Jordan has a population of around 10 million, a number that has swelled significantly due to waves of Palestinian and Syrian refugees. Palestinians — many of whose families came as refugees in 1948 and 1967 — make up a large share of the population, and Jordanian and Palestinian identity often intertwine. The Syrian crisis of the 2010s brought another large influx. Jordan hosts one of the highest per-capita refugee populations in the world, and the cities, particularly Amman and Irbid, reflect this layered demographic reality.
The overwhelming majority of Jordanians are Sunni Muslim, with a Christian minority of around 4%, concentrated in Amman, Madaba, and the Karak region. Religious tolerance is notably strong by regional standards, and Christian churches operate freely alongside mosques.
The Bedouin heritage runs deep, even in urban Jordan. Many families trace Bedouin roots and maintain a strong code of hospitality — guests are welcomed, tea is offered before business, and generosity is a point of pride. You will encounter this quickly if you spend time outside the capital.
Jordanians are, on the whole, among the more easy-going people you will meet in the Middle East. The hard-sell approach common in some neighboring countries is largely absent. You can browse a market, sit in a cafe, or walk through a neighborhood without being constantly approached. That said, curiosity about foreigners is real, and conversations start easily.
Arabic is the language of daily life. English is widely spoken in Amman and among educated Jordanians. In rural areas and smaller towns, English becomes less reliable — gestures, patience, and a few words of Arabic go a long way.