Islamic countries

Islamic countries

THE STATE OF PALESTINE

General Information

Total Land Area:	5,690 km²(West Bank including eastern Jerusalem), 365 km²(Gaza)
Land boundaries:	404 km (West Bank) - 62 km (Gaza)
Coastline:	40 km (Gaza)
Capital:	Al-Quds Al-Sharif
Other Large Cities:	Ramallah, Nablus, Bethlehem , Jericho, Gaza City
Official Language:	Arabic
National Currency Unit:	Jordanian Dinar, US$, New Israeli Shekel

Location and Geography

Palestine is located on the Western edge of the Asian continent and the Eastern extremity of the Mediterranean. It is bordered by Israel and Jordan along the West Bank, and Egypt and Israel along the Gaza Strip. The terrain is mostly rugged and dissected upland in the West Bank. There is some vegetation in the West but the East is barren. A Mediterranean climate prevails, with hot and dry summers and rainy cold winters. The West Bank has a temperate climate with varying temperature and precipitation according to the altitude, and the Gaza Strip has mild winters and warm summers.

Demography

Population:	3.47 million (2002)
Crude Birth Rate:	40 per thousand people (2002)
Crude Death Rate:	4 per thousand people (2002)
Infant Mortality Rate:	26 per thousand (1999)
Life Expectancy:	Male: 71 years, Female: 74 years (2002)
Urban Population:	67.0 percent (2001)
Adult Literacy:	91.00 percent (2002)

Economy

The Palestinian economy in the West Bank and Gaza Strip is mainly service-oriented. The country has limited natural resources (minerals and some marine products), but highly educated people and a well-skilled labour force. Agriculture activities, including fishing, gain importance in the country’s economy. Major agricultural products include olives, citrus, flowers and vegetables. The industrial sector is mainly based on small size establishments of agriculture-related industries, footwear and clothing. The Palestinian economy enjoys considerable remittances and transfers from expatriates and overseas business enterprises. The country has also a promising tourism sector.

GDP at Current Market Prices:	16815 million US$ (2001)
Per Capita GDP:	5096 US$ (2001)
Share of Sectors in GDP:	6.5% Agriculture, 18.4% Industry, 75.1% Services, (2000)
Total Exports:	241 million US$ (2002)
Total Imports:	3252 million US$ (2000)
Major Exports Items:	Non-metallic mineral manufactures, olive oil, vegetables, fruits, tobacco and flowers
Major Imports Items:	Petroleum products, construction materials and foodstuffs
Major Trading Partners:	Israel, Jordan and Egypt