People of Jordan
Jordan’s population is about 5.5 million people, the most are Arabs and more than 92% are Sunni Muslims. Besides is a minority of Circassians, a much smaller group of Chechens and Armenians. All ethnic and religious groups have full freedom to form and participate in their own associations, schools or places of worship. Ethnic groups are also free to teach their own language.
Bedouins
The majority of Jordan’s population is of Bedouin origin. Today the most Bedouins don’t wander the whole year through the desert searching water and food for their flocks. Many have settled down and live only a few month as nomads. You can see their black goat-hair tents, known as beit al-sha’ar (house of hair). The Bedouin culture formed the characteristics of the Jordanian and Arab society: hospitality and the family is the center of social life.
Palestinians
During the 1948 and 1967 wars with Israel many Palestinians had to leave their homeland and settled in Jordan. The country granted all Palestinians the right to Jordanian citizenship and they play an important part in the political and economic life of Jordan. Some Palestinians continue to live in a number of refugee camps scattered throughout the West Bank and northern part of Jordan.
Circassians
The Circassians are a non-Arab Islamic people originally from the Caucasus region. Due to the Russian expansion during the 19th century up to two million Circassians emigrated. Starting in 1878 some found their way to Jordan. Mainly they can be found in northern Jordan. Circassians play a big role in Jordan’s political, economical and social life.
Other ethnic and religious groups
About 6% of Jordan’s population are Christians, settled mainly in Amman, Madaba, Kerak and Salt. The majority belongs to the Greek Orthodox Church. A small community of Druze lives near the Syrian border and in Azraq, in the east. Besides are several thousand Armenians and a small community of Turkomans and Baha’is, who moved from Iran in 1910 and Chechens, migrated from the Caucasus.
