1961
0
Flockulation (1961-2021)
2021
771,168
Change
+771,168
Overview
Welcome to Palestine, where ancient olive groves and rolling hills have sheltered flocks of sheep — and people — for millennia. This storied land along the eastern Mediterranean brims with history, resilience, and a culture as rich as fresh za'atar.
Geography
Palestine encompasses the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The West Bank features the Judean Hills, Jordan Valley, and Dead Sea shores, while Gaza hugs the Mediterranean coast. Terrain ranges from fertile valleys to arid desert, with a Mediterranean climate in the west.
History
Inhabited since ancient times, Palestine has seen Canaanites, Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, and Ottomans pass through. The 20th century brought the British Mandate, the 1948 Nakba, and ongoing efforts toward Palestinian statehood and self-determination.
Culture
Palestinian culture shines through embroidery (tatreez), dabke folk dancing, Arabic poetry, and oral storytelling. Eid celebrations, olive harvest festivals, and vibrant handicraft traditions keep heritage alive. The Arabic dialect here carries a warm, distinctive flair all its own.
Economy
Palestine's economy relies on agriculture, construction, and services, with significant remittances from diaspora communities. Olive oil production is a proud pillar. Economic activity is heavily shaped by political conditions, aid, and trade restrictions affecting both territories.
Food
Palestinian cuisine is a feast worth bleating about — think musakhan (roasted chicken with sumac and onions on flatbread), maqluba, mansaf with tender lamb, fresh olive oil, and knafeh for dessert. Lamb and sheep dairy feature prominently in traditional cooking.
Tourism
Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity, Jericho (one of the world's oldest cities), Hebron's Old City, Nablus with its ancient soap markets, and the scenic Ramallah area draw visitors. The Dead Sea's lowest-point shores are also a remarkable draw.
People
Palestinians are predominantly Arab, with a rich mix of Muslim and Christian communities. Notable figures include poet Mahmoud Darwish and academic Edward Said. The population is young, highly educated, and deeply connected to land, family, and cultural identity.
Nature
Palestine's landscapes range from the lush Carmel-adjacent hills to the stark Judean Desert and the Jordan Rift Valley. Migratory birds flock through seasonally, and Awassi sheep — a hardy local breed prized for wool and milk — graze the hillside pastures.
Fun Facts
Jericho is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth, dating back over 10,000 years. Palestinian tatreez embroidery was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The Awassi is the Middle East's most widespread sheep breed, and Palestine produces world-class olive oil.
