Introduction to Palestine

Quick Overview

Key Facts

• Type of place: country.

• Location:

• Latitude/longitude: 31°54' N, 35°12' E.

• Local time: Heure : 12806

• Capital: East Jerusalem (proclaimed) and Ramallah (de facto).

• Nature of the state: parliamentary democracy.

• Official language: Arabic.

• Currency: new shekel (de facto), also the Jordanian dinar (in the West Bank) and the Egyptian pound (Gaza).

• Population: 4,550,000 inhabitants (including 1.9 million in the Gaza Strip).

• Area: 6,520 km² (including 360 km² for the Gaza Strip).

• Density: 698 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Mount Nabi Yunis (1,030 m);

• Lowest point: Dead Sea (-427 m).

• Coastline: 40 km.

• Driving: on the right.

Tourism

In a still very challenging context, Palestine—or rather the West Bank—has developed a small tourism sector, particularly focused on the holy sites of the various religions it hosts. Each year, depending on current events, the country welcomes between 500,000 and 600,000 visitors, many of whom have cultural or personal ties to it.

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for slightly experienced travelers (West Bank).

• By air: no airport (only via Israel or Jordan).

• Entry requirements: passport.

• Currency to bring: euros.

• Exchange rate:

• Daily "backpacker" budget:

• Best for accommodation:

• Best for getting around:

• Risks:

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices:

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★; Adventure ★; Culture ★★/★★★; Relaxation/holidays ⊘

Useful Addresses

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life": 119/188 (2018 ranking)

• GDP per capita: $4,300 (West Bank; 2014)

• Average monthly income: ()

• Inflation: +0.2% (West Bank; 2017)

• "Official" unemployment: 29.7% (West Bank; 2017)

• Population below the poverty line: 18% (West Bank; 2012)

• Life expectancy: 75.4 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -4.5 (2017)

• Population growth: +1.81% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 96.5% (2016)

• Urban population: 76.2% (2018)

• Press freedom: 134/180 (2018 ranking)

• Political regime: hybrid regime (109/167 in 2018)

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook