West Bank

World Book Index

Introduction

The West Bank, a landlocked territory that forms a significant part of the Palestinian territories, is home to approximately three million Palestinians. This region has a rich history, having been inhabited since at least the 15th century B.C. Over the centuries, the West Bank has witnessed the rise and fall of various powers, shaping its cultural and political landscape. In the early 16th century, it became part of the Ottoman Empire, and following World War I, it was administered under the British Mandate of Palestine. The geopolitical dynamics shifted dramatically after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, when Transjordan annexed the West Bank, only for Israel to capture it during the Six-Day War in 1967. The Oslo Accords, a series of agreements signed between 1993 and 1999, marked a pivotal moment in the region's governance, establishing the Palestinian Authority (PA) and delineating areas of control. The West Bank was divided into three distinct areas: Area A, fully governed by the PA; Area B, under shared control; and Area C, completely managed by Israel. Despite these agreements, the path toward a permanent resolution has been fraught with challenges, including the outbreak of violence during the Second Intifada in 2000 and the subsequent stagnation of peace negotiations. The last national elections held by the PA in 2006 resulted in a majority win for the Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS), leading to a fractious political landscape characterized by a lack of unity between HAMAS and Fatah, the dominant political faction in the West Bank. Despite numerous attempts at reconciliation, the two factions have struggled to implement agreements, leaving the political situation in a state of uncertainty.

Neighboring countries

Israel - Jordan

Geography

Location
The West Bank is strategically located in the Middle East, situated west of Jordan and east of Israel. This positioning has historically made it a focal point of geopolitical interest and conflict. Geographic coordinates
The geographic coordinates of the West Bank are 32 00 N, 35 15 E, placing it within a region characterized by diverse topography and climate. Map references
The West Bank is referenced within the broader context of the Middle East, highlighting its significance in regional dynamics. Area
Total: 5,860 sq km
Land: 5,640 sq km
Water: 220 sq km
Note: The area includes the West Bank, Latrun Salient, and the northwest quarter of the Dead Sea, while excluding Mt. Scopus; East Jerusalem and Jerusalem No Man's Land are also included solely to depict the entire area occupied by Israel in 1967. Comparison ranking: Total 171
Area - comparative: The West Bank is slightly smaller than Delaware, providing a compact yet densely populated territory. Land boundaries
Total: 478 km
Border countries (2): Israel 330 km; Jordan 148 km
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims: None (landlocked)
Climate
The climate in the West Bank is temperate, with temperature and precipitation varying significantly with altitude. Summers are generally warm to hot, while winters can be cool to mild, creating a diverse ecological environment. Terrain
The terrain is predominantly rugged, featuring dissected uplands in the west that transition into flat plains descending towards the Jordan River Valley in the east, contributing to its varied landscape. Elevation
Highest point: Khallat al Batrakh 1,020 m
Lowest point: Dead Sea -431 m
Natural resources
The West Bank is endowed with arable land, which is crucial for its agricultural activities. Land use
Agricultural land: 64.9% (2022 estimated)
Arable land: 7% (2022 estimated)
Permanent crops: 11.8% (2022 estimated)
Permanent pasture: 46.1% (2022 estimated)
Forest: 1.7% (2022 estimated)
Other: 33.4% (2022 estimated)
Note: This data includes the Gaza Strip. Irrigated land
(2013) 151 sq km; note - includes Gaza Strip
Major lakes (area sq km)
Salt water lake(s): Dead Sea (shared with Jordan and Israel) - 1,020 sq km; note - this endorheic hypersaline lake is 9.6 times saltier than the ocean and its shore is 431 meters below sea level. Population distribution
The most populous Palestinian communities in the West Bank are concentrated in the central ridge and the western half of the territory. Jewish settlements are dispersed throughout the West Bank, with the highest population density found in the Seam Zone, which lies between the 1949 Armistice Line and the separation barrier, as well as around Jerusalem. Natural hazards
Droughts pose a significant risk to the region, impacting agricultural productivity and water resources. Geography - note
The West Bank is landlocked, and its highlands serve as the primary recharge area for Israel's coastal aquifers (2017).

People and Society

Population
Total: 3,243,369 (2024 estimated)
Male: 1,648,450
Female: 1,594,919
Note: Approximately 468,300 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank (2022); approximately 236,600 Israeli settlers reside in East Jerusalem (2021). Comparison rankings: Total 135; Male 136; Female 136
Ethnic groups
The population is primarily composed of Palestinian Arabs, with a significant Jewish minority and other ethnic groups present. Languages
Arabic is the predominant language, while Hebrew is spoken by Israeli settlers and many Palestinians. English is widely understood, facilitating communication across diverse communities. Major-language sample(s):
كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Arabic audio sample:
Religions
Muslim 80-85% (predominantly Sunni), Jewish 12-14%, Christian 1-2.5% (mainly Greek Orthodox), other, unaffiliated, unspecified <1% (2012 estimated)
Age structure
0-14 years: 36.7% (male 609,497/female 579,227)
15-64 years: 59.5% (male 979,719/female 949,746)
65 years and over: 3.9% (2024 estimated) (male 59,234/female 65,946)
2024 population pyramid:
This population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of the West Bank's population, providing insights into political and social stability as well as economic development. The distribution of the population along the horizontal axis, with males on the left and females on the right, highlights demographic trends that evolve over time based on fertility, mortality, and migration patterns. Dependency ratios
Total dependency ratio: 68.1 (2024 estimated)
Youth dependency ratio: 61.6 (2024 estimated)
Elderly dependency ratio: 6.5 (2024 estimated)
Potential support ratio: 15.4 (2024 estimated)
Median age
Total: 21.9 years (2024 estimated)
Male: 21.6 years
Female: 22.1 years
Comparison ranking: Total 189
Population growth rate
2.07% (2024 estimated)
Comparison ranking: 37
Birth rate
27.8 births/1,000 population (2024 estimated)
Comparison ranking: 32
Death rate
3.3 deaths/1,000 population (2024 estimated)
Comparison ranking: 223
Net migration rate
-3.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 estimated)
Comparison ranking: 191
Population distribution
The most populous Palestinian communities are primarily located in the central ridge and western half of the West Bank. Jewish settlements are also present, particularly in the Seam Zone and around Jerusalem. Urbanization
Urban population: 77.6% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 2.85% annual rate of change (2020-25 estimated)
Note: Data represent both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Sex ratio
At birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female
Total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2024 estimated)
Maternal mortality ratio
16 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 estimated)
Note: Data represent both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Comparison ranking: 132
Infant mortality rate
Total: 15.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 estimated)
Male: 17.5 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 12.6 deaths/1,000 live births
Comparison ranking: Total 93
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 76.5 years (2024 estimated)
Male: 74.4 years
Female: 78.8 years
Comparison ranking: Total population 108
Total fertility rate
3.49 children born/woman (2024 estimated)
Comparison ranking: 34
Gross reproduction rate
1.69 (2024 estimated)
Drinking water source
Improved:
Urban: 98% of population (2022 estimated)
Rural: 100% of population (2022 estimated)
Total: 98.4% of population (2022 estimated)
Unimproved:
Urban: 2% of population (2022 estimated)
Total: 1.6% of population (2022 estimated)
Note: Includes Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Health expenditure
13.5% of national budget (2022 estimated)
Note: Includes Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Physician density
3.25 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Hospital bed density
1.3 beds/1,000 population (2019 estimated)
Sanitation facility access
Improved:
Urban: 100% of population (2022 estimated)
Rural: 99% of population (2022 estimated)
Total: 99.8% of population (2022 estimated)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 estimated)
Rural: 1% of population (2022 estimated)
Total: 0.2% of population (2022 estimated)
Note: Includes Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Children under the age of 5 years underweight
2.1% (2019/20)
Note: Estimate is for Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Comparison ranking: 93
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
62.4% (2023 estimated)
Note: Data includes Gaza and the West Bank.
Child marriage
Women married by age 15: 0.7% (2020)
Women married by age 18: 13.4% (2020)
Note: Includes both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Education expenditure
5.4% of GDP (2021 estimated)
Note: Includes Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Comparison ranking: Education expenditure (% GDP) 46
Literacy
Total population: 98% (2022 estimated)
Male: 99% (2022 estimated)
Female: 97% (2022 estimated)
Note: Estimates are for Gaza and the West Bank.
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
Total: 13 years (2023 estimated)
Male: 12 years (2023 estimated)
Female: 14 years (2023 estimated)
Note: Data represent Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Environment
Environmental issues
The West Bank faces challenges related to the adequacy of freshwater supply and sewage treatment, which are critical for public health and agricultural sustainability. Climate
The climate is temperate, with significant variations in temperature and precipitation based on altitude, leading to warm to hot summers and cool to mild winters. Land use
Agricultural land: 64.9% (2022 estimated)
Arable land: 7% (2022 estimated)
Permanent crops: 11.8% (2022 estimated)
Permanent pasture: 46.1% (2022 estimated)
Forest: 1.7% (2022 estimated)
Other: 33.4% (2022 estimated)
Note: Includes Gaza Strip.
Urbanization
Urban population: 77.6% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 2.85% annual rate of change (2020-25 estimated)
Note: Data represent Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Carbon dioxide emissions
3.913 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 estimated)
From petroleum and other liquids: 3.913 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 estimated)
Note: Includes the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Comparison ranking: Total emissions 143
Particulate matter emissions
31.3 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 estimated)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 1.387 million tons (2024 estimated)
Note: Data represent combined total from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Total water withdrawal
Municipal: 251 million cubic meters (2022)
Industrial: 37 million cubic meters (2022)
Agricultural: 158 million cubic meters (2022)
Note: Data represent combined total from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Total renewable water resources
837 million cubic meters (2022 estimated)
Note: Data represent combined total from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Government

Country name
Conventional long form: None
Conventional short form: West Bank
Etymology: The name refers to the location of the British Mandate of Palestine that was occupied and administered by Jordan in 1948, situated on the west bank of the Jordan River. This designation has been retained following the 1967 Six-Day War and subsequent administrative changes. National heritage
Total World Heritage Sites: 4 (all cultural)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan; Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem; Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town; Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir

Economy

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$20.339 billion (2024 estimated)
$27.694 billion (2023 estimated)
$29.016 billion (2022 estimated)
Note: Data is presented in 2021 dollars and includes both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Comparison ranking: 154
Real GDP growth rate
-26.6% (2024 estimated)
-4.6% (2023 estimated)
4.1% (2022 estimated)
Note: This growth rate reflects annual GDP percentage change based on constant local currency and includes both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Comparison ranking: 216
Real GDP per capita
$3,800 (2024 estimated)
$5,400 (2023 estimated)
$5,800 (2022 estimated)
Note: Data is presented in 2021 dollars and includes both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Comparison ranking: 185
GDP (official exchange rate)
$13.711 billion (2024 estimated)
Note: Data is presented in current dollars at the official exchange rate and includes both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
53.7% (2024 estimated)
5.9% (2023 estimated)
3.7% (2022 estimated)
Note: This rate reflects annual percentage change based on consumer prices and includes both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Comparison ranking: 204
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 5.7% (2022 estimated)
Industry: 17.4% (2022 estimated)
Services: 58.3% (2022 estimated)
Note: Figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data.
Comparison rankings: Agriculture 105; Industry 152; Services 101
GDP - composition, by end use
Household consumption: 95.5% (2024 estimated)
Government consumption: 20.7% (2024 estimated)
Investment in fixed capital: 24.7% (2023 estimated)
Investment in inventories: 1.7% (2024 estimated)
Exports of goods and services: 21% (2024 estimated)
Imports of goods and services: -60.3% (2024 estimated)
Note: Figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection.
Agricultural products
The primary agricultural products include tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, poultry, milk, potatoes, sheep milk, eggplants, and gourds.
Industries
The economy features small-scale manufacturing, quarrying, textiles, soap production, olive-wood carvings, and mother-of-pearl souvenirs.
Industrial production growth rate
-32.2% (2024 estimated)
Note: This reflects the annual percentage change in industrial value added based on constant local currency and includes both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Comparison ranking: 194
Labor force
1.391 million (2022 estimated)
Note: This figure represents the number of people aged 15 or older who are employed or seeking work and includes both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Comparison ranking: 137
Unemployment rate
24.5% (2022 estimated)
26.4% (2021 estimated)
25.9% (2020 estimated)
Note: This percentage reflects the labor force seeking employment and includes both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Comparison ranking: 186
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 36.1% (2022 estimated)
Male: 31.6% (2022 estimated)
Female: 56.6% (2022 estimated)
Note: This percentage reflects the labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment.
Comparison ranking: Total 13
Population below poverty line
29.2% (2016 estimated)
Note: This percentage represents the population with income below the national poverty line and includes both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
36.4 (2023 estimated)
Note: This index (0-100) measures income distribution, with higher values indicating greater inequality and includes both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Comparison ranking: 62
Household income or consumption by percentage share
Lowest 10%: 2.5% (2023 estimated)
Highest 10%: 27.1% (2023 estimated)
Note: This percentage reflects the share of income accruing to the lowest and highest 10% of the population and includes both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Remittances
5.4% of GDP (2024 estimated)
18.2% of GDP (2023 estimated)
24% of GDP (2022 estimated)
Note: This figure represents personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities and includes both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Budget
Revenues: $1.409 billion (2021 estimated)
Expenditures: $1.499 billion (2021 estimated)
Note: This data reflects central government revenues and expenditures (excluding grants and social security funds) converted to US dollars at the average official exchange rate for the year indicated.
Taxes and other revenues
21.5% (of GDP) (2021 estimated)
Note: This percentage represents central government tax revenue as a % of GDP and includes both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Comparison ranking: 39
Current account balance
-$2.899 billion (2024 estimated)
-$2.895 billion (2023 estimated)
-$2.037 billion (2022 estimated)
Note: This figure reflects the balance of payments, net trade, and primary/secondary income in current dollars and includes both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Comparison ranking: 157
Exports
$2.885 billion (2024 estimated)
$3.413 billion (2023 estimated)
$3.533 billion (2022 estimated)
Note: This figure reflects the balance of payments, exports of goods and services in current dollars, and includes both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Comparison ranking: 156
Exports - partners
Jordan 51%, Turkey 12%, UAE 8%, Saudi Arabia 5%, UK 4% (2023)
Note: These percentages represent the top five export partners based on the share of exports and include both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Exports - commodities
The primary export commodities include scrap iron, tropical fruits, olive oil, building stone, and prepared meat (2023).
Note: These commodities are ranked based on their value in dollars and include both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Imports
$8.264 billion (2024 estimated)
$11.637 billion (2023 estimated)
$12.257 billion (2022 estimated)
Note: This figure reflects the balance of payments, imports of goods and services in current dollars, and includes both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Comparison ranking: 131
Imports - partners
Egypt 25%, Jordan 17%, China 8%, Germany 7%, UAE 7% (2023)
Note: These percentages represent the top five import partners based on the share of imports and include both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Imports - commodities
The primary import commodities include cement, raw sugar, cars, baked goods, and perfumes (2023).
Note: These commodities are ranked based on their value in dollars and include both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$1.328 billion (2024 estimated)
$1.323 billion (2023 estimated)
$896.9 million (2022 estimated)
Note: This figure represents holdings of gold (year-end prices), foreign exchange, and special drawing rights in current dollars and includes both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Comparison ranking: 138
Exchange rates
New Israeli shekels (ILS) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
3.7 (2024 estimated)
3.67 (2023 estimated)
3.36 (2022 estimated)
3.23 (2021 estimated)
3.442 (2020 estimated)
Energy
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 100% (2022 estimated)
Note: This includes both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Electricity
Installed generating capacity: 352,000 kW (2023 estimated)
Consumption: 6.956 billion kWh (2023 estimated)
Imports: 6.925 billion kWh (2023 estimated)
Transmission/distribution losses: 988 million kWh (2023 estimated)
Note: This data includes both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Comparison rankings: Installed generating capacity 157; Consumption 118; Imports 37; Transmission/distribution losses 97
Electricity generation sources
Fossil fuels: 66.5% of total installed capacity (2023 estimated)
Solar: 33.5% of total installed capacity (2023 estimated)
Note: This data includes both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Coal
Exports: 1 metric ton (2023 estimated)
Note: This data includes both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Petroleum
Refined petroleum consumption: 29,000 bbl/day (2023 estimated)
Note: This data includes both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Energy consumption per capita
14.991 million Btu/person (2023 estimated)
Note: This data includes both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Comparison ranking: 140
Communications
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 384,000 (2023 estimated)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2023 estimated)
Note: This data includes both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Comparison ranking: Total subscriptions 100
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 4.15 million (2023 estimated)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 78 (2021 estimated)
Note: This data includes both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Comparison ranking: Total subscriptions 133
Broadcast media
The Palestinian Authority operates 1 TV and 1 radio station, alongside approximately 20 private TV and 40 radio stations. Jordanian TV and satellite TV are also accessible in the region.
Internet country code
.ps
Note: IANA has designated .ps for the West Bank, the same as for the Gaza Strip.
Internet users
Percent of population: 87% (2023 estimated)
Note: This data includes the Gaza Strip.
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 431,000 (2023 estimated)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2023 estimated)
Note: This data includes the Gaza Strip.
Comparison ranking: Total 104
Transportation
Airports
1 (2025)
Comparison ranking: 211
Heliports
2 (2025)
Comparison ranking: 134
Military and Security
Military and security forces
According to the Oslo Accords, the Palestinian Authority (PA) is not permitted to maintain a conventional military; however, it does operate security and police forces. Since HAMAS took control of the Gaza Strip in 2007, PA security personnel have been exclusively active in the West Bank. The PA forces include the Palestinian National Security Forces, Presidential Guard, Civil Police, Civil Defense, Preventive Security Organization, General Intelligence Organization, and Military Intelligence Organization (2024). Note: The National Security Forces conduct gendarmerie-style security operations in situations that exceed the capabilities of the Civil Police. This branch is the largest within the PA security services and acts as the internal Palestinian security force. The Presidential Guard is responsible for protecting facilities and providing dignitary protection, while the Preventive Security Organization focuses on internal intelligence gathering and investigations related to internal security cases, including political dissent. Military expenditures
Not available
Military and security service personnel strengths
The PA police and security forces comprise approximately 28,000 active personnel, including about 11,500 National Security Forces (2024).
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
The security services are lightly equipped with small arms, light weapons, and wheeled vehicles (2024).
Military - note
Palestinian Authority security forces maintain security control over 17.5% (referred to as Area A) of the West Bank, as agreed upon by the Palestine Liberation Organization and Israel in the Oslo Accords. However, Israeli security forces frequently conduct operations in this area. Israeli security forces are responsible for the remaining 82.5% of the West Bank, which includes Area B (22.5%), where the Palestinian Authority has administrative control, and Area C (60%), where Israel maintains administrative control (2024).
Terrorism
Terrorist group(s)
The region is home to several terrorist groups, including the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, HAMAS, Palestine Islamic Jihad, Palestine Liberation Front, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Note: Detailed information regarding the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support for these groups can be found in the Terrorism reference guide.
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons
IDPs: 2,032,011 (2024 estimated)

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.674, ranking it 133rd out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 111th out of 158 countries tested with a score of 4.874. (more information)