Written and Fact-checked by Whereig Editors | Last Updated On: May 22, 2026
Jordan is divided into 12 governorates, also known as "muhafazat" in Arabic. Here is a list of the governorates in Jordan as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021:
Jordan is a Middle Eastern country located in Western Asia and bordered by Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Israel, and the Palestinian territories. The country is divided into 12 governorates, and those governorates are further divided into districts and municipalities for local administration. Amman is the national capital and also the largest city in Jordan.
The country includes desert landscapes, fertile valleys, mountain highlands, historic archaeological sites, and coastal access along the Gulf of Aqaba. Different governorates are known for tourism, agriculture, trade, religious sites, and rapidly growing urban centers.
Key Facts
- National capital: Amman
- Total population: 11,500,000 (Official estimate 2025)
- Total area: 89,342 km² (34,495 sq miles)
- Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
- Bordering countries: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Israel, Palestine
- Total Governorates: 12
- Total Districts: 50+
List of Governorates and Capitals of Jordan
Total governorates shown: 12 | Combined population: 11,500,000 | Combined area: 89,342 km²
| # | Governorate Name | Capital City | Region | Area (km²) | Population (Latest Census) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ajloun | Ajloun | Northern Highlands | 420 | 210,000 |
| 2 | Aqaba | Aqaba | Southern Jordan | 6,905 | 230,000 |
| 3 | Amman | Amman | Central Jordan | 7,579 | 4,900,000 |
| 4 | Balqa | Salt | Central Highlands | 1,120 | 570,000 |
| 5 | Irbid | Irbid | Northern Jordan | 1,572 | 2,050,000 |
| 6 | Jerash | Jerash | Northern Highlands | 410 | 290,000 |
| 7 | Karak | Karak | Southern Highlands | 3,495 | 380,000 |
| 8 | Ma'an | Ma'an | Southern Desert | 33,163 | 190,000 |
| 9 | Madaba | Madaba | Central Jordan | 940 | 220,000 |
| 10 | Mafraq | Mafraq | Eastern Desert | 26,551 | 650,000 |
| 11 | Tafilah | Tafilah | Southern Highlands | 2,209 | 110,000 |
| 12 | Zarqa | Zarqa | Central Jordan | 4,761 | 1,700,000 |
Largest Governorates by Area
- Ma'an - 12,804 sq mi (33,163 km²)
- Mafraq - 10,251 sq mi (26,551 km²)
- Amman - 2,926 sq mi (7,579 km²)
- Aqaba - 2,666 sq mi (6,905 km²)
- Zarqa - 1,838 sq mi (4,761 km²)
- Karak - 1,349 sq mi (3,495 km²)
- Tafilah - 853 sq mi (2,209 km²)
- Irbid - 607 sq mi (1,572 km²)
Most Populous Governorates
- Amman - Population: 4,900,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
- Irbid - Population: 2,050,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
- Zarqa - Population: 1,700,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
- Mafraq - Population: 650,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
- Balqa - Population: 570,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
- Karak - Population: 380,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
- Jerash - Population: 290,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
- Aqaba - Population: 230,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
Smallest Governorates by Area
- Jerash - 158 sq mi (410 km²)
- Ajloun - 162 sq mi (420 km²)
- Madaba - 363 sq mi (940 km²)
- Balqa - 432 sq mi (1,120 km²)
- Irbid - 607 sq mi (1,572 km²)
- Tafilah - 853 sq mi (2,209 km²)
Governorates by Regional Grouping
- Central Jordan: Amman, Madaba, Zarqa
- Central Highlands: Balqa
- Northern Jordan: Irbid
- Northern Highlands: Ajloun, Jerash
- Southern Highlands: Karak, Tafilah
- Southern Jordan: Aqaba
- Southern Desert: Ma'an
- Eastern Desert: Mafraq
Landlocked Governorates
- Ajloun
- Amman
- Balqa
- Irbid
- Jerash
- Karak
- Ma'an
- Madaba
- Mafraq
- Tafilah
- Zarqa
Governorates with Coastline
- Aqaba
Governorates Sharing Borders with Other Countries
- Saudi Arabia: Aqaba, Ma'an, Mafraq
- Iraq: Mafraq
- Syria: Irbid, Mafraq
- Israel: Aqaba, Balqa, Irbid, Karak
- Palestine: Balqa
Sources
- Department of Statistics Jordan
- World Bank - Jordan Data
- CIA World Factbook - Jordan
- Encyclopaedia Britannica - Jordan
- Government of Jordan
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Location Map of Asian Countries
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