Geographic Origins

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is in the Middle East region of south-western Asia. It is bordered by Israel to the north-west, Syria to the north, Iraq to the north-east, Saudi Arabia to the east and south, and the Gulf of Aqaba to the south-west.

History of Immigration and Settlement

Most Jordanian South Australians have come to the state since the Second World War. Their main reasons for emigrating were to improve their employment opportunities and quality of life. They have settled throughout metropolitan Adelaide and are employed in a range of occupations.

Community Activities

A number of Arabic-speaking South Australians, including Jordanians, belong to the Arab League of Australia. For further information see Appendix 2.

The majority of Jordanian South Australians are Muslims. For further information see Appendix 1, Religious Belief and Practice: Islam.

A small number of Jordanian South Australians belong to the Orthodox Church of Antioch. For further information see Appendix 1, Religious Belief and Practice: Orthodox Church of Antioch.

Organisations and Media

• Arab League of Australia
• Central Arab Information Bureau
• Adelaide Mosque Islamic Society of South Australia Inc.
• Islamic League of Australia Inc.
• Islamic Society of South Australia
• Renmark Islamic Society
• St Elias Orthodox Church of Antioch

Statistics

• The 1986 census recorded that 19 people of Jordanian descent and a further 386 people of Arab descent resided in South Australia.
• According to the 1996 census there were 79 Jordanian-born living in Adelaide and a further nine Jordanians in South Australia.
• The 2001 census recorded 94 Jordanian-born South Australians, while 74 people said that they were of Jordanian descent.
• The 2006 census recorded 116 Jordanian-born South Australians, while 130 people said that they were of Jordanian descent.
• The 2011 census recorded 153 Jordanian-born South Australians, while 158 people said that they were of Jordanian descent.
• The 2016 census recorded 218 Jordanian-born South Australians, while 207 people said that they were of Jordanian descent.