Palestine

State of Palestine
Flag Coat of arms of Palestine Coat of arms
Capital	Ramallah (administrative), East Jerusalem (claimed)
Largest city	Gaza City
Official languages	Arabic
Government	Semi-presidential republic
Area
• Total	6,020 km2 (2,320 sq mi)
Population
• Estimate	5,051,953
ISO 3166 code	[[ISO 3166-2:PS |PS ]]

The State of Palestine is a sovereign state in the Middle East, primarily located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is recognized by 138 UN members and since 2012 has a status of a non-member observer state in the United Nations. Despite this recognition, the territorial control and governance are split between the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, with ongoing conflict and negotiation regarding final borders and sovereignty with Israel.

History

The history of Palestine is marked by numerous civilizations, including the Judeans, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. In the 20th century, the region became a focal point of the Zionist movement and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Following the end of the British Mandate for Palestine in 1948, the 1948 Arab-Israeli War led to the establishment of Israel and the displacement of a significant number of Palestinian Arabs, an event referred to as the Nakba.

Geography

Palestine is geographically and culturally diverse, with landscapes ranging from desert in the south to mountains in the north. The region has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Politics

The political system of Palestine is a semi-presidential republic with the President of the State of Palestine as the head of state and the Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority as the head of government. The political landscape is significantly influenced by the conflict with Israel, impacting governance, territorial claims, and international relations.

Economy

The Palestinian economy is small, with agriculture, manufacturing, and services contributing to its output. Significant challenges include high unemployment, poverty, and dependence on foreign aid and remittances. The Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the blockade of the Gaza Strip have further complicated economic development.

Culture

Palestinian culture is rich and varied, reflecting influences from the many civilizations that have inhabited the region. Key cultural elements include the Palestinian cuisine, traditional music and dance, and the production of olive oil, a staple in Palestinian cooking.

Demographics

The demographics of Palestine are predominantly Arab, with the majority being Muslims (mostly Sunni), along with a Christian minority. The population is young, with a high growth rate compared to other countries in the region.

Challenges

Palestine faces numerous challenges including political instability, economic dependency, and the ongoing conflict with Israel. These issues affect every aspect of life in Palestine, from daily living conditions to international relations.

See also

• History of Palestine
• Geography of Palestine
• Demographics of Palestine
• Politics of Palestine