Oman and Jordan are two Middle Eastern countries that share the region but diverge significantly in many other ways. Both nations hold geopolitical importance, but their geography, resources, and histories differ greatly.
This article provides a comparative overview of Oman vs Jordan, examining key socio-economic indicators to highlight their unique characteristics. We’ll delve into demographics, economic structures, quality of life metrics, and the political landscape of each country.
By exploring these key areas, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the similarities and differences between Oman and Jordan.
How do their populations compare?
Oman and Jordan are both located in the Middle East, but they have very different population profiles.
Population size and density
Jordan has a population of 11,439,000, while Oman has a population of 5,049,000.
Jordan is much more densely populated, with 128.1 inhabitants per square kilometer. Oman has just 16.3 inhabitants per square kilometer.
Age and life expectancy
The average age in Jordan is 25 years, while in Oman, the average age is 27.3 years.
Men in both countries have roughly the same life expectancy: 72 years. Jordanian women tend to live a bit longer, with a life expectancy of 77 years, compared to 76 years in Oman.
Birth and migration rates
Jordan has a higher birth rate, at 21.62 per 1,000, compared to Oman’s rate of 17.71 per 1,000.
Interestingly, the two countries have very different migration patterns. Jordan has a migration rate of -1.53 per 1,000, while Oman has a migration rate of 30.95 per 1,000.
Economic Indicators
When you look at the economic data, the differences between Oman and Jordan become even more apparent. Here’s a rundown:
GDP and Income
The average income in Oman is significantly higher than in Jordan. In Oman, the average income is $20,470 US, compared to just $4,420 US in Jordan.
Unemployment and Inflation
Oman also boasts a much lower unemployment rate than Jordan (3.2% vs. 18.0%). Both countries have relatively low inflation rates, with Jordan at 2.10% and Oman at 1.30%.
Debt and Taxation
Jordan’s central government debt is a much larger percentage of its GDP than Oman’s (92.81% vs. 36.48%). On the other hand, commercial taxes and contributions are somewhat higher in Jordan (20.00%) than in Oman (15.00%).
Quality of Life and Social Factors
When you’re weighing Oman against Jordan, there are a few important social and quality-of-life factors to consider.
Cost of Living
Compared to the United States, both countries are more affordable. Numbeo estimates the cost of living in Jordan is 45.9% of what it is in the U.S., while Oman comes in at 49.17%. So, Oman is slightly more expensive overall.
Healthcare
Both countries have different approaches to healthcare. It’s worth digging into the accessibility and quality of care in each country if you’re planning a move.
Education
The education systems also differ. Factors like literacy rates and the general level of educational attainment could play a role in your decision.
Political Stability and Corruption
Let’s take a look at the governments and some measures of corruption in Oman and Jordan.
Jordan is a constitutional monarchy, while Oman is an absolute monarchy. That’s a key difference in the political structure of these countries.
The Corruption Perception Index (CPI) scores Jordan at 51 and Oman at 45. The CPI measures how corrupt a country’s public sector is perceived to be, with lower scores indicating higher levels of perceived corruption.
Infrastructure and Telecommunications
Both Oman and Jordan have invested in modern roadways and airports to boost connectivity within their borders and accessibility to the wider world. These improvements are vital for tourism and trade.
Internet access is increasingly common in both countries, though affordability and availability can vary depending on location. Internet user penetration is growing in both Oman and Jordan as they continue to build out their telecommunications infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oman richer than Jordan?
Yes, Oman is significantly richer than Jordan, both in terms of GDP and GDP per capita. This difference in wealth is largely attributable to Oman’s substantial oil and gas reserves, which contribute significantly to its national income. Jordan, on the other hand, has limited natural resources and relies more on industries like tourism, remittances, and foreign aid.
Putting It All Together
Oman and Jordan share some history and cultural similarities, but their economies and populations have developed along different paths. As they face the future, each nation must address its own unique set of challenges and take advantage of its particular opportunities for growth.