Madaba Governorate

Madaba Governorate (محافظة مادبا)
Governorate
Madaba Governorate
Country Jordan
Subdivisions
Cities Husban, Dhiban
Capital Madaba
 - elevation 798 m (2,618 ft)
 - coordinates
Area 939.7 km2 (363 sq mi)
Population 152,900 (2010)
Density 162.7 / km2 (421 / sq mi)
Timezone GMT +2
 - summer (DST) +3
Area code +(962)5
Urban 71.4%
Rural 28.6%

Madaba, (Arabic مادبا) is one of the governorates of Jordan, it is located south west of Amman, capital of Jordan. Its capital is Madaba. The governorate is ranked eighth (from 12 governorates) by population and by area in Jordan. It is bordered by Balqa Governorate from the north, The Capital Governorate from the east, and Kerak Governorate from the south, and the Dead Sea from the west.

Contents

History

Many civilizations existed on the soils of Madaba, most prominent are the Moabites , Nabateans, Romans, and the Arab Muslim empires.

The city of Madaba is best known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, especially the Madaba Map, a large Byzantine-era mosaic map of Palestine and the Nile delta.

Biblical and Ancient History

Many sites in Madaba Governorate are considered biblical sites, some of which are:

Many archeological excavations with pre-Biblical and Biblical emphases take part during the summer months in Madaba Governorate; new discoveries are being made each year.

Modern History

The Dead Sea coast of Madaba Governorate hosts the World Economic Forum every year.

Geography

Madaba Governorate is bordered by Capital Governorate from the east and Balqa Governorate from the north, the West Bank across the Jordan River, and the Dead Sea from the west, and Karak Governorate from the south. Ma'in is a village in Madaba that is the site of a natural thermal waterfall. Its therapeutic effects are utilized by those with aching joints and skin irritations. a new tourist industry is growing around the site with the building of a new hotel and spa.

The climate ranges significantly in the governorate due to the difference in altitude of the governorate's regions, the capital city of Madaba is at 798 meters above sea level, while the Dead Sea is at about 300 meters below sea level, resulting in a double digit differnce in temperature between the two locations.

Economy

Tourism

Due to its richness of historic sites, and natural sites such as the Ma'in Hot Springs and the Dead Sea, Madaba Governorate depends mainly on tourism as a main source of income. The governorate is the fifth touristic destination following Petra, Jerash, Aqaba, and Amman.

Agriculture

The northern region of the governorate is agricultural, with a total area of 59 km2 of fruit and olive farms. The governorates production of olives and fruits is eighth on the kingdom (after Balqa, Irbid, Mafraq, The Capital, Ajloun, Jerash, and Zarqa governorates).[1]

Administrative Divisions

Article 12 of the Administrative Divisions law of the Jordanian Ministry of Interior divides Madaba into two departments:

References

  1. ^ Ministry of Agriculture- Jordan (Arabic site)