Country Profile: West Bank
The West Bank is a landlocked territory located in the Middle East, bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel to the west. Home to approximately 3.2 million Palestinians, the region has a rich history, having been inhabited since at least the 15th century B.C. The economy faces significant challenges, with a projected GDP of $20.339 billion in 2024 and high unemployment rates. Governed primarily by the Palestinian Authority, the area is marked by political complexities stemming from ongoing Israeli-Palestinian tensions.
Geography
The West Bank covers an area of 5,860 sq km, characterized by a varied landscape that includes rugged uplands and flat plains. Its temperate climate varies with altitude, leading to warm summers and mild winters. The territory has no coastline and is defined by its borders with Israel and Jordan.
- Geographic coordinates: 32° N, 35° E
- Highest point: Khallat al Batrakh at 1,020 m
- Lowest point: Dead Sea at -431 m
- Natural resources: Arable land
- Land boundaries: Total of 478 km (Israel 330 km, Jordan 148 km)
People and Society
As of 2024, the population of the West Bank is estimated at 3,243,369, with a slight male majority. The society is predominantly Palestinian Arab, with a mix of Jewish and other ethnic groups. Arabic is the primary language, with Hebrew and English also widely spoken.
- Population growth rate: 2.07% (2024 est.)
- Urban population: 77.6% of total population (2023)
- Median age: 21.9 years (2024 est.)
- Literacy rate: 98% (2022 est.)
- Life expectancy at birth: 76.5 years (2024 est.)
Economy
The economy of the West Bank is under significant stress, with negative growth rates projected for 2023 and 2024. The GDP is projected at $20.339 billion for 2024, with a per capita GDP of $3,800. The economic activities are mainly driven by the services sector.
- Unemployment rate: 24.5% (2022 est.)
- Inflation rate: 53.7% (2024 est.)
- Exports (2024): $2.885 billion
- Imports (2024): $8.264 billion
- Remittances: 5.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Government
The governance of the West Bank is primarily under the Palestinian Authority (PA), which was established following the Oslo Accords. The PA has limited military capabilities and relies on various security forces for internal security. The region is characterized by ongoing political tensions and fragmentation.
- Major political factions: Fatah and HAMAS
- Approximate active personnel in PA security forces: 28,000 (2024)
- Area under PA control (Area A): 17.5% of the West Bank
Military and Security
Due to restrictions from the Oslo Accords, the PA does not have a conventional military force. Instead, it maintains a range of security and police forces, including the National Security Forces and Civil Police, primarily operating within Area A of the West Bank.
- Military expenditures: Not available
- Military equipment: Lightly equipped with small arms and vehicles
Energy
The West Bank has achieved 100% electricity access for its population. Energy generation primarily relies on fossil fuels and solar sources, indicating a move towards diversification in energy production.
- Installed generating capacity: 352,000 kW (2023 est.)
- Electricity consumption: 6.956 billion kWh (2023 est.)
- Refined petroleum consumption: 29,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Environment
Environmental issues in the West Bank include challenges related to freshwater supply and adequate sewage treatment. The territory maintains a high percentage of agricultural land use, reflecting its reliance on agriculture.
- Agricultural land: 64.9% of total area (2023 est.)
- Urbanization rate: 2.85% annual change (2020-2025)
Transportation
The West Bank has limited transportation infrastructure, including a single airport and several heliports planned for 2025.
- Airports: 1 (2025)
- Heliports: 2 (2025)
Communications
In terms of communications, the West Bank has a growing number of mobile and fixed-line subscriptions, with a significant percentage of the population using the internet.
- Total mobile subscriptions: 4.15 million (2023 est.)
- Internet penetration rate: 87% (2023 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,243,369 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 5,860 sq km | Total area |
| Real GDP (PPP) | $20.339 billion | 2024 estimate |
| GDP per capita | $3,800 | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment rate | 24.5% | 2022 estimate |
| Inflation rate | 53.7% | 2024 estimate |
| Life expectancy at birth | 76.5 years | 2024 estimate |
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