Palestine
PREV
NEXT
Key Facts
Location and Size:
Palestine is located in the Middle East, bordered by Israel, Jordan, and the Mediterranean Sea. It comprises the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and Gaza Strip, covering a total of 6,220 square kilometers (2,400 square miles).
Religious Significance:
Sacred to Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Key sites include: Al-Aqsa Mosque (Jerusalem): One of Islam’s holiest sites. Church of the Nativity (Bethlehem): Believed to be the birthplace of Jesus. Hebron: Home to the Tomb of the Patriarchs, significant in all three Abrahamic religions.
Languages:
Arabic is the official language, with English widely spoken in tourist areas.
Population:
Over 5 million people live in Palestine. Major cities include Ramallah, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Gaza City.
Weather:
Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) are the most comfortable times to visit.
Natural Wonders:
Dead Sea (shared with Israel and Jordan): Famous for its therapeutic mineral-rich waters. Wadi Qelt: A stunning desert valley with monasteries and hiking trails.
Historic Landmarks:
Jericho: Known as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Bethlehem: A city rich in biblical history and heritage. Nablus: Famous for its ancient souks, soap factories, and the historic Balata refugee camp.
Transportation:
Mini vans and shared taxis (service) are the primary mode of transport. Walking is common in historic cities like Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
Economic Indicators
1
Economic Status:
- Palestine is classified as a lower-middle-income economy with significant reliance on external aid.
- GDP (2024 estimate): $18 billion (nominal).
- GDP per capita: Approximately $4,200 (PPP).
2
Key Industries:
- Agriculture (olives, citrus, livestock), stone and marble production, and handicrafts.
- Small-scale manufacturing and construction also contribute.
3
Exports:
- Key exports include olive oil, textiles, and handicrafts.
- Major trading partners: Israel, Jordan, and the European Union.
4
Tourism:
- Palestine attracts around 2 million tourists annually, focusing on its rich religious and historical heritage.
5
Currency:
- Israeli New Shekel (ILS) is predominantly used, with Jordanian Dinar (JOD) and U.S. Dollar (USD) in some areas.
6
Unemployment and Workforce:
- Unemployment rate: Around 25% overall, with Gaza experiencing rates above 45%.
- Workforce participation is hindered by limited job opportunities and trade restrictions.
7
Poverty:
- Nearly 30% of Palestinians live below the poverty line, with poverty rates exceeding 50% in Gaza.
- Challenges such as restricted trade, limited resources, and frequent conflict exacerbate economic struggles.
8
Economic Challenges:
- Severe restrictions on movement and trade, high dependency on imports, and a fragile infrastructure.
9
Aid Dependency:
- International aid accounts for a substantial part of the economy, especially in Gaza and rural areas of the West Bank.
My Travel Chronicles- Palestine
