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.

State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Median Age data was reported at 20.500 Year in 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 20.300 Year for 2017. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Median Age data is updated yearly, averaging 18.150 Year from Dec 1997 (Median) to 2018, with 18 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 20.500 Year in 2018 and a record low of 16.400 Year in 2000. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Median Age 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.

According to estimates for 2023, the number of Palestinians in Gaza aged 0 to 4 was 278,511. That year, more than half of Gaza's estimated 2.06 million inhabitants were below 20 years old.

State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Median Age: Gaza Strip data was reported at 19.100 Year in 2018. This stayed constant from the previous number of 19.100 Year for 2017. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Median Age: Gaza Strip data is updated yearly, averaging 17.000 Year from Dec 1997 (Median) to 2018, with 18 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 19.100 Year in 2018 and a record low of 14.800 Year in 1998. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Median Age: 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.

This dataset is about countries in West Bank and Gaza per year, featuring 3 columns: country, date, and median age. The preview is ordered by date (descending).

This statistic shows the age structure in Palestine from 2013 to 2023. In 2023, about 38.37 percent of Palestine's total population were aged 0 to 14 years.

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.

State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) PS: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5: Male data was reported at 11.900 % in 2010. This records a decrease from the previous number of 12.300 % for 2007. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) PS: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5: Male data is updated yearly, averaging 12.100 % from Dec 2007 (Median) to 2010, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 12.300 % in 2007 and a record low of 11.900 % in 2010. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) PS: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5: Male data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) – Table PS.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Prevalence of stunting, male, is the percentage of boys under age 5 whose height for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. For children up to two years old height is measured by recumbent length. For older children height is measured by stature while standing. The data are based on the WHO's new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition.

The life expectancy at birth of men in the Gaza Strip in 2023 was estimated at 73 years, while the life expectancy for women at birth was 76.8 years. A large proportion of Palestinians residing in Gaza were 19 years and younger.

According to estimates for 2023, the fertility rate in Gaza was 3.38 children per woman. Compared to the fertility rate of 2005, the fertility rate of Gazan women has decreased by almost half. The fertility rate describes the average number of children a woman gives birth to, given a constant average child-bearing age between 15 and 49 years.

UIS: Mean years of schooling (ISCED 1 or higher), population 25+ years, both sexes in Palestine was reported at 9.5334 Years in 2018, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Palestine - Mean years of schooling of the population age 25+. Total - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on March of 2025.

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.

Abstract

PCBS allocates particular attention to the Youth Survey because of the different definition of youth age group in studies. Some define youth as the age group (10-24 years) whereas others define them as the age group (15-29 years). In both definitions, youth constitute the largest segment of the Palestinian society. In addition to being the bulk of the society, youth are a vital strength with non-ignorable potential. They are the tenets of the future and the wealth of the nation that overweighs any other sources. Youth are the agent of change in the society. At this state, planning begins to fulfill societal needs in future skills and competences.

Geographic coverage

Palestine

Analysis unit

individual/ Household

Universe

It consists all the individuals in the age group 15-29 years old and living with their households normally in the State of Palestine in 2015.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

The sampling frame consists of all enumeration areas which were enumerated in 2007, each numeration area consists of buildings and housing units with average of about 124 households in it. These enumeration areas are used as primary sampling units( PSUs) in the first stage of the sampling selection. The sample is three stage stratified cluster (pps) sample:

First stage: selection a stratified sample of 321 EA with (pps) method.

Second stage: selection a random area sample of 25 households from each enumeration area selected in the first stage, the selection starts from a random point in the enumeration area (building number), Where include cases of non-responding households, and the responsive households where the age group 15-29 years is not available, and the responsive households where the age group 15-29 years is available.

Third stage: we selected one person in the household of the( 15-29) age group in a random method by using Kish tables, so that the sex of the person chosen by the serial questionnaire number in the EA sample, if an odd number we select male person and if even number we select female person.

Sample strata: The population was divided by: 1- Governorate (17 governorates) 2- Type of Locality (urban, rural, refugee camps)

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

he Survey comprised two questionnaires: Family questionnaire: The questionnaire included detailed questions on the demographic, social, educational, professional and matrimonial characteristics of family members in addition to data on housing and identification of youth eligible for the interviews.

Youth Survey (15-29 years), which including the following sections: · Education (educational experience in different stages, assessment of educational stages, characteristics of youth enrolled in education, level of satisfaction with the learning experience) · Work and pay (employment status, characteristics of employed people, characteristics of unemployed people, entrepreneurship, financial status and savings) · Emigration (trends of emigration to other countries, emigration of friends and relatives, emigration experience) · Matrimonial and health status (spouses relation, matters related to housing, gender roles, public health, nutrition, mental health, social communication, sports and exercising, HIV awareness, life satisfaction, sexual and reproductive health) · Social participation (volunteer activities, community outreach, friends, family support, social values, political participation and future aspirations, Internet and social media)

Cleaning operations

· During this phase, a data-entry program was prepared using Oracle. Amendments were introduced to the entry screens to set entry bases in a manner that guarantees proper entry of all questionnaires and queries for data cleansing after entry. The queries test variables at questionnaire level. · At this stage, questionnaires were received from fieldwork coordinator using the template prepared for this purpose. The officer in charge controls the questionnaires to ensure they are all received using the template prepared for this purpose. · Entry and cleansing of data took place in the period from 31 August 2015 to 29 November 2015.

Response rate

The response rate in the West Bank reached 94.9 % while in Gaza Strip it reached 97.2%. The response rate in Palestine reached 95.7 %

Sampling error estimates

Data of this survey affected by sampling errors due to use of the sample and not a complete enumeration. Therefore, certain differences are expected in comparison with the real values obtained through censuses. Variance were calculated for the most important indicators, the variance table is attached with the final report. There is no problem to disseminate results at the national level and governorate level.

Data appraisal

Non-sampling errors are probable in all stages of the project, during data collection or processing. This is referred to as non-response errors, response errors, interviewing errors, and data entry errors. To avoid errors and reduce their effects, great efforts were made to train the fieldworkers intensively. They were trained in how to carry out the interview, what to discuss and what to avoid, carrying out a pilot survey and practical and theoretical training during the training course. Also data entry staff was trained on the entry program that was examined before starting the data entry process. Continuous contacts with the fieldwork team were maintained through regular visits to the field and regular meetings during the different field visits. Problems faced by fieldworkers were discussed to clarify issues and provide relevant instructions.

The implementation of the survey encountered non-response where the case (Refused to cooperate) during the fieldwork visit become the high percentage of the non response cases which reached 1.6% which is low percentage compared to the household surveys conducted by PCBS, and the reason is the clear questionnaire and the experience of the fieldwork. The lowest value of response rate reached 92.7% in the middle of west bank, and The highest value of response rate reached 98.5% in the south of west bank.

State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Population: Ages 15-64: % of Total Population data was reported at 57.830 % in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 57.610 % for 2022. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Population: Ages 15-64: % of Total Population data is updated yearly, averaging 53.290 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2023, with 34 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 57.830 % in 2023 and a record low of 48.800 % in 1990. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Population: Ages 15-64: % 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.

State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Life Expectancy at Birth: Gaza Strip: Female data was reported at 74.600 Year in 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 74.500 Year for 2017. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Life Expectancy at Birth: Gaza Strip: Female data is updated yearly, averaging 73.100 Year from Dec 1997 (Median) to 2018, with 18 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 74.600 Year in 2018 and a record low of 71.000 Year in 1997. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Life Expectancy at Birth: Gaza Strip: Female 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.

Ce graphique montre la répartition par tranche d'âge des habitants en Israël et dans les territoires palestiniens que sont la bande de Gaza et la Cisjordanie en 2023. La population de la bande de Gaza est si jeune que 65% des habitants ont moins de 25 ans. En Israël, ce ne sont que 42% des habitants qui ont moins de 25 ans, ce qui reste très élevé par rapport à des pays européens comme la France, où seulement 29% des habitants ont moins de 25 ans.

State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) PS: Survival To Age 65: Female: % of Cohort data was reported at 83.925 % in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 83.626 % for 2015. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) PS: Survival To Age 65: Female: % of Cohort data is updated yearly, averaging 72.955 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 83.925 % in 2016 and a record low of 46.017 % in 1960. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) PS: Survival To Age 65: Female: % of Cohort data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) – Table PS.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Survival to age 65 refers to the percentage of a cohort of newborn infants that would survive to age 65, if subject to age specific mortality rates of the specified year.; ; United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.; Weighted average;

The number of fatalities amongst the Palestinian population in the West Bank and Gaza between 2008 and September 2023 stood at 6,407 and the number of injured people was 152,560. While the majority of fatalities amongst the Palestinians was in the Gaza Strip, more than half of the injured were based in the West Bank.

Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023

The radical Islamic Palestinian terror organization Hamas attacked Israel in the early hours of October 7, 2023, on Sabbath - the Jewish day of rest. This strategic attack from Gaza was directed towards Israeli civilians and armed forces. An estimated 2,200 rockets were fired by Hamas from Gaza toward Israeli targets, hitting civilian buildings and military facilities. Hamas fighters entered the Israeli territory, killing around 1,200 of Israeli citizens. In the weeks that followed, the Israeli military conducted an aerial bombardment and launched a ground offensive in Gaza. Humanitarian pauses allowed aid to get into Gaza, but fighting has continued since a weeklong cease-fire ended on December 1, 2023.

The attacks resulted in a massive escalation of the Middle Eastern conflict, which pushed a political solution further away. The number of civilian casualties in Gaza and Israel is rising each day the conflict continues.

Before October 2023, there had been four wars between Israel and Hamas. The current conflict is already the deadliest, and the death toll is certain to rise.

In 2022, the total fertility rate in Palestine did almost not change in comparison to the previous year. The total fertility rate remained around 3.44 children per woman. The total fertility rate is the average number of children that a woman of childbearing age (generally considered 15 to 44 years) is expected to have throughout her reproductive years. Unlike birth rates, which are based on the actual number of live births in a given population, fertility rates are estimates (similar to life expectancy) that apply to a hypothetical woman, as they assume that current patterns in age-specific fertility will remain constant throughout her reproductive years.

State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) PS: Number of Deaths Ages 5-14 Years data was reported at 410.000 Person in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 414.000 Person for 2015. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) PS: Number of Deaths Ages 5-14 Years data is updated yearly, averaging 414.000 Person from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2017, with 5 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 479.000 Person in 2000 and a record low of 378.000 Person in 1990. State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) PS: Number of Deaths Ages 5-14 Years data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) – Table PS.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Number of deaths of children ages 5-14 years; ; Estimates developed by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNICEF, WHO, World Bank, UN DESA Population Division) at www.childmortality.org.; Sum;