Key information about State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) population

• The State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) population reached 5.9 million people in Jun 2026, compared with the previously reported figure of 5.7 million people in Jun 2025
• The data reached an all-time high of 5.9 million people in Jun 2026 and a record low of 0.9 million people in Jun 1951

*This indicator will be no longer available from March 2026, 4th onwards. CEIC has a plan to remove the non-standard frequency indicator after the standard frequency indicator has been added and be available on this table. CEIC extends history for annual Population. The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics provides Mid-year Population. Population prior to 1997 is sourced from the International Monetary Fund. Population is in annual frequency, ending in June of each year

As of 2021, the overall population density of the Gaza Strip was ***** capita per square kilometer. The population density of North Gaza was ***** capita per square kilometer. The area of the Gaza Strip was around *** square kilometers.

According to estimates for 2023, the number of Palestinians in Gaza aged 0 to 4 was *******. That year, more than half of Gaza's estimated **** million inhabitants were below 20 years old.

State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) PCBS Projection: Population: Mid Year: Gaza Strip data was reported at 2,106,745.000 Person in 2021. This records an increase from the previous number of 2,047,969.000 Person for 2020. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) PCBS Projection: Population: Mid Year: Gaza Strip data is updated yearly, averaging 1,491,960.000 Person from Jun 1997 (Median) to 2021, with 25 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2,106,745.000 Person in 2021 and a record low of 995,522.000 Person in 1997. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) PCBS Projection: Population: Mid Year: Gaza Strip data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) – Table PS.G001: Population: Projection: Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics.

Actual value and historical data chart for West Bank And Gaza Population Ages 0 14 Percent Of Total

Actual value and historical data chart for West Bank And Gaza Population Density People Per Sq Km

State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Crude Birth Rate: per 1000 Population: Gaza Strip data was reported at 34.400 NA in 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 34.700 NA for 2017. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Crude Birth Rate: per 1000 Population: Gaza Strip data is updated yearly, averaging 37.250 NA from Dec 1997 (Median) to 2018, with 18 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 45.400 NA in 1997 and a record low of 34.400 NA in 2018. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Crude Birth Rate: per 1000 Population: Gaza Strip data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) – Table PS.G002: Vital Statistics.

Analysis unit

Persons and households Age is grouped into categories

UNITS IDENTIFIED: - Dwellings: no - Vacant Units: no - Households: yes - Individuals: yes - Group quarters: no

UNIT DESCRIPTIONS: - Dwellings: A building or part of a building constructed for one household only, with one or more independent entrance leading to the public road without passing through another housing unit. - Households: One person or a group of persons with or without a household relationship, who live in the same housing unit, share meals and make joint provision of food and other essentials of living. - Group quarters: Elderly homes, orphan homes, psycho-therapy clinics and hospitals, and other collective households

Universe

(1) All persons living in the Palestinian Territory on the census date, regardless of nationality, citizenship, reason of presence, and place of residence in the Palestinian Territory. (2) All Palestinians who live abroad temporarily and for less than a year whose usual place of residence is in the Palestinian Teritory (these persons are counted with their households). (3) All Palestinians who are studying abroad, regardless of the study period and length of residence abroad, and all Palestinian persons detained in Israeli jails regardless of the detention period. Refugees

Kind of data

Population and Housing Census [hh/popcen]

Sampling procedure

MICRODATA SOURCE: Palestinian National Authority, Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics

SAMPLE SIZE (person records): 467873.

SAMPLE DESIGN: A systematic random sample of 20 percent of households. IPUMS drew a systematic sample of every second household. Refugees

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

A single enumeration form requested information on the dwelling and individuals.

Abstract

To improve the situation the PCBS has decided to undertake a fairly large demographic survey The main purpose of this survey is to provide basic demographic estimates at both the national and district level filling important gaps in existing statistics and reducing uncertainties surrounding the utility of available data Specifically, the survey provides detailed data on the following topics Population structure Female fertility Fertility preference Infant and child mortality Maternal and adult mortality Internal and international migration Marriage Family and household composition Educational attainmentHousing conditions

Geographic coverage

The target population consists of all Palestinian households that usually reside in the West Bank and Gaza Strip

Analysis unit

individual/ Household

Universe

The target population in this sample survey comprises all households living in West Bank and Gaza Strip excluding institutional population and nomads

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

A sampling strategy comprises two main elements: a sample design describing the scheme by which the sample of survey units is selected, and the estimators by which survey results can be computed from sample data. The two elements are usually closely interrelated, and determine the quality or reliability of survey estimates. In this section both elements will be described briefly. A more detailed description is provided in a separate working paper (Abu Hassan and Tamsfoss 1995).

The sample design adopted is a stratified three stage design for selection of households to be surveyed. At the first stage a sample of localities was selected. The sample localities have been subdivided into cells of approximately equal size, and a number of cells were selected randomly from each of the sample localities at the second stage. At the third and final stage, a sample of households was selected from the sample cells. For all the demographic variables included in the survey, records were taken for all members of the sample household.

Although a two-stage design would have been preferable, the present, more complex one is partly an outcome of limited availability of data on which sample designing usually is based, specifically data on the population size of various small area units, e.g. cells. The sample designing was undertaken in parallel with the updating of maps for the localities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip during the winter and spring 1995 - another ongoing PCBS project. Due to the limited time available, the design had to be completed before a complete set of updated locality maps was ready, implying the small area information needed was available for only a limited number of localities. However, the map updating was coordinated with the sample designing in such a way that once the first stage sample of localities was selected, mapping of these localities was given highest priority, thus offering an opportunity to subdivide sample localities into cells with a known measure of (population) size.

The present design is based on listings of localities provided by Barghouti and Daibas (1993) for the West Bank, and Abdeen and Abu-Libdeh (1993) for the Gaza Strip. Even though the population figures are rough estimates as per 1992-93, produced mainly by questioning local administration informants (e.g. Mukhtars) about the number of families in the locality, or projected estimates, they appear to be fairly well attuned with other sources (e.g. Benvenisti and Khayat 1988). Furthermore, the listings applied as a frame comprise more localities than previous ones, and should thus be more complete. However, the coverage may still be less than - although close to - 100% in terms of areas.

The first stage comprises the assigning of localities (as listed by Barghouti and Daibas 1993; Abdeen and Abu Libdeh 1993) to be the Primary Sampling Units (PSUs), the stratification of the PSUs, and the selection of sample PSUs from each stratum. The stratification is a subdivision of the PSUs according to district, administrative status of the locality, and estimated population (households) size. The PSUs were selected independently for each stratum, and with probability proportionate to estimated population size. In the Gaza Strip all localities were selected. The same applies to the district capitals, municipal localities and refugee camps in the West Bank, except in two strata in A Ramallah district. Whenever all PSUs in a stratum are selected, the design is a two stage one, and each single PSU is to be regarded as a separate substratum. The two stage design also applies for several of the small villages (single cell localities). As a matter of fact, the major parts of the sample is selected in two stages only, contributing favorably to smaller sampling error as compared to a strict three stage design.

The second stage subdivision of sample PSUs into cells (or Secondary Sampling Units - SSUs) was done on maps indicating location of buildings and a rough estimate of the number of dwelling in each building. Thus, for each sample PSU or locality as a whole, there are two size measures available; the estimated number of households, and the roughly estimated number of dwelling units. Although these sets of measures proved to be positively correlated, they departed significantly in most cases. However, for the cells, the number of dwelling units were the only measure of size available. Therefore, when selecting the sample cells from each sample PSU with probability proportionate to size, the size in terms of dwelling units had to be applied, i.e. a conceptually different size measure than the one applied at the first stage of selection (households).

For each sample cell the population has been listed by enumeration of buildings (map reference), and dwelling units. It should be noted that the number of dwelling units in each building was assessed by listers from outside no thorough inquiries were made as to whether they were inhabited or not. It was thus expected that errors would occur rather frequently - a problem which is to be evaluated separately on the basis of data collected during the survey. The listing of dwelling units constitutes the Sampling Frame from which the household sample was selected at a third stage by systematic sampling.

The planned sample size was 15,000 households. However, due to the sampling frame imperfections which were envisaged (several non-eligible units included), oversampling was carried out at a rate of approximately 30%, i.e. the gross sample selected at the outset comprised around 20,000 dwelling units.

The sampling design and sample allocation yield a household sample with varying inclusion probabilities. In order to have unbiased results, it is thus recommended that all estimates are based on weighed observations, the weights being the inverse of the respective inclusion probabilities.

All households in a cell have the same probability of being selected, however varying from cell to cell. It should be noted that non-eligible dwelling units (i.e. units which are not inhabited by households) have been removed from the sample. This does not affect the inclusion probabilities or the weights . The actual values of the weights are in the range 0.3 to 3.0. However, 80 % of the weights are in the range 0.7 to 1.4. Only a very few (small) cells are near the extremes.

Since the sampling design is a complex multi-stage one, variance must be calculated with other methods than those applicable to simple random sampling. In order to carry out the calculations, the software CENVAR (US Bureau of the Census 1993) has been used.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

e Demographic Survey questionnaire consists of seven main parts Control Sheet which includes items related to quality control sample identification interview schedule and interview results Household Roster which includes questions related to the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of persons Household Mortality Schedule which includes questions related to deaths in the household during the past 24 months. Housing Schedule which includes questions on housing and housing conditions Relatives Abroad Schedule which includes questions on the number and the demographic characteristics of close relatives residing abroad Women's Schedule which includes questions mainly related to ever married women age 14-54 years Birth History which includes questions related to the characteristics of all births occurring to ever married women eligible for interview Answers to the first five parts of the questionnaires were obtained by interviewing the household head or any adult member of the household in cases where the head was not present during enumeration The last two sections of the questionnaire were completed by interviewing all eligible women The questionnaire was worded in colloquial Arabic Questions were written in full on the questionnaire and strict instructions were given to interviewers to read all questions verbatim during the interviews

Cleaning operations

A data entry template was designed to reflect an exact image of the questionnaire, and included various electronic checks logical check range checks consisting checks and cross-validation Weekly thorough checks on the overall consistency of the data files and sample allocation were also performed after data entry Questionnaire containing field-related errors were sent back to the field for corrections EPI-INFO Version 6.02 supported with NAFITHA-Version 4.00 (Arabization program) was used

State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Population Growth Rate: Gaza Strip data was reported at 2.900 % in 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3.000 % for 2017. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Population Growth Rate: Gaza Strip data is updated yearly, averaging 3.400 % from Dec 1997 (Median) to 2018, with 13 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4.100 % in 1997 and a record low of 2.900 % in 2018. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Population Growth Rate: Gaza Strip data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) – Table PS.G002: Vital Statistics.

In Palestine, the median age of the population was 19.76 years in 2023, meaning that almost half of the total population is comprised of children. The median age of a population is an index that divides the population into two equal groups: half of the population is older than the median age and the other half younger. In 2020, the median age of Palestine's population was estimated to be around 19 years.

Abstract

The surveys is designed to collect, analyze and disseminate demographic and health data pertaining to the Palestinian population living in the Palestinian Territory, with a focus on demography, fertility, family planning and maternal and child health.

Geographic coverage

The Data are representative at region level (West Bank, Gaza Strip), locality type (urban, rural, camp)

Analysis unit

Household, individual

Universe

The survey covered all the Palestinian households who are a usual residence in the Palestinian Territory.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

Sample frame and sample design: The list of all Palestinian households has been constructed by updating some identification variables from the data collected through the Population Census of 1997. The master sample was drawn up to be used for different sample surveys. It consists of 481 enumeration areas (EA) (the average size of about 150 households). The master sample was the sample frame for the current Demographic and Heath Survey of 2004. The selected EA were divided into small units called cells (with an average size of 25 households). One cell per EA was selected.

The sample type was a stratified two-stage random sample: First stage: 260 EAs were selected from all Palestinian territory. Second stage: A systematic random sample of 25 households was selected from each EA in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. For the part of Jerusalem that was annexed by Israel after the 1967 war, 30 households were selected from each EA.

Sample size: The number of households in the sample was 6,574 households: 4,456 in the West Bank and 2,118 in the Gaza Strip.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The questionnaire was consisted of the following parts:

• Household part: consisted household roster including demographic variables such as age, sex, date of birth, smoking, health insurance,disability, child labor for children aged 10 years and over and education section for persons aged 5-17 years.
• Dwelling part: including questions on housing conditions such as main drinking water source, iodized salt and other socio-economic indicators. -Women (15-54 years) questionnaire
• Women part: this part was designed to collect data from all ever-married women 15-54 years old. It consists of seven sections: Reproduction, Contraception, Pregnancy and Breast Feeding, Tetanus Toxoid (TT), Health Awareness and Public Health, Awareness of AIDS, Fertility Preference.
• Child part: this part was designed to collect data from all children aged less than 5 years, it consists Child Education, Child health and Immunization, and Anthropometry.

Cleaning operations

Data editing took place at a number of stages through the processing including:

1. office editing and coding
2. during data entry
3. structure checking and completeness
4. structural checking of SPSS data files

Response rate

The survey sample consists of about 6,574 households of which 5,799 households completed the interview; whereas 3,746 households from the West Bank and 2,053 households in Gaza Strip. Weights were modified to account for non-response rate. The response rate in the West Bank reached 84.1% while in the Gaza Strip it reached 96.9%. The response rate in the Palestinian Territory reached 88.2%.

Sampling error estimates

Detailed information on the sampling Error is available in the Survey Report.

Data appraisal

Detailed information on the data appraisal is available in the Survey Report.

Actual value and historical data chart for West Bank And Gaza Population Ages 80 And Above Male Percent Of Male Population

Actual value and historical data chart for West Bank And Gaza Population Growth Annual Percent

Historical dataset showing West Bank and Gaza population density by year from 1990 to 2021.

Abstract

The main objective of the PHC-2007 is to provide figures for the Palestinian population and their geographical distribution in accordance with a number of relatively stable basic characteristics to inform socioeconomic development purposes. Preparations for conducting censuses take usually 3-5 years for piloting, testing tools, work plans, human and physical needs and timetable. The census is one of the most important statistical activities as it provides statistical data on the distribution of population, and their demographic, social and economic characteristics in a certain reference period of time for all the individuals within the borders of the state.

Geographic coverage

West Bank and Gaza Strip

Analysis unit

individual, household

Universe

The PHC-2007 covered all individuals who were in the Palestinian Territory on the census reference night (30/11-1/12/2007) regardless of nationality and citizenship. It also covered all Palestinians who have usual residence in the Palestinian Territory (including those who were temporarily absent for less than one year for the purpose of visit, tourism, treatment, etc. while their households are still living at their permanent places of residence in the Palestinian Territory). All Palestinian students abroad while their households are still living at their permanent places of residence were also included, in addition to all prisoners and detainees in the Israeli jails regardless of the duration of detention. The census excluded all Palestinians holding identity cards who were absent for more than one year (except for the students), even if their households are still living in their places of residence in the Palestinian Territory

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Sampling procedure

It consists of all the enumerated households in the Census 2007 and who are staying in the west bank at the time of enumeration. We select a systematic random sample from each enumeration area in the Census, and we select a 20% of the total households concluding all the individuals in the household

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The census questionnaire for the buildings is divided into four parts: Part one: includes identification data, such as: governorate, locality name, locality code, booklet no. in locality, total booklets in locality, no. of completed pages in booklet, enumeration area.
Part two: includes data for all buildings, such as: 1. Building Serial No. in the page 2. Building No. in Enumeration Area 3. Name of the Owner of the Building or Building Name and Address 4. Building Municipality No. 5. Type of Building 6. Type of Ownership 7. Material of External Walls 8. No. of Stories 9. Current Use of Building 10. Establishments Year 11. Total No. Houses in Building Part three: includes data for all Houses, such as: 1. No. of Houses in the Building 2. Current Use of Houses 3. The reason for Closed, Vacant and Deserted Houses Part four: includes data for all Houses used for habitation or work and habitation, such as: 1. Name of the Head of Household No. of Household Members

Cleaning operations

The data processing stage contain of the following operations: 1. Editing before Data Entry At this stage all booklets were edited in the office using the instructions previously prepared for checking to ensure consistent data. 2. Data Entry Program The data entry program was prepared and designed according to the census questionnaire. The program was prepared by using the Oracle database. 3. Data Entry After the completion of the design and the testing of the data entry program and training of data keyers, work began on data entry.

Response rate

100%

Sampling error estimates

Not Applicaple

Actual value and historical data chart for West Bank And Gaza Total Population For Age 65 And Above Only 2005 And 2010 In Number Of People

Actual value and historical data chart for West Bank And Gaza Population Ages 40 44 Male Percent Of Male Population

State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Population: Ages 0-14: % of Total Population data was reported at 38.370 % in 2023. This records a decrease from the previous number of 38.690 % for 2022. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Population: Ages 0-14: % of Total Population data is updated yearly, averaging 44.015 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2023, with 34 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 49.120 % in 1990 and a record low of 38.370 % in 2023. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Population: Ages 0-14: % of Total Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) – Table PS.OECD.GGI: Social: Demography: Non OECD Member: Annual.

Abstract

The 2017 Census covered all members present in Palestine on the morning of 1st December 2017 regardless of their citizenship, nationality or reasons of presence in Palestine. It also covered the Palestinians temporarily outside of State of Palestine for a period of less than a year for purposes of visit, tourism, treatment or any other reason and who have families inside Palestine. It also covered the detainees and prisoners in Israeli jails regardless of the period of their detention. It did not cover the Palestinians with ID cards and families in Palestine who have been absent for a year or more, with the exception of students studying abroad.

It mainly aims to provide a comprehensive and modern statistical database that creates a digital profile of the Palestinian society in all areas. It additionally fulfills the national needs and in accordance to international recommendations and UN recommendations on the contents of the Census. Consequently, the Census serves as the backbone of planning and developmental policies and strategies formulation.

Geographic coverage

All the administrative levels in West Bank and Gaza Strip

Analysis unit

individuals, households

Universe

All the invidual and Households living in Palestine

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Sampling procedure

1. Sample Frame: It consists of all the enumerated households in the Census 2017 and who are staying in the Palestine at the time of enumeration.

2. Sample Design: A random random sample was selected from each enumeration area enumerated in the census, where the sampling rate reached 20% of the total number of individuals.

Mode of data collection

Personal Interviwe using Tablests

Response rate

Do not apply

Sampling error estimates

There are only Non-sampling errors that occur at any stage during the implementation of census. Many of data quality control procedures were used during the census planning and implementayion to ensure maximum accuracy