Jordan , Salfite

Introduction to Salfit, Jordan

Salfit is a governorate of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, located in the northwestern part of the country and is not an independent state. The governorate covers an area of about 300 square kilometers and has a population of about 150,000, with agriculture and traditional handicrafts as the mainstay of the economy. The city of Salfit, the capital of the governorate, is situated in a mountainous area at an altitude of about 850 meters above sea level and enjoys a mild climate with cool, dry summers and rainy winters.

History and cultural features

The Salfit region has a long history and boasts archaeological sites from the Roman and Byzantine periods, such as the ancient city of Abila. The local culture is heavily influenced by Bedouin traditions and is known for its hand weaving and olive oil production. About 95% of the inhabitants are Muslims and the community is tightly knit, preserving traditional tribal customs and festivals.

Economy and Natural Resources

The economy relies mainly on olive cultivation (60% of the agricultural output), wheat cultivation and animal husbandry. There are about 2 million olive trees scattered throughout the province and the annual production of olive oil amounts to 5,000 tons. In recent years, a small tourism industry has been developed to attract tourists to visit ancient sites and natural landscapes such as the Wadi Shuaib gorge.

Geography and Transportation

The governorate is bordered by Jerash Governorate to the east and the Jordan Valley to the west, with a mountainous terrain. The main highway connects the capital Amman (1.5 hours by car) to the city of Irbid. Due to its location in an earthquake zone, most of the buildings are made of earthquake-resistant stone, and the overall infrastructure is being gradually improved.