Country Profile: Gaza Strip
The Gaza Strip, located along the Mediterranean Sea, has a rich history of diverse governance and is currently under the control of the Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS). As of an estimated 2.18 million people in 2025, the population is predominantly Palestinian Arab, living primarily in urban areas. Economically, the Gaza Strip faces significant challenges, characterized by high unemployment and a GDP heavily impacted by ongoing conflicts and restrictions. The region's governance is complicated by political divisions and security issues, particularly ongoing confrontations with Israel.
Geography
The Gaza Strip is situated in the Middle East, bordered by Egypt to the southwest and Israel to the northeast, bordering the Mediterranean Sea. The total area is approximately 360 square kilometers, featuring a flat and rolling terrain primarily covered by sand and dunes. The region has a temperate climate with mild winters and hot summers, making it suitable for agriculture, which occupies about 64.9% of the land.
- Area: 360 sq km
- Coastline: 40 km
- Natural resources: Arable land and natural gas
- Highest point: Abu 'Awdah at 105 m
- Population concentration: Major cities, especially Gaza City
People and Society
The population of the Gaza Strip is estimated at 2,184,652 in 2025, with a significant youth demographic. Approximately 38.8% of the population is under 15 years old. The society is predominantly Muslim, with about 98-99% identifying as Sunni, and Arabic is the primary language spoken. The region has a literacy rate of 98%, showcasing the importance placed on education despite the socio-economic challenges.
- Median age: 19.9 years
- Population growth rate: 1.96% (2025 est.)
- Birth rate: 26.05 births/1,000 population
- Urbanization rate: 77.6% of total population
- Infant mortality rate: 14.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Economy
The Gaza Strip's economy is heavily impacted by ongoing conflict, with a projected real GDP of $20.339 billion in 2024 and real GDP per capita of $3,800. The region's economic activity is primarily service-oriented, while agriculture constitutes about 5.7% of the economy. The unemployment rate is notably high at 24.5% (2022 est.), alongside significant youth unemployment reaching 36.1%.
- Real GDP growth rate: -26.6% (2024 est.)
- Household consumption: 95.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
- Exports: $2.885 billion (2024 est.)
- Imports: $8.264 billion (2024 est.)
- Population below poverty line: 29.2% (2016 est.)
Government
The governance of the Gaza Strip lacks formal recognition as a sovereign state. The area is commonly referred to as simply Gaza or the Gaza Strip, named after its primary city. The de facto authority is HAMAS, established following a 2007 takeover, leading to ongoing political fragmentation with the Palestinian Authority and security challenges.
- Local name: Qita' Ghazzah
- Major political authority: HAMAS since 2007
Military and Security
The security landscape in the Gaza Strip is dominated by HAMAS and its military wing, the 'Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, which operate independently yet report to the HAMAS Political Bureau. Conflicts with Israel have significantly shaped the military capabilities and structure within the territory.
- Military personnel estimate: 20,000-30,000 fighters (2024)
- Militant groups present: Includes Al-Quds Brigades of Palestinian Islamic Jihad
Energy
Electricity access in the Gaza Strip is reported at 100%, yet infrastructure challenges persist. As of 2023, the total installed electricity generation capacity is around 352,000 kW, with fossil fuels and solar energy being the primary sources. Energy consumption per capita averages 14.991 million Btu.
- Electricity consumption: 6.956 billion kWh (2023 est.)
- Refined petroleum consumption: 29,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
- Electricity imports: 6.925 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Environment
The Gaza Strip faces several environmental challenges, including soil degradation and water pollution. Agricultural practices contribute to these issues, alongside limited resources like fresh water. Urbanization trends exacerbate the strain on environmental systems.
- Urban population: 77.6% (2023)
- Total water withdrawal: 251 million cubic meters (2022)
- CO2 emissions: 3.913 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Communications
The Gaza Strip has a relatively high level of mobile connectivity, with over 4 million mobile subscriptions, reflecting a penetration rate of 77 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. Internet access is widely available, with 87% of the population using the Internet.
- Fixed line subscriptions: 383,653 (2023 est.)
- Broadband subscriptions: 431,000 (2023 est.)
- Broadcast media: 1 TV station and about 10 radio stations available
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,184,652 (2025 est.) | Total population estimate |
| Area | 360 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP (PPP) | $20.339 billion (2024 est.) | Real GDP estimation |
| Per Capita GDP (PPP) | $3,800 (2024 est.) | Real GDP per capita |
| Unemployment Rate | 24.5% (2022 est.) | Percentage of labor force seeking employment |
| Birth Rate | 26.05 births/1,000 | Birth rate estimation |
| Life Expectancy | 75.5 years (2024 est.) | Estimated average lifespan |
| Literacy Rate | 98% (2022 est.) | Overall literacy estimate |
| Access to Improved Drinking Water | 98.9% | Percentage of population with improved water access |
| Total Fertility Rate | 3.14 children/woman (2025 est.) | Fertility rate estimation |
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