Kingdom of Jordan Currency: A Comprehensive Guide

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Collection of Jordanian dinar banknotes arranged on a wooden surface, showcasing currency design.
Credit: pexels.com, Collection of Jordanian dinar banknotes arranged on a wooden surface, showcasing currency design.

The Kingdom of Jordan's currency is the Jordanian Dinar, denoted by the symbol "JOD". It's a stable and widely accepted currency in the region.

The Jordanian Dinar is divided into 1000 fils, providing a clear understanding of its denominations. You'll often see prices in both dinars and fils.

In Jordan, you can exchange your currency for the Jordanian Dinar at currency exchange offices, banks, or even some hotels, making it easily accessible.

Expand your knowledge: Bahraini Dinar Wiki

Jordan's Currency

The official currency of Jordan is the Jordanian dinar, which can be referred to as "JOD" or "JD." "JOD" is the official currency code used by the Central Bank and the government, but "JD" is more commonly used in everyday conversation.

You'll often see people using "JD" instead of "JOD" when referring to the currency, as it's a more colloquial term.

History of Jordan's Currency

The Jordanian dinar has a rich history that dates back to 1946, when Jordan gained full independence from Britain and began working on producing its own currency.

A collection of diverse Jordanian banknotes laid out on a surface, showcasing various denominations.
Credit: pexels.com, A collection of diverse Jordanian banknotes laid out on a surface, showcasing various denominations.

Prior to this, the Palestine pound was used in the country, but in 1950, the dinar was introduced and became the official currency of Jordan. The term "dinar" has its origins in antiquity, tracing back to the Roman "denarius", a kind of silver currency used during the Roman Republic.

The dinar has undergone some changes over the years, with Arabic denominations being used until 1992, when English titles and denominations were introduced instead. Today, the dinar is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed exchange rate, which has helped maintain its value as one of the world's top currencies.

Here are some of the notable figures featured on Jordanian money:

  • 1 JD: Hussein bin Ali, the King of the Hejaz from 1916 to 1924
  • 5 JD: Abdullah bin al-Hussein I, who fought for Jordan’s independence and became the first king of Jordan in 1921
  • 10 JD: Talal bin Abdullah, who became king after his father's assassination
  • 20 JD: Hussein bin Talal, the king of Jordan from 1953 until 1999
  • 50 JD: Abdullah bin al-Hussein II, the current king of Jordan

Currency Depicts Historical Figures

Jordan's currency is unique in that it features historical figures on its bills.

All the individuals depicted on Jordanian money have been kings at some point in history.

The 1 JD bill features Hussein bin Ali, the King of the Hejaz from 1916 to 1924.

Jordanian Flag in the Petra Area in Jordan
Credit: pexels.com, Jordanian Flag in the Petra Area in Jordan

The 5 JD bill features Abdullah bin al-Hussein I, who fought for Jordan's independence and became the first king of Jordan in 1921.

The 10 JD bill features Talal bin Abdullah, who briefly took the throne after his father's assassination.

The 20 JD bill features Hussein bin Talal, who ruled Jordan from 1953 to 1999 and implemented modernizing policies to improve the lives of Jordanians.

The 50 JD bill features the current king of Jordan, Abdullah bin al-Hussein II.

Here's a list of the historical figures featured on Jordanian currency:

  • 1 JD: Hussein bin Ali, the King of the Hejaz from 1916 to 1924
  • 5 JD: Abdullah bin al-Hussein I, the first king of Jordan
  • 10 JD: Talal bin Abdullah, who briefly took the throne after his father's assassination
  • 20 JD: Hussein bin Talal, who ruled Jordan from 1953 to 1999
  • 50 JD: Abdullah bin al-Hussein II, the current king of Jordan

History of

The word "dinar" has a long history, dating back to the Roman "denarius", a type of silver coin used in the Roman Republic. This Latin term has influenced words referring to money in the Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese languages.

Before Jordan became an independent nation, the Palestine pound was used in the country.

In 1946, Jordan gained full independence from Britain and began working on producing and distributing its own currency. In 1950, the dinar was distributed and became the official currency of Jordan.

Countries apart from Jordan that use the term "dinar" for their currency include Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Serbia, and Tunisia.

Central Bank and Issues

Amman Citadel in Jordan
Credit: pexels.com, Amman Citadel in Jordan

The Central Bank of Jordan plays a crucial role in the country's economy. It's responsible for maintaining the stability of the currency, which is the Jordanian dinar.

One key aspect of the Central Bank's strategy is to keep prices stable and promote economic growth. This is achieved by maintaining modest interest rates that attract foreign investment and boost the currency's value.

The Central Bank continues to maintain interest rates at their modest level to encourage economic activity. This has been effective in drawing in foreign investment and boosting the overall worth of the currency.

To give you a better idea of the exchange rate, a sample rate of Jordanian dinars to US dollars is used as a reference.

Related reading: Saudi Arabia Riyal Rate

Exchange Rate and Peg

The exchange rate of the Jordanian dinar (JOD) is fixed at a rate of 0.7090 JODs per 1 USD. This means that if you were to convert $1,000 to dinars, you would get 709 Jordanian dinars.

Discover more: Currency Rate Jordan

Close-up of a hand holding Jordanian dinar bills with a blurred background, highlighting currency exchange.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a hand holding Jordanian dinar bills with a blurred background, highlighting currency exchange.

The JOD is pegged to the U.S. dollar, which provides financial stability to the country. This stability is beneficial for attracting investment and growing the economy.

The exchange rate of the JOD to USD is the same as the rate of 1 USD to 0.709 JODs. You can use a currency converter like XE.com to calculate the exchange rate to any currency.

Here's a simple way to calculate the JOD exchange rate:

  1. Know the exchange rate: 1 USD is equal to 0.7090 JODs.
  2. Use a currency converter to get the current rate.
  3. Convert your amount to dinars using the fixed exchange rate.

The fixed exchange rate of the JOD to USD ensures that the value of the JOD remains stable over time. This stability is beneficial for businesses and individuals who use the currency.

Economic Factors

The Jordanian dinar's stability is influenced by various economic factors.

Jordan has consistently maintained a low inflation rate, which is a key factor in keeping its finances in check.

A consistent rise in its gross domestic product (GDP) rate has also contributed to the country's economic stability.

Man in Green Jacket Holding Banknote
Credit: pexels.com, Man in Green Jacket Holding Banknote

The trade balance is another crucial factor, with Jordan's exports being worth more than its imports, resulting in a good trade balance.

Strong economic ties with neighboring countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have also helped to maintain the stability of the Jordanian dinar.

These countries are significant suppliers of remittances and foreign investment in Jordan, which has supported the market value of the currency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Jordan's currency so strong?

Jordan's currency, the Dinar, is strong due to the country's prudent fiscal policies and diversified economy, which includes tourism, banking, and pharmaceuticals. This combination has helped maintain a stable value, making the Dinar a reliable currency.

How much is 1 JOD to 1 USD?

As of 31/12/2024, 1 Jordanian Dinar is equivalent to 1.4098 US Dollars. Check our live currency converter for the latest exchange rates and charts.

Felicia Koss

Junior Writer

Felicia Koss is a rising star in the world of finance writing, with a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics into accessible, engaging pieces. Her articles have covered a range of topics, from retirement account loans to other financial matters that affect everyday people. With a focus on clarity and concision, Felicia's writing has helped readers make informed decisions about their financial futures.

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