Facts about Jordan and Syria

JORDAN

Area:                                  92300 sqkm                      450295 sqkm
Population:                         6,3 mn                                9 mn     
Population growth rate:     2,2%                                  0,17%   
literacy:                              89,9% (-04)                       99%       
GDP  total:                          USD 30,76 bn                     USD 301,6 bn    
GDP per capita:                  USD 5000                           USD 33 890         
GDP-real growth rate:       5,8%                                   2,7%     

Economy - Overview
Since assuming the throne in 1999, King Abdallah II has undertaken some broad economic reforms in a long-term effort to improve living standards. Since Jordan's graduation from its most recent IMF program in 2002, Amman has continued to follow IMF guidelines, practicing careful monetary policy, making substantial headway with privatization, and opening the trade regime. Jordan's exports have significantly increased under the free trade accord with the US and Jordanian Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZ), which allow Jordan to export goods with some Israeli content duty free to the US. In 2006 and 2008, Jordan used privatization proceeds to significantly reduce its debt-to-GDP ratio. These measures have helped improve productivity and have made Jordan more attractive for foreign investment. The government ended subsidies for petroleum and other consumer goods in 2008 in an effort to control the budget. Jordan is currently exploring nuclear power generation to forestall energy shortfalls. Jordan's conservative banking sector has been largely protected from the worldwide financial crisis, but many businesses, particularly in the tourism and real estate sector, are predicting a slow-down in 2009.
   
Export commodities
clothing, fertilizers, potash, phosphates, vegetables, pharmaceuticals

Export partners
US 22.4%, Iraq 12.9%, India 8.3%, UAE 7.8%, Saudi Arabia 7.5%, Syria 4.9%

Import commodities
crude oil, machinery, transport equipment, iron, cereals

Import partners
Saudi Arabia 21%, China 9.7%, Germany 7.5%, US 4.7%, Egypt 4.4%

Trade with Sweden
There are four Swedish companies with subsidiaries in Jordan; ABB, de-Laval, Ericsson and Tetrapak and there are several Swedish companies that are represented in Jordan through local agents, among others Saab, Volvo, Wirsbo and Terraco.  The export from Sweden to Jordan has mainly been focused on electronical equipment, paper, wood, vehicels, Cereals, and medicines.
The import from Jordan to Sweden has been increasing yearly with approximately 36 %.

Culture
There is no mistaking the fact that Jordan is a Kingdom steeped in history and culture. Jordan has a rich heritage, all around is remnants of ancient civilizations long since passed, yet they still remain, stamped into the very fabric of this amazing Kingdom and etched into the soul of the people who live here.
Architecture is the predominant visual art in the Arab world, partly because Islam forbids the depiction of living things. Throughout Jordan you will find spectacular mosques, ancient ruins from the Roman Empire and earlier and magnificent mosaics.
Hospitality is a cornerstone of Arab life. It is commonplace for Jordanian families, particularly desert dwellers, to welcome strangers into their home. The tradition developed from the harshness of desert life - without food, water and shelter from strangers, most desert travelers would die. Wherever you go in Jordan, you are likely to hear the word, 'Welcome', and you will frequently be invited into people's homes for food or a cup of tea.
Islam is the predominant religion in Jordan. A monotheistic religion, Islam's holy book is the Qur'an, and Friday is its sabbath day. Every day, five times a day, Muslims are called to prayer from the minarets of mosques which dot the country. Islam derives from the same monotheistic roots as Judaism and Christianity, and Muslims generally regard Christians and Jews with respect.

SYRIA

                                               Syria                                   Sweden

Area:                                     185 180 sqkm                     450 295 sqkm    

Population:                           20,2 mn                               9 mn     

Population growth rate:     2,1%                                    0,17%   

Literacy:                               79,6% (-04)                         99%       

GDP  total:                           USD 95,36bn                      USD 301,6 bn    

GDP per capita:                   USD 4900                           USD 33 890         

GDP-real growth rate:        4,8%                                    2,7%     

 
Economy - Overview
The Syrian economy grew by an estimated 2.4% in real terms in 2008 led by the petroleum and agricultural sectors. Damascus has implemented modest economic reforms in the past few years, including cutting lending interest rates, opening private banks, consolidating all of the multiple exchange rates, raising prices on some subsidized items, most notably gasoline and cement, and establishing the Damascus Stock Exchange - which is set to begin operations in 2009. Nevertheless, the economy remains highly controlled by the government. Long-run economic constraints include declining oil production, high unemployment and inflation, rising budget deficits, and increasing pressure on water supplies caused by heavy use in agriculture, rapid population growth, industrial expansion, and water pollution.               

Export commodities
crude oil, minerals, petroleum products, fruits and vegetables, cotton fiber, textiles, clothing, meat and live animals, wheat. 

Export partners
Iraq 30%, Lebanon 10%, Germany 9.7%, Italy 8%, Egypt 5.5%, Saudi Arabia 5.2%, France 4.9%

Import commodities
Machinery and transport equipment, electric power machinery, food and livestock, metal and metal products, chemicals and chemical products, plastics, yarn, paper

Import partners
Saudi Arabia 12%, China 8.7%, Egypt 6.2%, Italy 6%, UAE 5.9%, Ukraine 4.8%, Russia 4.8%, Germany 4.7%, Iran 4.3%

Trade with Sweden
There are a few large Swedish companies that are represented in Syria. Most of the companies use local Syrian agents however Ericsson has its own office in Damascus with local employees.  The Swedish products usually have a good reputation in Syria and there is a potential interest in the market for Swedish products such as medical equipment, environmental engineering and food engineering.

Sweden mainly exports telecom equipment, paper wood and trucks to Syria. The import from Syria to Sweden is relatively low. Mainly food and manufactured products are imported since they have a great focus on agriculture.

Culture
Syria is a culturally gifted country and has a traditional society.  Strong moral and ethical values are placed on family, religion, education and self discipline and respect.  Syrians place a high degree on tradition and present themselves well both at home and abroad.  It is normal to find Syrian families all over the world who still live their lives as if they were in the Old Country.

Syria is a living folklore. The Syrian's taste for the traditional arts continues undiminished. It is expressed in dances such as the famous al-Samah, the Dabkes in all their variations and the sword dance, to name but a few. Marriage ceremonies and the birth of children are occasions for the lively demonstration of folk customs.