PEOPLE
Jordanians are Arabs, except for a few small communities of Circassians, Armenians, and Kurds who have adapted to Arab culture. The official language is Arabic, but English is used widely in commerce and government. About 70% of Jordan's population is urban; less than 6% of the rural population is nomadic or semi-nomadic. Most of the population lives where rainfall can support agriculture. Approximately 1.7 million registered Palestinian refugees and other displaced persons reside in Jordan, many as citizens.
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Jordanian(s).
Population (2007 est.): 6.05 million.
Religions (2001 est.): Sunni Muslim 92%, Christian 6%, other 2%.
Languages: Arabic (official), English.
Education (2006, according to Jordan's Department of Statistics): Literacy--90.9%.
Health (2003): Infant mortality rate--16/1,000. Life expectancy--78 yrs.
Ethnic groups: Mostly Arab but small communities of Circassians, Armenians, and Kurds.
Work force (1.3 million, of which 260 thousand are registered guest workers): public sector 17%, services 36%, manufacturing 20%, education 12%, health and social services 10%, primary industries 5%.
Unemployment rate (2007): 13% of economically active Jordanians.
