The variety of fauna and flora is unique for such a small country, with about 23,000 - 24,000 different plant species distributed between the four climatic zones. There are the Mediterranean pine and oak forests in the highlands and the Irano-Turanian steppe-type vegetation to the east of the hills. Scrubs and saline grow in the Saharo-Arabian region of the eastern deserts, while in the Sudanian zone of Rift Valley there is tropical vegetation and Acacia trees. These different climatic zones provide many habitats for a wide variety of plants, mammals, reptiles and birds.

More then 390 species of birds occur in Jordan. Half of these are resident; while the rest of them come to us from Eastern Europe and Asia on their way to Africa for the winter. Jordan is the main channel for these intercontinental migrations, making it ideal for bird-watching.

There is a multitude of marine life in the one and only stretch of sea that Jordan owns. The Gulf of Aqaba lies at the northern tip of the Red Sea; the sea that was created by the famous Great Rift Valley 30-40 million years ago. Wonderful colored fish and unforgettable corals can be seen here in what is considered to be one of the most beautiful diving places in the world. More then 1000 marine species live in the Red Sea. Many of these can be seen both by divers and snorkellers in the crystal clear waters of Aqaba.