USAID and Jordan - Partnering for 50 Years of Achievement
Over 50 years of Dramatic Change
In 1951, Jordan was a much simpler place. It was only sparsely populated with approximately 500,000 citizens, and road and health services were limited. Industry was in its infancy, and the Kingdom’s few businesses focused on trading with neighboring countries.
Today, Jordan has over six million people, significant infrastructure in place and established government institutions. It boasts an educated workforce and a vibrant business community. Already a lower-middle income country, Jordan now seeks to become a larger player within the global economy.
Over this time, USAID has been a Key Development Partner
As partners in development, we have established pioneering institutions and policies to help Jordan achieve prosperity; built networks of roads, water systems, schools, and health services; trained three generations of experts; worked to conserve Jordan’s scarce resources; promoted investment, the growth of new industries, trade, entrepreneurship, and tourism; and strengthened the capacity of government and civil society to initiate and sustain reforms necessary to ensure a promising future for all Jordanians.
Indicators of Success
Economic Growth
Helped establish Amman as a financial and commercial center for the Middle East and Aqaba as a world-class trading hub.
Created more than 50,000 direct jobs in high growth sectors of the economy such as ICT, biotechnology, clean technology, and tourism.
Increased tourism receipts by 66% and direct employment in the tourism industry by 35%.
Water
Education
Health
Helped increase the lifespan of Jordanians from 49 years in 1961 to 68 in the 1980s.
Upgraded the obstetrics and neonatal departments at 11 public hospitals and provided state-of-the-art medical equipment and furniture to 30 public hospitals.
Opportunities for the Future
While great progress has been achieved, Jordan continues to face serious development challenges, including limited opportunities for citizen engagement in political processes, significant unemployment, rapid population growth, a burgeoning youth population, scarce water and energy resources, and multiple pockets of poverty. USAID looks forward to continuing to work with the Government of Jordan and the people of Jordan to advance the country’s own development priorities and reform agenda.