Water tapping point in Al-Azraq refugee camp in Jordan

    Social situation Diversity and social cohesion

    Jordan's population has grown enormously over the last few decades as a result of high birth rates and repeated influx of refugees. The way that Jordan is supporting refugees in spite of all the challenges is exemplary and can serve as a model for cooperation between the international community and host countries. Jordan is considered a pillar of stability in a conflict-ridden region.

    The high rate of population growth and the country's resource poverty are contributing to the continuing high rate of unemployment, which is affecting young people and women in particular. Many people have informal sector jobs without any social protection. So far, economic growth has not been strong enough to create sufficient jobs for the population.

    Yet Jordan has managed very well, with broad-based international support, to ensure continued public acceptance for the hosting of refugees. Most of the Palestinian refugees who came to Jordan decades ago are fully integrated. They form the backbone of Jordan's economy.

    Syrian refugees are particularly likely to be in informal and precarious employment. Global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine with their negative impacts (job loss, rising prices) are affecting the most vulnerable segments of the population first – and that includes most Syrian refugees.


    As at: 26/10/2023