ABSTRACT
During its long history, the area of the modern Kingdom of Jordan has undergone many changes in economic level, political status, and even name. Trans-Jordania's golden age began with the Seleucids of Syria, continued through the Roman era, and extended into the Byzantine period, when it benefited from thriving caravan routes and trade centers. This golden age waned with Byzantium's ejection by invading Arabs in 634-636. During the millennium prior to World War I, the inhabitants of trans-Jordania were, as now, overwhelmingly Arab ethnolinguistically and predominantly Sunni Muslim in religion. Jordan has exhibited remarkable flexibility during the changes in its territory and population, particularly in view of its limited physical resource base. Jordan's highway system has satisfactorily served the kingdom's needs. The kingdom has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Canada, Turkey, Singapore, and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). The kingdom continues to seek the equilibrium essential to its survival and prosperity.
