Impact of Mu’tah University, Jordan on Urban Expansion and Demographic Growth in the Adjacent Areas, 1985–2021

This study aims to analyze the history of urban expansion and demographic growth in the adjacent areas of Mutah University (Jāmi‘atu Mu’tah) in Jordan between 1985 and 2021, also shedding light on the impact of the university on this growth. A descriptive methodology was employed to chart urban expansion size, while an analytical method was used to analyze the air photos and create maps for the urban areas. GIS was utilized to analyze data through the maps and tables and follow the study area’s urban development. Results showed a significant increase in the size of population. That is due to the increase in population settled in areas surrounding the University, where the average gross total population growth between 1985 and 2005 was 6.95%, and the average natural increase was 3.9%. This means that the balance of emigration is positive and equal (3.05%), and that real growth was 7.63%. But the natural increase average was 2.9%; i.e., the balance of emigration was positive, amounting to 4.73%. The magnitude of the urban area was 2 077 km2 in 2005, which is a rate of urban spatial growth of 103% in the period 1985–2021, with annual urban growth averaging ca. 5.1%. The urban area expanded by some 3.21 km2 in the year 2021; between 2005 and 2021, annual urban growth averaged at ca. 3.5%.