The estimated population of the Gaza Strip for 2023 was around 2.1 million people. The Palestinian population of Gaza is relatively young when compared globally. More than half of Gazans are 19 years or younger. This is due to the comparably high fertility rate in the Gaza Strip of *** children per woman as of 2022.
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Key information about State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) population
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.
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State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Population Growth Rate: West Bank data was reported at 2.200 % in 2018. This stayed constant from the previous number of 2.200 % for 2017. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Population Growth Rate: West Bank data is updated yearly, averaging 2.600 % from Dec 1997 (Median) to 2018, with 13 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.600 % in 1997 and a record low of 2.200 % in 2018. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Population Growth Rate: West Bank 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.
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Population ages 0-14, female (% of female population) in Palestine was reported at 37.05 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Palestine - Population ages 0-14, female (% of total) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.
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.
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State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Population: Ages 65 and Above: % of Total Population data was reported at 3.800 % in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 3.700 % for 2022. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Population: Ages 65 and Above: % of Total Population data is updated yearly, averaging 2.700 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2023, with 34 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.800 % in 2023 and a record low of 2.080 % in 1993. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Population: Ages 65 and Above: % 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.
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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.
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Population growth (annual %) in Palestine was reported at 2.3603 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Palestine - Population growth (annual %) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.
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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.
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.
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Population ages 65 and above, total in Palestine was reported at 202984 Persons in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Palestine - Total Population for Age 65 and above (only 2005 and 2010) (in number of people) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.
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Historical chart and dataset showing West Bank and Gaza population growth rate by year from 1991 to 2023.
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
The target population consists of all Palestinian households that usually reside in the West Bank and Gaza Strip
individual/ Household
The target population in this sample survey comprises all households living in West Bank and Gaza Strip excluding institutional population and nomads
Sample survey data [ssd]
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.
Face-to-face [f2f]
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
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
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Population density (people per sq. km of land area) in Palestine was reported at 817 sq. Km in 2021, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Palestine - Population density (people per sq. km) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.
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Historical dataset showing West Bank and Gaza population growth rate by year from 1991 to 2023.
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This line chart displays population (people) by date using the aggregation sum in West Bank and Gaza. The data is about countries per year.
The survey 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, infertility, family planning, unmet needs, and maternal and child health, in addition to youth and the elderly. The 2010 survey includes new sections and elements, such as basic health and socio-economic information on different groups within the population: ever married woman less than 55 years and children aged less than five years, child labor in the age 5-14 years, child discipline 2-14 years, person education 5-24 years, youth aged 15-29 years, and elderly people over the age of 60.
The Data are representative at region level (West Bank, Gaza Strip), locality type (urban, rural, camp) and governorates
Household, individual
The survey covered all the Palestinian households who are a usual residence in the Palestine.
Sample survey data [ssd]
Target Population The target population of the survey consists of all the following groups: 1- All Palestinian households normally residing in the Palestinian Territory. 2- Females aged 15 - 54 years. 3- Elderly people aged 60 or over. 4- Children aged 0 - 14 years and divided into the following categories: 0-5 years, 2-14 years, 5-14 years, with parts of the questionnaire customized for each group. 5- Youth aged 15 - 29 years and divided into the following categories: 15-24 years, 25-29 years, with parts of the questionnaire customized for youth.
Sampling Frame We relied on sampling frames established in PCBS and basically comprising the list of enumeration areas. (The enumeration area is a geographical area containing a number of buildings and housing units of about 120 housing units on average.)
The total frame consists of the following two parts:
1- West Bank and Gaza Sampling Frame: containing enumeration areas drawn up in 2007. In the West Bank: each enumeration area consists of a list of households with identification data to ascertain the address of individual households. In Gaza: each enumeration area contains a list of housing units with addresses to ascertain the address of individual households, plus identification data of the housing units.
2- Jerusalem Sampling Frame (inside checkpoints): contains enumeration areas only, geographically divided with information about the total number of households in these areas. However, there is no detailed information about addresses inside enumeration areas and the size of the enumeration area can be ascertained without the ability to identify the addresses.
Design Strata In the survey, two variables were chosen to divide the population into strata, depending on the homogeneity of parts of the population. Previous studies have shown that Palestinian households may be divided as follows: 1- Governorates: there are 16 governorates in the Palestinian Territory: 11 governorates in the West Bank and 5 in the Gaza Strip. 2- Locality Types: there are three types : urban, rural and refugee camps. All the available frames contain the strata variables. Sample Size We use the following formula to estimate the sample size:
n = [(1.15) f(1-r) (r)4]
[(nh) p2(r0.07)]
Where: - n: sample size requested for the main indicator or main estimate - 4: is a factor to achieve a 95 percent level of confidence - r is the predicted or anticipated prevalence (coverage rate) for the indicator - being estimated - 1.15 is the factor necessary to raise the sample size by 20 percent for non-response - f is the design effect - 0.07r is the margin of error to be tolerated at the 95 percent level of confidence, defined as 7 percent of r (7 percent represents the relative sampling error of r) - p is the proportion of the total population upon which the indicator, r, is based - nh is the average household size
To estimate the sample size of the survey we rely on the percentage of children under 5 years who suffer from stunting. We consider it as the main indicator for the survey (r) and it equals 10.2% (from MICS3 data -2006). Also, by returning to census data in 2007 we find the percentage of children aged 0 - 4 years =14.1%. Finally, the sample size = 15,355
Sample Design and Type After determining the sample size, which equals 15456 households, we selected a probability sample - a multi-stage stratified cluster sample as follows: 1- First stage: selecting a sample of clusters (enumeration areas) using PPS without replacement method to obtain 644 enumeration areas from the total enumeration area frame. 2- Second stage: selecting 24 households from each selected enumeration area of the first stage and using the systematic sample method. When reaching households, we enumerate all the targeted individuals from the groups: women (15-54) years, elderly aged 60 and more, children aged 0-5 years. 3- Third stage: selecting one child of age group 2-14 years for part of the questionnaire and one young person from the 15-29 age group to answer the youth attachment in the questionnaire. We use the Kish table to select one person at random.
Face-to-face [f2f]
The design of the survey complied with the standard specifications of health surveys previously implemented by PCBS. In addition, the survey included indicators of MICS4 to meet the needs of all partners.
1. Main questionnaire with the following parts:
· Household questionnaire: Covers demographic and educational characteristics, chronic disease, smoking, discipline of children (2-14 years), child labor (5-14 years), education of children (5-24 years) and housing characteristics.
· Health of women (15-54 years) regardless of marital status, awareness about AIDS, anemia in women (15-49 years).
· Ever married women (15-54 years): Covers general characteristics of qualified women, reproduction, child mortality, maternal care, reproductive morbidity, family planning, and attitudes towards reproduction.
· Children under age of 5: Covers children's health, vaccination against childhood diseases, early childhood development, chronic disease, and anemia.
2. Attached questionnaires
· Youth questionnaire (15-29 years): Covers general characteristics, awareness and perception of family planning, health status, awareness about sexually transmitted diseases and reproduction.
· Elderly questionnaire (60 years and over): Covers general characteristics, social relations, activities, time-use, health status, and use of mass media.
Data editing took place at a number of stages through the processing including:
The survey sample consists of about 15,355 households of which 13,629 households completed the interview; whereas 8,740 households from the West Bank and 4,889 households in Gaza Strip. Weights were modified to account for non-response rate. The response rate in the West Bank reached 90.5% while in the Gaza Strip it reached 94.8%. The response rate in the Palestinian Territory reached 92.0%.
Detailed information on the sampling Error is available in the Survey Report.
Different methods were applied in the assessment of the survey data, including: 1. Occurrences of missing values and answers like "other" and "do not know". 2. Examining inconsistencies between the various sections of the questionnaire, including within record and cross-record consistencies. 3. Comparability of data with previous surveys 2000, 2006 and showed logical homogeneity in the results. The results of these assessment procedures show that the data are of high quality and consistency.
The total population in Palestine was forecast to continuously increase up to more than 5.4 million people by 2023. The current total population is estimated to amount to 5.48 million people in 2023, however these estimates have not yet been adjusted to account for the impact of the 2023 Israel-Hamas War.
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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.
The estimated population of the Gaza Strip for 2023 was around 2.1 million people. The Palestinian population of Gaza is relatively young when compared globally. More than half of Gazans are 19 years or younger. This is due to the comparably high fertility rate in the Gaza Strip of *** children per woman as of 2022.