History: Mafraq is known for its location on the cross-roads leading to Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. The earliest inhabitation is recorded in the 4th century BC. Mafraq served as an important station on the Hejaz Railway line which connected Istanbul with Medina. The British Army built an airport in Mafraq in the early 20th century. Mafraq also played an important role in the 1948 Arab-Israeli war as the base of the Arab Legion.

Geography: As the capital of the Mafraq Governorate, the city of Mafraq is located 80 kilometers north of Amman. Mafraq is almost equidistant to three important cities of the region ---- Amman to the south, Irbid to the west, and Damascus to the north.

Demography: The Mafraq governorate's population is estimated at 306,900 people with 186,500 in rural communities and 120,400 in urban areas.