Jordan, country located in the Middle East, bordered by Israel, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. It was established as the Emirate of Transjordan in 1921 under British mandate and gained full independence in 1946, becoming the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The name "Jordan" is derived from the Jordan River, which forms part of the country’s western border and holds religious significance as the site where John the Baptist is believed to have baptized Jesus. Jordan is known for its ancient history, including the ruins of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its strategic location as a crossroads of civilizations. Despite its small size, it plays an important role in regional diplomacy and peacekeeping. The capital is Amman.