Background on Jordan

 

   Jordan’s population grew seven-fold between 1952 and 1994 and now stands at 5.1 million, growing by nearly 3% per year. If this growth rate were to continue, the population would double in just 24 years. Within a quarter century, Jordan is projected to have 8.8 million people.

   In line with the high growth rate, Jordanian women have, on average, 4.4 children over the course of their reproductive lives, well above the average for the region as a whole (which is 4). Not surprisingly, Jordan’s population is young – 40% are 15 years old or younger.

   The contraceptive prevalence rate has risen, however, from 23% in 1976 to 49% in 1996. Still, the population continues to grow rapidly because of continuing high fertility levels.

   The infant mortality rate is 26 per 1,000 live births and continues to fall. However, maternal mortality appears to have risen since the early 1990s, from 48 deaths per 100,000 live births to 150 per 100,000 live births (according to data compiled by Population Action International).

   Adult literacy is high, with 90% of males and 80% of females able to read and write. Moreover, more girls are staying in school for longer periods of time, thanks to comprehensive advocacy campaigns carried out by national NGOs with support from UN agencies and other donors.

   Jordan is a middle income country with a per capita GNP of $1,150 per year. Unemployment is endemic – some 15% of the workforce is out of work. The proportion of the population falling below the poverty line varies between 15% and 20%.

   Jordan is mostly barren desert, with very limited supplies of freshwater and arable land. Access to water has become a contentious issue between Israel and Jordan in the last decade and continues to be a vexing problem.


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