State of Palestine | |
---|---|
Anthem: "فدائي" "Fida'i"[1] "Fedayeen Warrior" | |
![]() Territory claimed by Palestine (green). Claimed territory annexed by Israel (light green). | |
Status | UN observer state under Israeli occupation Recognized by 145 UN member states |
| |
Largest city | Rafah[b][2] |
Official languages | Arabic |
Religion (2023) | |
Demonym(s) | Palestinian |
Government | Unitary semi-presidential republic[3] |
Mahmoud Abbas[c] | |
Mohammad Mustafa | |
Aziz Dweik | |
Legislature | National Council |
Formation[broken anchor] | |
15 November 1988 | |
29 November 2012 | |
• Sovereignty dispute with Israel | Ongoing[d][4][5] |
Area | |
• Total | 6,020[6] km2 (2,320 sq mi) (163rd) |
• Water (%) | 3.5[7] |
5,655 km2 | |
365 km2[8] | |
Population | |
• 2023 estimate | 5,483,450[9] (121st) |
• Density | 731/km2 (1,893.3/sq mi) |
GDP (PPP) | 2023 estimate |
• Total | ![]() |
• Per capita | ![]() |
GDP (nominal) | 2021 estimate |
• Total | ![]() |
• Per capita | ![]() |
Gini (2016) | ![]() medium |
HDI (2021) | ![]() high · 106th |
Currency |
|
Time zone | UTC+2 (Palestine Standard Time) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (Palestine Summer Time) |
Date format | dd/mm/yyyy |
Driving side | right |
Calling code | +970 |
ISO 3166 code | PS |
Internet TLD | .ps |
The State of Palestine is a partially recognized country in southwestern Asia. It claims East Jerusalem as its capital, however its administrative center is located in Ramallah.[14] It is recognized by 145 United Nations member states in May 2024. Since 2012, it has non-member observer status in the United Nations. This amounts to a de facto, or implicit, recognition of statehood.[15][16][17]
The Palestinian National Authority claims the West Bank and the Gaza Strip as its territory. On 15th November 1988, Palestinian National Council, the legislative body of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) led by Yasser Arafat, declared the establishment of Palestine. Signing of the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, negotiated between Israel and the PLO, created the Palestinian Authority (PA) to exercise partial control over parts of Palestine. In 2007, internal divisions between Palestinian political factions led to a takeover of the Gaza Strip by Hamas. Since then, the West Bank has been governed in part by the Palestinian Authority, led by Fatah, while the Gaza Strip has remained under the control of Hamas. Israel has built settlements in both of the Palestinian territories since the start of the occupation. The settlements in the Gaza Strip were dismantled in Israel's unilateral disengagement in 2005, and approximately 670,000 Israeli settlers live in settlements in the West Bank. The international community considers Israeli settlements in Palestine illegal under international law, but the Israeli government disputes this.
Currently, the biggest challenges to the country include the Israeli occupation, partial blockade, restrictions on movement, expansion of Israeli settlements and settler violence, as well as an overall poor security situation. Unsolved remain the question of Palestine's borders, the legal and diplomatic status of Jerusalem, and the return of Palestinian refugees. Despite these challenges, the country remains one of the most highly-educated countries in the Arab world, maintains an emerging economy, and sees frequent tourism. As of May 2024, Palestine is recognized as a sovereign state by 145 out of 193 member states of the United Nations. It is also a member of several international organizations, including the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and International Olympic Committee. It has been a non-member observer state of the United Nations since 2012.[18]
A senior PA official revealed the plans in an interview with Al-Quds newspaper. The change to 'state' status is important because it shows that 'the state of Palestine is occupied,' he said.
Israel remains in charge of territories the world says should one day make up that state.
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