Country Profile: West Bank
The West Bank, a landlocked territory in the Middle East, is home to approximately 3 million Palestinians. It has a complex history, having been controlled by various powers since antiquity, with the Oslo Accords establishing a framework for governance by the Palestinian Authority (PA). The economy is characterized by a heavy reliance on services and agriculture, facing challenges such as high unemployment and political fragmentation. The population exhibits a young demographic, with a significant reliance on support from international remittances and aid.
Geography
The West Bank is located in the Middle East, bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel to the west. With a total area of 5,860 sq km, it features rugged uplands and the lowest point at the Dead Sea (-431 m). The climate is temperate, with variations in temperature and precipitation based on altitude.
- Elevation range: Highest point at 1,020 m and lowest at -431 m.
- Land boundaries: Approximately 478 km, with 330 km bordering Israel and 148 km bordering Jordan.
- Agricultural land use: 64.9% of total land area (2022 estimate).
- Natural resources: Primarily arable land.
People and Society
The population of the West Bank is estimated at 3,243,369 in 2024, consisting mainly of Palestinian Arabs, along with a Jewish minority and others. The demographic is youthful, with a median age of 21.9 years and a birth rate of 27.8 births/1,000 population. The society is predominantly Muslim, with significant Christian and Jewish communities.
- Urbanization rate: 77.6% of the population lives in urban areas (2023).
- Literacy rate: 98% overall, with male literacy at 99% and female at 97% (2022).
- Life expectancy at birth: 76.5 years (2024).
- Total fertility rate: 3.49 children born/woman (2024).
Economy
The West Bank's economy has faced considerable challenges, reflected in a GDP of $20.339 billion (2024 estimate) and a projected real GDP growth rate of -26.6% for 2024. The economy is mainly service-oriented, with high unemployment rates, particularly among the youth, which reached 36.1% in 2022.
- GDP per capita: $3,800 (2024 estimate).
- Unemployment rate: 24.5% (2022).
- Agriculture's contribution to GDP: 5.7% (2022).
- Remittances: Represented 5.4% of GDP in 2024.
Government
The West Bank has no official long-form government designation but operates under the Palestinian Authority, which oversees various civil and security matters. The governance structure has faced challenges due to political division with Hamas, complicating the governance landscape.
- World Heritage Sites: 4 recognized cultural sites.
- Political structure established by the Oslo Accords, dividing territory into Areas A, B, and C with varying degrees of Palestinian and Israeli control.
Military and Security
As per the Oslo Accords, the Palestinian Authority is not permitted to maintain a conventional military force. However, it has security and police forces focused on internal security. The PA has around 28,000 active security personnel.
- Security control: PA oversees 17.5% of the West Bank (Area A).
- Palestinian factions: Includes Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade and Hamas.
Energy
Electricity access in the West Bank is universal, with an installed capacity of 352,000 kW as of 2023. The energy consumption is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, although there is a growing use of solar energy.
- Total electricity consumption: 6.956 billion kWh (2023).
- Electricity import: 6.925 billion kWh (2023).
Transportation
Transportation infrastructure includes a single airport and multiple heliports, facilitating limited regional connectivity. The area is landlocked, further constraining transportation options.
- Airports: 1 planned by 2025.
- Heliports: 2 planned by 2025.
Communications
The West Bank maintains a growing communication infrastructure, with a high percentage of the population having access to mobile and internet services.
- Internet users: 87% of the population (2023).
- Mobile subscriptions: 4.15 million as of 2023.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,243,369 | 2024 estimate |
| Area (total) | 5,860 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $20.339 billion | 2024 estimate |
| GDP per capita | $3,800 | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment rate | 24.5% | 2022 estimate |
| Birth rate | 27.8 births/1,000 | 2024 estimate |
| Life expectancy | 76.5 years | 2024 estimate |
| Median age | 21.9 years | 2024 estimate |
| Urbanization rate | 77.6% | 2023 |
| Remittances as % of GDP | 5.4% | 2024 estimate |
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