ABSTRACT
Jordan's remarkable performance has lain in its ability to 'turn constraints into pillars of the development process', thus realistically exploiting the country's geographic, demographic and political position within the broader Middle Eastern context. Thus, although the energy bill has been substantial, the sudden upsurge of oil prices which began in 1973/74 and the resulting boom in the oil economies have been the driving force behind Jordan's economic and social development. This led to an increase in regional demand for Jordanian exports, to the exodus of more than 350,000 skilled Jordanians who departed for jobs in Arab oil-producing states, to the inflow of migrant workers' remittances, and finally to budget aid from the Arab oil states. A rapid glance at the aims and achievements of the last two five-year plans will reveal the complex reality of Jordan's economy, with its limitations and trump cards.
