Jordan

Jordan’s economy is one of the smallest in the Middle East. The country’s lack of natural resources, especially water and oil, make it heavily dependent on foreign assistance. Its population is young: 70% are under age 30 and nearly one-third of Jordanians under 25 are unemployed.

Established in 2007, FINCA Jordan has the highest outreach to women, as a percentage of total borrowers, of any FINCA subsidiary -- anywhere in the world. Fully 92% of its loans are to women. FINCA Jordan offers small group and individual loans as well as local currency and agricultural loans, all of which can be accessed through conventional lending or Islamic financing. Given the difficult employment situation for youth, FINCA Jordan piloted an Islamic financing business start-up product, which provides young Jordanians with access to working capital.