in places resembles traditional Europe will rejoice in these parts. But if you're expecting to see mystery and oriental magic, you're probably not here.
El Karak is a region and city that developed around a Crusader fortress. This region rises about 1,000 meters above sea level, and from the spurs of the plateau, you can easily see the Dead Sea.
Et Tafila is known for its largest nature reserve in the country, which includes the mountain slopes of the Eastern Rift Valley. The reserve is called Dana.
Madaba - You'll find many attractions in this region, and the city itself is full of surprises.
Southern regions of Jordan:
Maan is the administrative center of the Maan Governorate of the same name, which is the largest and least densely populated administrative unit of Jordan. There has been a civilization on the territory of modern Ma'an since the Nabataean kingdom. The new city is located just northwest of its old location.
Aqaba is the country's only seaside region and port city. It is located in the south, on the Gulf of Aqaba. The city of Aqaba is a young resort with sandy beaches transitioning to rocky beaches in the south. All conditions for year-round recreation are created here. The beaches of the resort can be private or public, and the best hotels are located in the north of Aqaba.
Northern regions of Jordan:
Irbid is one of the regions of Jordan. It is located north of Amman, the capital of Jordan. The capital Irbid, the second most populous city in Jordan, is located 65 km north of Amman. The population is 650 thousand people. The main transportation lines connect Irbid with Amman, with the northern part of the country, with Syria, and Ar-Ramta, which is why in Jordan the city is often called the "Bride of the North."
Ajloun is one of the most beautiful governorates in the kingdom. It is located in mountainous areas (590-1240 meters above sea level) covered with forested areas.
Jarash is the smallest of all the governorates of Jordan. The center of this region is called Jordan's Pompeii due to the good preservation of ancient ruins.
El-Mafraq is Jordan's second-largest governorate. The borders with Iraq and Syria run nearby. The area that the modern city occupies is known as the cradle of Christianity. The vicinity of El-Mafraq is notable for the oldest Christian temple. The structure is believed to have been erected in the 1st or 2nd century.
El-Balka is a northwestern region where agriculture is well developed. Wheat, barley, tobacco, grapes, olives, and pomegranates are grown here. The administrative center here is As-Salt, while the central cities of other regions of Jordan coincide with them in names.
Ez-Zarqa is a region notable for the Qasr Shabib Castle and one of the large nature reserves, of which there are about 10 throughout the country. The protected area is located on the outskirts of the city and features numerous wetlands and is home to three hundred species of birds.
