Palestine Map: Geographical and Demographic Information

What You Need to Know About Palestine

Palestine is a Middle Eastern state also called the State of Palestine. It holds the status of a unitary semi-presidential republic and is recognized by 135 states. It is in territorial conflict with Israel, including the eastern section of Jerusalem.

Palestine was only considered a state in 2012 according to the status of an observer state but not as a member of the United Nations. The country’s capital is East Jerusalem and its largest city is Gaza. The total area of the Palestinian territory is 6,020 km2 with a population of 5,090,293 inhabitants and a population density of 846 inhabitants per km2.

The currencies used in the country are the Israeli Shekel, the Egyptian Pound, and the Jordanian Dinar. The country is a member of UNESCO and the UN as an observer. The telephone code in Palestine is 970, i.e., 00970 or +970.

What Are the Neighboring Countries?

The neighboring countries of Palestine are Israel and Jordan. The country is also bordered by the Mediterranean Sea on the western side of the Gaza Strip. Jordan, on the other hand, borders it to the west on the side of the West Bank.

Population of Palestine

Currently, the population of Palestine stands at 5,101,152 inhabitants with a demographic growth rate of 2.5%. The fertility rate in the country is 3.2 children per woman with a birth rate of 26 ‰ and a mortality rate of 3.5 ‰.

The life expectancy of a Palestinian at birth is 75.4 years, including 73.4 years for men and 77.6 years for women. The sex ratio of the total population is 104%, including 106% at birth, 105% for those under 14 years, and 103% for those under 54 years; those over 55 years have a ratio of 106%. The migration rate in the country is -4.4%, and the population is mainly composed of Arabs.

What Are the Colors of the Country?

The flag of Palestine is composed of 3 colors arranged in stripes. From top to bottom, the stripes are black, white, and green. On the hoist side, there is a red isosceles triangle.

• Red symbolizes the Hashemite house of Muhammad.
• Black symbolizes the Abbasids of Baghdad.
• Green symbolizes the Fatimids of Cairo.
• White symbolizes the Umayyads of Damascus.

The Best Places to Visit in Palestine

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is a very famous city in the world and one of the major urban areas and most beautiful cities in the country. It is the favorite city of tourists; over the years, Jerusalem has gone through many histories. This city is also a place of pilgrimage for Christians and Islamists.

Everything in the city recalls the history of prophets and religious leaders. Indeed, you will see several mosques and churches that will surely fascinate you. Among them is the Haram ash-Sharif, which is a unique and admirable sanctuary that attracts backpackers from all over the world. The most surprising sight in the city is the dome of the golden rock which offers you a stunning view. This part of the territory is an international symbol.

Jenin

It is both an artistic and musical city, where you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the city. The city of Jenin was destroyed by the Israeli army in 2002, but it was completely rebuilt and has thus become a cradle of olive planting.

In the city, there is a place called Balemeh which is a historic site located at the northern entry point of the city. There, you will see several Palestinian historical sites that will allow you to immerse yourself in the history of the country.

Bethlehem

Famous especially for its biblical history, the city of Bethlehem is a highly sought-after city by tourists. It is the cradle of Christian history; many tourists come there to retrace the story of the birth of Jesus.

Thus, pilgrimages take place here and there, and moreover, there are many historic churches that are among the most visited in the world. Most of the tourists in Bethlehem are Christian visitors.

Gaza

The Gaza Strip is a Palestinian territory isolated to the west of Israel’s territory. It is a magnificent place and also a spacious city in Palestine. There, there are many squares and various cafés where you can recharge after a long walk.

The main activity in Gaza is the manufacture of the Souk, an accessory with embroidery produced by the Keffiyeh factory located in the western part of the Gaza Strip. These souks are known for their durability and exceptional quality.

Jericho

The city of Jericho is a unique city located on the west bank of Palestine. The city is bustling with restaurants located in the park and outdoors during the warm seasons and indoors during the cold periods.

The city of Jericho is very welcoming; you will see several breathtaking places such as the old manor. The curved structure of this palace is a unique feature in the world. This monument is still in good condition today, and even though it was once ruined by an earthquake, it still attracts attention.

Where the cities are located on the map of Palestine

Jerusalem

On the map of Palestine, the city of East Jerusalem is located on the border between Israel and the West Bank. Geographic coordinates: 31° 47′ 00″ north, 35° 13′ 00″ east.

Jenin

On the map of Palestine, the city of Jenin is located in the northern section in the province of the same name in the West Bank. Geographic coordinates: 32° 27′ 42″ north, 35° 18′ 05″ east.

Bethlehem

On the map of Palestine, the city of Bethlehem is located slightly north of the capital (East Jerusalem). Geographic coordinates: 31° 42′ 11″ north, 35° 11′ 46″ east

Gaza

On the map of Palestine, the city of Gaza is located on the Gaza Strip, that is on the coastline facing the Mediterranean Sea. Geographic coordinates: 31° 31′ 00″ north, 34° 27′ 00″ east.

Jericho

On the map of Palestine, the city of Jericho is located in the eastern section of the West Bank, a little north of the Dead Sea. Geographic coordinates: 31° 51′ 20″ north, 35° 27′ 44″ east.

Climate Map of Palestine

The climate of Palestine is characterized as Mediterranean and continental inland. On the coast, it is warmer especially along the shores facing the Dead Sea. Furthermore, the ambient humidity is low which makes the climate more arid. Temperatures near the Dead Sea can even reach 50°C during heatwaves.

The areas surrounding Ramallah and Jericho have an enclosed topography, that is at -240m below sea level. This implies winter temperatures between 5 and 7°C. However, the sun is well present in summer and temperatures can be extremely hot around 30°C.

In the areas located at higher altitude, that is bordering the Jordan Valley, winter can be associated with heavy rains except during the blowing of warm winds.

Sunshine durations in winter are short, meaning the sun sets quite early, around 4 p.m. In summer, however, sunshine hours are longer between 8 and 9 hours because the sun rises quite early (from 4 a.m.).

In general, the Palestinian climate is mild and humid with less cold winters except in parts of the territory located at high altitude. Temperatures during this season range between 9 and 18°C and 5 and 7°C at altitude. As one moves inland, temperatures approach 30°C in summer.

Economic Map of Palestine

The Palestinian economy has not yet been defined given its status as an observer member in the United Nations. Moreover, the economic activity of Palestine, notably in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank territories, is under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian State. They are also controlled by an international protocol aiming to share authority between the Israeli and Palestinian authorities over each portion assigned to them.

As a result, the West Bank and Gaza Strip have experienced an increase in real GDP per capita of up to 36%. The effects, however, include slowdowns in economic activity mainly due to Israeli closures. There are also terrorist attacks which have worsened the chronic unemployment situation in the country.

The conflict with Israel has had many negative impacts on the Palestinian economy, notably the closure of almost all factories, more than 85%. Indeed, the state’s coffers lost more than 2 million USD in revenue in a single day. Consequently, Palestinians migrate to Israel to work in construction sites, wheat fields, as well as other jobs requiring labor. Thus, Palestine gradually loses its workforce and consequently delays the development of its industry.

The creation of the West Bank barrier has somewhat limited Palestinian emigration. It is indeed with the aim of limiting Palestine’s economic depression that the Ministry of Finance cited this clause. Here are some economic indicators:

• GDP at purchasing power parity: 26.479 billion USD
• GDP at nominal parity: 14.616 billion USD
• GDP per capita at purchasing power parity: 5,795 USD
• GDP per capita in nominal parity: 3,199 USD
• Human Development Index: 0.708
• Currencies: Egyptian Pound, Israeli Shekel, Jordanian Dinar

Administrative and Demolinguistic Data

Administrative Subdivisions

Palestine is subdivided into Provinces or governorates located in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Gaza Strip

• North Gaza Governorate
• Gaza Governorate
• Deir al-Balah Governorate
• Khan Yunis Governorate
• Rafah Governorate

West Bank

• Jenin Governorate
• Tubas Governorate
• Tulkarm Governorate
• Nablus Governorate
• Qalqilya Governorate
• Salfit Governorate
• Ramallah and Al-Bireh Governorate
• Jericho Governorate
• Jerusalem Governorate
• (including East Jerusalem annexed by Israel)
• Bethlehem Governorate
• Hebron Governorate

Demolinguistic Data

The Palestinian population is divided between the two territories of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The population consists of Palestinian Arabs, Jews, Egyptians, Bedouins, Syrians in proportions of 81.5%, 16.1%, 0.9%, 0.5%, 0.3%. There are also ethnic minorities including Arameans, Gypsies, Armenians, Assyrians, Samaritans.

The main language spoken in Palestine is Palestinian Arabic; in the West Bank, Palestinians speak Jordanian Arabic. Other dialectal varieties include Egyptian Arabic, Eastern Levantine Arabic, and Syrian Arabic.