Jordan, a country in West Asia, is bordered by Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel. The Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea along its western border, and it has a small coastline on the Red Sea. Amman, its capital, is the largest city in Jordan and the Levant.
1905: Shoubak Revolt
Transjordanian tribes revolted against Ottoman rule in the Shoubak Revolt of 1905, which was suppressed by Ottoman forces.
1908: Young Turk Revolution
The Young Turk Revolution of 1908 led to increased centralization and Turkification policies in the Ottoman Empire, fueling Arab nationalism and contributing to the outbreak of the Arab Revolt in 1916.
1908: Hejaz Railway Construction
Construction of the Hejaz Railway, connecting Damascus to Medina through Transjordan, was completed in 1908, bringing economic benefits to the region.
1910: Karak Revolt
Another uprising against Ottoman rule, the Karak Revolt, took place in 1910 and was met with harsh suppression by Ottoman authorities.
1915: Armenian Genocide Refugees
Around 5,000 descendants of Armenians who sought refuge in the Levant during the 1915 Armenian genocide reside in Jordan, primarily in Amman.
1915: McMahon-Hussein Correspondence
The McMahon-Hussein Correspondence in 1915 involved communication between the British and Sharif Hussein, with the British expressing support for Arab independence in exchange for their revolt against the Ottomans.
June 1916: Start of the Arab Revolt
The Arab Revolt, initiated on 5 June 1916, marked a turning point in the struggle against Ottoman rule, aiming to establish an independent Arab state.
1916: Arab Revolt
The Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire began in June 1916, led by Sharif Hussein of Mecca and his sons, seeking independence and a unified Arab state.
1916: Sykes-Picot Agreement
The secret Sykes-Picot Agreement in 1916 between Britain and France contradicted earlier promises made to the Arabs, dividing the Middle East into spheres of influence.
July 1917: Battle of Aqaba
The Arab Revolt reached Transjordan with the Battle of Aqaba in July 1917, a significant victory for the Arab forces.
1917: Balfour Declaration
The Balfour Declaration, issued by the British government in 1917, announced support for the establishment of a "national home" for the Jewish people in Palestine, further complicating Arab aspirations for independence.
October 1918: Faisal Enters Damascus
Faisal, son of Sharif Hussein, entered Damascus in October 1918, establishing an Arab-led military administration in OETA East, which included Transjordan.
July 1920: Battle of Maysalun
The nascent Hashemite Kingdom in Greater Syria was defeated by French forces in the Battle of Maysalun in July 1920, leading to the French occupation of Syria.
August 1920: British Declaration of Support for Local Governments in Transjordan
In August 1920, British High Commissioner Herbert Samuel declared British support for the establishment of local governments in Transjordan, separate from Palestine.
October 1920: Formation of the Arab Legion
The Arab Legion, the precursor to the modern Jordanian Armed Forces, was formed in October 1920, marking the beginning of Jordan's organized military force.
November 1920: Abdullah Arrives in Transjordan
Abdullah, son of Sharif Hussein, arrived in Transjordan in November 1920, aiming to establish stability and gain support for Hashemite rule.
March 1921: British Decision to Include Transjordan in Mandate for Palestine
The British decided in March 1921 to include Transjordan in their Mandate for Palestine, while granting it more autonomy and excluding it from provisions related to Jewish settlement.
April 1921: Establishment of Jordan's First Police Force
Following the Ottoman Empire's collapse, Jordan established its first official police force on April 11, 1921.
April 1921: Formal Establishment of the Emirate of Transjordan
The Emirate of Transjordan was formally established in April 1921, with Abdullah I as its ruler.
1921: Kura Rebellions
Local rebellions broke out in Kura, Transjordan, in 1921 and 1923, which were suppressed by the Emir's forces with British support.
1921: Establishment of the Emirate of Transjordan
The Emirate of Transjordan was established in April 1921, with Abdullah I as Emir, under British protection.
1922: League of Nations Recognition of Transjordan
The Council of the League of Nations recognized Transjordan as a state under the terms of the Transjordan memorandum in September 1922.
1923: Kura Rebellions
Local rebellions broke out in Kura, Transjordan, in 1921 and 1923, which were suppressed by the Emir's forces with British support.
1924: Hashemite Custodianship over Holy Sites in Jerusalem
Since 1924, the Hashemite dynasty has been responsible for the custodianship of holy sites in Jerusalem, a role further solidified by the Israel-Jordan peace treaty.
1924: Wahhabi Raids
Wahhabi forces from Najd conducted raids into southern Transjordan between 1922 and 1924, posing a challenge to the Emir's rule.
1930: Christian Population Decline
The Christian population in Jordan decreased from 20% in 1930 to around 4% in more recent times, largely due to factors such as Muslim immigration and Christian emigration.
March 1946: Treaty of London Recognizes Transjordan's Independence
In March 1946, the Treaty of London was signed by the British Government and the Emir of Transjordan, recognizing Transjordan's independence upon ratification by both countries' parliaments.
May 1946: Transjordan Becomes the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
On May 25, 1946, the Treaty of London was ratified, and Transjordan officially became a kingdom under the name of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with Abdullah as its first king. This day is now celebrated as Jordan's Independence Day.
1946: Growth of the Arab Legion
By 1946, the Arab Legion had significantly grown to 8,000 men from its initial size of 150 men in 1920.
1946: Jordanian Independence
Jordan gained independence from British mandate rule in 1946 and became officially known as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
1946: End of British Mandate
The British Mandate for Transjordan ended in 1946, paving the way for its full independence as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
1946: Amman Population
The population of Amman, Jordan's capital, was recorded as 65,754 in 1946.
May 1948: Jordan Enters the 1948 Arab-Israeli War
On May 15, 1948, Jordan joined the 1948 Arab-Israeli War along with other Arab states.
1948: First Wave of Palestinian Refugees
The initial significant wave of Palestinian refugees arrived in Jordan during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
1948: Jordan Accepts Palestinian Refugees
Beginning in 1948, Jordan started accepting refugees from neighboring countries experiencing conflict, including Palestinian refugees.
1949: Name Change to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Although Transjordan officially became the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 1946, it continued to be referred to as Transjordan in English until 1949.
June 1950: Arab League Declares Jordan's Annexation Temporary
On June 12, 1950, the Arab League declared that Jordan's annexation of the West Bank was a temporary measure and that Jordan would hold the territory as a "trustee" until a future settlement.
1950: Water and Sanitation Access
In 1950, only 10% of Jordan's population had access to water and sanitation facilities.
1951: Assassination of King Abdullah
King Abdullah was assassinated in 1951 by a Palestinian militant at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, amid rumors of a potential peace treaty with Israel.
1952: Adoption of Jordan's Constitution
In 1952, Jordan adopted its constitution, laying the groundwork for the country's governance, including the roles of the monarch, government, legislature, and judiciary.
1952: Establishment of Jordan's Modern Constitution
King Talal, who succeeded King Abdullah, established Jordan's modern constitution in 1952.
1953: King Hussein Ascends to the Throne
King Hussein, Talal's eldest son, ascended to the throne in 1953 at the age of 17 after his father abdicated due to illness.
December 1955: Jordan Joins the United Nations
Jordan became a member of the United Nations on December 14, 1955.
March 1956: Jordan Arabizes Army Command
On March 1, 1956, King Hussein Arabized the command of the Jordanian Army by dismissing senior British officers in an effort to remove remaining foreign influence.
1956: Formation of the Public Safety Directorate
Prior to 1956, policing duties were managed by the Arab Legion and the Transjordan Frontier Force, but that year marked the establishment of the Public Safety Directorate.
July 1958: Dissolution of the Arab Federation
The Arab Federation, formed by Jordan and Iraq, dissolved on July 14, 1958, after Iraqi King Faisal II was deposed in a coup.
1966: Establishment of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature
The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature was established in 1966 with the goal of protecting and managing Jordan's natural resources.
1967: Jordan's Position on an Independent Palestinian State
Jordan has consistently advocated for an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders as a key element of the two-state solution.
1967: Six-Day War and Citizenship Revocation
Following Israel's capture of the West Bank in 1967, Jordan revoked the citizenship of numerous Palestinians to discourage permanent resettlement from the West Bank to Jordan. Palestinian refugees continued to arrive, with another peak during the Six-Day War.
1968: Battle of Karameh
In 1968, the Battle of Karameh took place, where the Jordanian Armed Forces and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) repelled an Israeli attack on the Karameh camp on the Jordanian border with the West Bank.
September 1970: Black September Conflict Erupts
In September 1970, fighting broke out between the Jordanian army and Palestinian fedayeen, leading to the expulsion of Palestinian fighters from various PLO groups into Lebanon. This conflict is known as Black September.
1973: Jordan's Limited Involvement in the Yom Kippur War
During the Yom Kippur War in 1973, Jordan sent a brigade to Syria to fight Israeli units on Syrian territory but did not engage Israeli forces from Jordanian territory.
1974: Jordan Recognizes PLO as Representative of Palestinians
At the Rabat summit conference in 1974, Jordan, along with the rest of the Arab League, agreed that the PLO was the "sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people."
1979: Jordan Population Census
The average household size in Jordan in 1979 was 6.7 persons, as per the census conducted that year.
1988: Jordan Relinquishes Claim to West Bank
Jordan renounced its claim to the West Bank, recognizing Palestinian claims to the territory, in 1988.
1988: Jordan Relinquishes Claims to the West Bank
Jordan renounced its claims to the West Bank in 1988.
1990: Gulf War Influx of Refugees
The 1990 Gulf War led to another influx of Palestinian refugees into Jordan.
1991: Madrid Conference
Jordan agreed to participate in peace talks at the Madrid Conference in 1991.
October 1994: Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace
The Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace was signed on October 26, 1994, following negotiations sponsored by the US and the Soviet Union.
1994: Jordan-Israel Peace Treaty
Jordan signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1994, formally ending the state of war between the two countries.
February 1999: Abdullah II Becomes King of Jordan
Abdullah II ascended to the throne on February 7, 1999, after the death of his father, King Hussein, who had ruled for almost 50 years.
February 1999: King Abdullah II's Ascension to the Throne
Following the death of King Hussein, Abdullah II became the King of Jordan in February 1999, reaffirming the nation's commitment to peace with Israel and ties with the United States.
1999: Improved Relations Between Jordan and the Persian Gulf Countries
Following King Hussein's death in 1999, Jordan experienced improved relations with Persian Gulf countries.
2000: Joining WTO and Free Trade Agreement
In 2000, Jordan became a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and signed a Free Trade Agreement with the United States, becoming the first Arab nation to do so.
2002: Childhood Immunization Rates
By 2002, immunization rates for children under five in Jordan had risen to over 95%.
2003: Mandean Refugee Influx
Following the 2003 invasion of Iraq, an estimated 1,400 Mandaeans fled persecution and sought refuge in Amman, Jordan.
2004: Economic Growth Period
Between the years 2004 and 2008, Jordan's economy experienced a period of growth, averaging 8% per annum.
2004: Jordan Reaches AFC Asian Cup Quarterfinals
The Jordanian national football team reached the quarterfinals of the AFC Asian Cup in 2004, marking a significant achievement for the team.
November 2005: Amman Hotel Bombings
On November 9, 2005, coordinated explosions in three hotel lobbies in Amman, orchestrated by Al-Qaeda under Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, resulted in 60 deaths and 115 injuries. This attack is considered a rare event in Jordan, and internal security was significantly improved afterward.
2005: Establishment of German-Jordanian University
The establishment of the German-Jordanian University in 2005 led to an increase in the popularity of the German language in Jordan.
2006: Recognition for the Port of Aqaba
In 2006, Lloyd's List, a leading maritime publication, recognized the Port of Aqaba as the "Best Container Terminal" in the Middle East. This recognition was attributed to the port's strategic location, role as a transit hub for neighboring countries, and recent improvements.
June 2007: Jordan Hospital JCAHO Accreditation
On June 1, 2007, Jordan Hospital, the country's largest private hospital, became the first general specialty hospital in Jordan to receive international accreditation from JCAHO (Joint Commission International).
2007: Assyrian Christian Population
In 2007, Jordan was home to up to 150,000 Assyrian Christians, primarily refugees from Iraq.
2008: Jordan's Economic Boom
King Abdullah II's economic reforms led to a period of economic growth in Jordan that lasted until 2008.
2008: End of Economic Growth Period
The year 2008 marked the end of a period of significant economic growth for Jordan, which began in 2004.
2009: Foreign Aid to Jordan
In 2009, Jordan received a total of US$761 million in official development assistance. The majority of this aid was given as grants, with half directly supporting the national budget.
2010: Infrastructure Ranking
The World Economic Forum's Index of Economic Competitiveness ranked Jordan's infrastructure as the 35th best globally in 2010. This ranking is among the highest for developing countries and is attributed to Jordan's role as a transit hub for goods and services, primarily to Palestine and Iraq.
2010: Syrian Refugee Crisis
Since 2010, over 1.4 million Syrian refugees have fled to Jordan due to the Syrian conflict, with the Zaatari refugee camp hosting a significant portion.
2010: Tourism in Jordan
Jordan welcomed 8 million visitors in 2010, with a majority coming from European and Arab countries. The tourism sector played a significant role in the economy, contributing to employment, foreign currency earnings, and overall economic growth.
2010: Slowed Economic Growth
From 2010 onwards, Jordan's economic growth slowed down to an average rate of 2.6%.
2010: Jordan Qualifies for FIBA World Basketball Cup
Jordan's national basketball team qualified for the FIBA 2010 World Basketball Cup, a significant achievement for the country in international basketball.
2010: Arab Spring
Jordan remained relatively stable during the Arab Spring uprisings that swept through the region in 2010.
2011: Deposition of Ali Abdullah Saleh
Ali Abdullah Saleh, the former President of Yemen, was deposed in 2011 during an uprising.
2011: Jordan's Road Network
As of 2011, Jordan's road network comprised 2,878 km of main roads, 2,592 km of rural roads, and 1,733 km of side roads, according to the Jordanian Ministry of Public Works and Housing.
2011: Jordan and Morocco's Attempt to Join the GCC
In 2011, Jordan and Morocco made an attempt to join the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), but were offered a five-year development aid program instead.
2011: Jordan's Foreign Debt
In 2011, Jordan's total foreign debt amounted to $19 billion, equivalent to 60% of its GDP.
2011: Jordan Makes Second Appearance in AFC Asian Cup Quarterfinals
Jordan's national football team repeated their success from 2004 by again reaching the quarterfinals of the AFC Asian Cup in 2011, showcasing their growing presence in Asian football.
2011: Impact of Arab Spring and Sinai Pipeline Attacks
The Arab Spring and attacks on the Sinai gas pipeline significantly impacted Jordan's economy in 2011, negatively affecting tourism, trade, industry, and construction. Tourist arrivals saw a sharp decline.
2011: Jordan Responds to the Arab Spring
In response to domestic unrest during the Arab Spring in 2011, King Abdullah II replaced the prime minister and implemented reforms, including constitutional changes and laws regarding public freedoms and elections.
November 2012: Fuel Subsidy Cuts and Protests
In November 2012, the Jordanian government made the decision to cut fuel subsidies, leading to a surge in fuel prices and widespread protests across the country. The decision was later reversed.
2012: Jordan Narrowly Misses Out on Olympic Basketball Qualification
Jordan's national basketball team came very close to qualifying for the 2012 Olympics, losing by a single point to China in the final of the 2010 Asian Cup, narrowly missing out on an Olympic berth.
2012: Establishment of Jordan's Constitutional Court
To address matters of constitutional interpretation, Jordan established the Constitutional Court in 2012.
2013: Queen Alia International Airport Expansion
Queen Alia International Airport completed a major expansion project in 2013. The $700 million project included new terminals designed to accommodate over 16 million passengers annually.
2014: Jordan's Participation in the Anti-ISIS Coalition
Joining the US-led international coalition against the Islamic State, Jordan participated in airstrikes in 2014 as part of its contribution to the intervention in the Syrian Civil War.
2014: Remittances from Jordanian Expatriates
Jordan received over $3.66 billion in remittances from expatriates in 2014.
2014: First Skatepark Opens in Jordan
In 2014, the 7Hills Skatepark, the first skatepark in Jordan, was completed in Downtown Amman, marking a milestone in the development of skateboarding in the country.
2014: Award for Queen Alia International Airport
In 2014, Queen Alia International Airport received the 'Best Airport by Region: Middle East' award from the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) survey. This recognition highlighted the airport's commitment to passenger satisfaction.
2014: Iraqi Christian Refugees
An estimated 12,000 Iraqi Christians sought refuge in Jordan after the Islamic State captured Mosul in 2014.
2014: Jordanian Christian Population Estimate
According to a 2014 estimate by the Orthodox Church, there were around 250,000 Arabic-speaking Christians in Jordan.
2015: Award for Queen Alia International Airport
The Airport Service Quality (ASQ) survey once again recognized Queen Alia International Airport as the 'Best Airport by Region: Middle East' in 2015, signifying its continued excellence in the region.
2015: Jordan Population Census
The 2015 census showed Jordan's population to be 9,531,712, with approximately 2.9 million non-citizens, including refugees and immigrants. Amman, the capital, had a population exceeding 4 million by 2015.
2015: Jordanian Census
The 2015 Jordanian census recorded the presence of various nationalities residing in the country, including 1,265,000 Syrians, 636,270 Egyptians, 634,182 Palestinians, 130,911 Iraqis, and others.
2015: Remittances from Jordanian Expatriates
Remittances sent to Jordan from citizens living abroad reached $3.8 billion in 2015, marking a significant increase compared to the previous year. This made Jordan the fourth largest recipient of remittances in the region.
2015: Jordan's Involvement in the Saudi-Led Intervention in Yemen
In 2015, Jordan took part in the Saudi Arabian-led military intervention in Yemen, which targeted the Houthis and supporters of ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who was removed from power during the 2011 uprising.
2015: Literacy Rate in Jordan
In 2015, Jordan achieved a literacy rate of 98.01%, considered one of the highest globally and the highest in the Middle East and the Arab world, according to UNESCO.
2015: Iraqi Refugee Population in Jordan
By 2015, the number of Iraqi refugees remaining in Jordan was 130,911.
2015: Internet Penetration and Government Control in Jordan
By 2015, internet penetration in Jordan had reached 76%, raising concerns about potential government control, particularly following the Arab Spring and the Syrian conflict, as noted in the Reporters Without Borders report.
2015: Syrian Refugee Crisis
By 2015, Jordan was hosting a large number of refugees, including an estimated 2.1 million Palestinians and 1.4 million Syrians.
2015: Improved Water and Sanitation Access
Access to water and sanitation facilities in Jordan significantly improved, reaching 98% of the population by 2015.
January 2016: First Jordanian Film Nominated for an Oscar
In January 2016, the film "Theeb" made history as the first Jordanian film to be nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Foreign Language Film category.
March 2016: Jordan Hosts First Women's Sports Tournament in the Middle East
In March 2016, Jordan hosted the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, marking the first time a women's sports tournament was held in the Middle East.
December 2016: Palestinian Refugees in Jordan
As of December 2016, Jordan hosted 2,175,491 Palestinian refugees, many of whom were granted Jordanian citizenship. The influx of Palestinian refugees into Jordan primarily occurred during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the 1967 Six-Day War, and the 1990 Gulf War.
2016: Decline in Jordan's Tourism
The tourism industry in Jordan suffered a substantial decline, experiencing a 70% drop in visitor numbers from 2010 to 2016. This decline was primarily attributed to regional instability, including the effects of the Arab Spring.
2016: Jordan's Ranking in the World Internal Security and Police Index
The 2016 World Internal Security and Police Index ranked Jordan's law enforcement 37th globally and 3rd in the Middle East for the effectiveness of its police services.
2016: Reintroduction of Proportional Representation
Proportional representation was reintroduced to Jordan's parliament in the 2016 general election, a move King Abdullah II stated would eventually lead to parliamentary governments.
2016: Jordan's GDP
Jordan's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2016 was recorded as $39.453 billion.
2016: Jordanian Parliamentary Elections
Jordan held parliamentary elections in 2016, with the lower House of Representatives seeing increased representation for women, who secured 20 seats.
2016: Political Parties in Jordan's Parliamentary Elections
In the 2016 parliamentary elections in Jordan, political parties participated in the race for one-fifth of the seats, with the rest going to independent candidates.
2016: Increase in Jordan's Foreign Debt
By 2016, Jordan's foreign debt had significantly increased to $35.1 billion, representing 93% of its GDP. This rise was attributed to regional instability, reduced tourism, lower foreign investment, higher military spending, attacks on Egyptian pipelines, disruptions in trade with Iraq and Syria, the cost of hosting Syrian refugees, and accumulated loan interest.
2016: Jordan Wins First Olympic Gold Medal
Ahmad Abu Ghaush made history in 2016 by winning Jordan's first-ever Olympic gold medal at the Rio Olympics in the men's -67kg taekwondo event.
2017: Opening of SESAME
In 2017, the Synchrotron-Light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME) facility, the only particle accelerator in the Middle East and one of only 60 synchrotron radiation facilities worldwide, was opened. Supported by UNESCO and CERN, SESAME fosters scientific collaboration among scientists from various Middle Eastern countries.
2017: Recovery of Jordan's Tourism
Jordan's tourism sector began to show signs of recovery in 2017, with visitor numbers starting to rebound after a period of decline.
2017: Life Expectancy in Jordan
The life expectancy in Jordan reached approximately 74.8 years in 2017.
2018: Success of Austerity Program
Jordan's austerity program successfully prevented the debt-to-GDP ratio from surpassing 95% in 2018.
2018: Poverty in Jordan
In 2018, about 15.7% of Jordan's population lived below the national poverty line, with a third experiencing transient poverty at some point during the year.
2019: Jordan Returns to FIBA World Basketball Cup
Jordan once again showcased its basketball prowess by qualifying for the 2019 FIBA World Basketball Cup held in China.
October 2020: Appointment of Bisher Khasawneh as Prime Minister
Bisher Khasawneh was appointed as Prime Minister of Jordan in October 2020 by King Abdullah II.
April 2021: Arrests Made for Alleged Destabilization Plot
Prince Hamzeh, the former crown prince of Jordan, and 18 others were arrested on April 4, 2021, accused of attempting to "destabilize" the kingdom. Prince Hamzeh was placed under house arrest.
2021: Jordan in Global Indices
Jordan held the 94th position globally in the Cato Institute's Human Freedom Index and 58th in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index in 2021.
2021: Target for Debt Reduction
The Jordanian government set a target to reduce the country's debt-to-GDP ratio to 77% by 2021 through an austerity program.
2022: Freedom House Ranking of Jordan
Freedom House designated Jordan as "Not Free" in its 2022 Freedom in the World report.
2023: Jordan Finishes as Runner-up in AFC Asian Cup
In a historic achievement, the Jordanian national football team reached the final of the AFC Asian Cup in 2023, ultimately finishing as runner-up after losing to Qatar in the final match.
2023: Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index
Jordan was ranked 146th out of 180 countries in the 2023 Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, with an overall score of 42.79.