Palestine
State of Palestine
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.88%
Palestine is a Western Asia country of around 5.48 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. The country extends across 6,220 km², translating to a density of 882 people per km². Its capital is Ramallah, and Arabic is the official language, while the Egyptian pound serves as the national currency.
Population
5,483,450
Area
6,220 km²
Density
882/km²
World Rank
#120
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 27.1 per thousand against deaths at 7.2 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. A youthful age structure is evident: 38% of the population is under 15, while only 3.8% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Ramallah
- Region
- Asia
- Subregion
- Western Asia
- Continent
- Asia
- Languages
- Arabic
- Currencies
- Egyptian pound (E£), Israeli new shekel (₪), Jordanian dinar (JD)
- Calling Code
- +970
- Top-Level Domain
- .ps, فلسطين.
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- No
- Timezones
- UTC+02:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 5,483,450
- Land Area
- 6,220 km²
- Population Density
- 882 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.88%
- Annual Growth
- +48,254 people
- Daily Growth
- +132 people
- World Population Share
- 0.07%
- Coordinates
- 31.90°, 35.20°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
At around $2.6k per person, the economy falls into the lower-middle-income tier, reflecting ongoing development needs. Unemployment is a pressing concern at 24.4%, far exceeding the global benchmark of 5.8%. The Gini index of 36.4 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
65.2 years
GDP per Capita
$2,592
Birth Rate
27.1 per 1,000
Death Rate
7.2 per 1,000
Urban Population
87.1%
Fertility Rate
3.31 births/woman
Infant Mortality
14.3 per 1,000
Unemployment
24.4%
Literacy Rate
97.9%
Internet Users
86.6%
Under 15
38.0%
Over 65
3.8%
Health Spending
10.7% GDP
Gini Index
36.4
Age Distribution
0-14 years
2.1M
15-64 years
3.2M
65+ years
211K
Urbanization
Palestine is overwhelmingly urban: an estimated 87.1% of the population lives in cities, one of the highest rates in the world. The capital, Ramallah, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. High density and high urbanization together create both efficiency gains and challenges around housing, transport, and environmental quality.
4.8M
87.1%
706,268
12.9%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 65.2 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 14.3 per thousand live births, somewhat higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 97.9% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Palestine
Palestine has 7 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Palestine is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. The territory's governance arrangements will influence how effectively it adapts to evolving population dynamics.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 5,483,450 |
| 2030 | 5,677,719 |
| 2035 | 5,927,477 |
| 2040 | 6,185,418 |
| 2045 | 6,452,073 |
| 2050 | 6,727,975 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Palestine.
Largest Cities in Palestine
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Palestine by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Palestine?
The population of Palestine is approximately 5.5 million as of 2026, making it #120 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Palestine?
The capital of Palestine is Ramallah.
What languages are spoken in Palestine?
The main languages spoken in Palestine are Arabic.
How big is Palestine?
Palestine covers an area of 6,220 km² with a population density of 882 people per km².
Is Palestine growing or shrinking?
Palestine is growing at a rate of 0.88% per year, adding approximately 48,254 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Palestine?
The average life expectancy in Palestine is 65.2 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Palestine?
The GDP per capita of Palestine is $2,592.