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Facts on Jordan
-Population: 5 million
-1.7 million refugees live in Jordan - the largest number of refugees in the region 
-Unemployment: 25%
-Mainly desert terrain with only 4% arable land

Jordan is a small country with limited natural resources. Although its economy has shown some signs of recovery since 1991, recessions and stringent economic recovery programs have resulted in lower living standards than at any time before. Currently, nearly a quarter of the population is unable to find work. In addition to this, the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict lead to 1.7 million refugees in eventually settling in Jordan.

Palestinian Refugees
According to official statistics, at least 35% of the Jordanian population is made up of Palestinian refugees. Many Palestinian refugees endure very poor conditions, and often live without access to clean water or electricity. The UN provides medicine, education and financial support, but it is still not enough. Refugee camps cost Jordan $350 million a year - an amount the government says it can no longer afford.

Islamic Relief in Jordan
Islamic Relief began sponsoring Palestinian orphans in Jordan in 1993. Currently, Islamic Relief sponsors orphans in the Baqaa refugee camp, which is home to over 78,000 Palestinian refugees.

Islamic Relief also carries out annual Ramadan food distributions, which have benefited over of 24,945 poverty-stricken people.