Palestine

The population of Palestine is approximately 5.5M (2024).

The capital of Palestine is Ramallah.

Palestine's GDP per capita is $1.4K (2024).

Life expectancy in Palestine is 69.21 years (2024).

Palestine covers 6,220 km² (2,402 sq mi).

Palestine is very densely populated, with 891 people per km², far exceeding the global average of 60.

Palestine's population is growing rapidly at 2.4% per year — among the fastest in the world.

Based on GDP per capita, Palestine falls in the lower-middle GDP-per-person tier at $1.4K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Palestine reports a very low intentional homicide rate of 0.6 per 100,000 people — among the safest in the world by this measure.

The official language of Palestine is Arabic.

Palestine uses the Egyptian pound (E£) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Palestine are May, June, September, October, based on climate data for the capital.

Current estimates show a population of approximately 5.5 million people. This reflects a steady annual growth rate of 2.36%, resulting in a high population density of 919.5 people per km² (2,381.5 per sq mi). The territory is highly urbanized, with 87.1% of the population living in cities.

Palestine has an impressive adult literacy rate of 97.9%, which ranks 45th globally. This high level of education is a significant social asset, despite the various geopolitical and economic challenges the region faces. The territory places a strong cultural emphasis on schooling and academic achievement.

Current data shows that 86.6% of the population are internet users. This high level of connectivity ranks Palestine 80th globally for internet penetration. Robust digital access supports local communication and economic activities across the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The unemployment rate in Palestine is 24.42% according to recent data. This figure ranks 5th highest globally, indicating significant labor market challenges. Factors such as restricted movement of goods and people, alongside economic instability, contribute to these high levels of joblessness.

The current estimated 2026 population of Palestine is approximately 5.5 million people. This figure is based on a projection from official 2024 data, which recorded 5,289,152 residents. The population includes inhabitants of both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, reflecting a high density across a limited land area.

Palestine currently ranks 122nd in the world out of 215 countries and territories. Regionally, it holds the 37th position in Asia and is 11th among the 17 countries in Western Asia. These rankings are based on the latest available population estimates from official sources.

Palestine is one of the most densely populated regions in the world, with an estimated 2026 density of 919.5 people per km² (2,381.5 sq mi). It ranks 12th globally for population density. This is largely due to the extremely high concentration of residents in the Gaza Strip.

The population of Palestine is growing rapidly, with a current annual growth rate of 2.36%. According to recent data, there is a net population increase of approximately 342 people every day. This growth is driven by high birth rates, which significantly outweigh the number of daily deaths.

The latest official data indicates a fertility rate of 3.25 births per woman in Palestine. This figure places the territory 48th in the world for fertility. This relatively high rate contributes to the young demographic profile and the steady upward trend in the total population size.

Approximately 87.1% of the Palestinian population lives in urban areas, according to the latest ranking. Palestine ranks 43rd globally for its level of urbanization. This high percentage is a result of limited land availability and the concentration of economic activities and services in major urban centers.