Why In the News?

Jordan’s King Abdullah has appointed Jafar Hassan, a senior aide at the royal palace, as the new prime minister following the resignation of the government on Sunday, according to a statement from the royal court.

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Jordan's new Prime Minister Jafar Hassan

• About Jordan
  • Capital: Amman
  • Official Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Jordanian Dinar
  • Population: Approximately 10.5 million (2023 estimate)
  • Political System: Constitutional Monarchy
    • The King holds executive and legislative powers, along with the government and parliament.
    • Head of State: King Abdullah II
    • Prime Minister: Jafar Hassan (appointed)
    • Parliament: Bicameral, consisting of the House of Representatives (elected) and the Senate (appointed by the King).
    • The King has significant powers, including appointing the government, dissolving parliament, and issuing laws by decree.
  • Economy
    • GDP (2023): Approximately $45 billion
    • Major Sectors: Services (tourism, financial services), industry (phosphates, potash), and agriculture (fruits, vegetables).
    • Jordan is heavily reliant on imports for energy and food.
    • Challenges: High unemployment, poverty, public debt, and water scarcity.
  • International Organizations

Map of Jordan (to scale)