By Michael Freund, International Affairs Correspondent
The population of Jordan has increased dramatically over the past decade, rising by nearly 27.8 percent since 1994, the kingdom’s Department of Statistics reported.
The initial results of the latest national survey carried out by Jordanian officials in October reveal that 5.29 million people now live in the country, a million people than in the last census.
No details were given as to the number of Palestinians residing in Jordan, but two years ago, former Jordanian prime minister Ali Abu Ragheb said a "secret census" had found that 43 percent of Jordanians were of Palestinian origin. Other observers have suggested the number may be significantly higher.
Jordan’s Minister of Culture, Asma Khader, however, told the Petra News Agency the figures in the report indicate there has been a “sharp drop” in fertility rates in the country, with the rate of population growth now estimated at around 2.5 percent, versus 2.69 percent in 1995.
Nonetheless, it is estimated that at current rates of growth, Jordan’s population may double in 25 years.
The population of Jordan has increased dramatically over the past decade, rising by nearly 27.8 percent since 1994, the kingdom’s Department of Statistics reported.
The initial results of the latest national survey carried out by Jordanian officials in October reveal that 5.29 million people now live in the country, a million people than in the last census.
No details were given as to the number of Palestinians residing in Jordan, but two years ago, former Jordanian prime minister Ali Abu Ragheb said a "secret census" had found that 43 percent of Jordanians were of Palestinian origin. Other observers have suggested the number may be significantly higher.
Jordan’s Minister of Culture, Asma Khader, however, told the Petra News Agency the figures in the report indicate there has been a “sharp drop” in fertility rates in the country, with the rate of population growth now estimated at around 2.5 percent, versus 2.69 percent in 1995.
Nonetheless, it is estimated that at current rates of growth, Jordan’s population may double in 25 years.