- Population:
- 5,495,000
- Religion:
- Islam
Palestine has a long and complex history, with ancient roots and periods of rule by various empires. It declared independence in 1988 and has partial international recognition. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains central to its political situation, with ongoing efforts toward sovereignty and statehood.
The State of Palestine is a de jure sovereign state in Western Asia, officially governed by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). It is recognized by 138 of the 193 United Nations member states and has non-member observer state status in the UN. The territories claimed by the State of Palestine include the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, though these areas have been subject to Israeli occupation since 1967. The administrative capital is Ramallah, while East Jerusalem is designated as the intended capital. The official language is Arabic. The Palestinian population is estimated to be around 5 million people as of 2023, residing within the claimed territories, with a significant diaspora worldwide. The economy faces challenges due to political instability, restrictions on movement, and limited access to resources, relying heavily on agriculture, services, and international aid. The State of Palestine is a member of international organizations such as the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and UNESCO.
