What is the Capital of Palestine? East Jerusalem
Capital City of Palestine: Ramallah
City Overview
Ramallah is the administrative capital of the State of Palestine, serving as the de facto seat of government. Located in the central part of the West Bank, approximately 10 kilometers north of Jerusalem, Ramallah is a vital cultural, political, and economic center for Palestinians. It is a bustling city known for its mix of modern and traditional elements, with a rich cultural heritage and an evolving infrastructure. Ramallah plays a central role in Palestinian governance, housing the Palestinian Authority (PA) offices, ministries, and the Prime Minister’s office.
Historically, Ramallah was a small town, but over the last few decades, it has grown substantially due to its proximity to Jerusalem, the historical and cultural importance of the region, and its role in the Palestinian political sphere. The city is also known for its vibrant arts scene, historic landmarks, and a lively social atmosphere, attracting visitors from both the Palestinian territories and abroad. Despite its growth, Ramallah has managed to maintain much of its traditional charm, with old markets, local cafes, and historical buildings.
City Facts
- Area: Approximately 16 km² (6.2 square miles)
- Population: About 40,000 people in the city itself, with the wider metropolitan area home to over 350,000 people.
- Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET) (UTC +2), with daylight saving time, Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) (UTC +3).
- Highest Mountain: Mount Al-Jarmaq, part of the Mountains of Palestine range, located north of Ramallah. The highest peak in this range is Jabal al-Tawil, at around 1,000 meters (3,280 feet).
- Longest River: The Jordan River, which forms part of the eastern border of Palestine, flows southwards into the Dead Sea.
Major Landmarks in Ramallah
Despite being a relatively small city, Ramallah is home to several significant landmarks, both cultural and political, that reflect the city’s role in Palestinian life.
- Palestinian Authority Headquarters: The center of governance for the Palestinian Authority, where the President of the Palestinian Authority and other political leaders work. The area houses various ministries and government institutions crucial to the administration of Palestinian territories.
- Yasser Arafat Mausoleum: One of the most significant landmarks in Ramallah is the mausoleum of Yasser Arafat, the iconic leader of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and the first President of the Palestinian Authority. The mausoleum is a national symbol, and Arafat’s tomb is visited by many Palestinians and international dignitaries alike. His remains were transferred to Ramallah after his death in 2004.
- Al-Manara Square: Al-Manara Square is one of the most central and recognizable locations in Ramallah. It’s an important landmark, surrounded by shops, cafes, and administrative buildings. The square is a hub for social, political, and cultural activity, and it is frequently used for public demonstrations and celebrations.
- Ramallah Cultural Palace: A hub for art, culture, and performances, the Ramallah Cultural Palace hosts concerts, exhibitions, and public events. The building represents the city’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant contemporary arts scene.
- The Palestinian Museum: Located in nearby Birzeit, this museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history, culture, and heritage of the Palestinian people. It houses exhibitions on Palestinian art, history, and the ongoing struggle for independence.
- Church of the Holy Family: This church is one of the most important Christian landmarks in Ramallah. It is associated with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and holds significant importance for Palestinian Christians, who make up a notable portion of the population in the West Bank.
- Ramallah’s Old City: The old city, with its narrow alleys, historic houses, and traditional markets (souks), provides a glimpse into the city’s past. The architecture here reflects a blend of Ottoman, Arab, and modern influences, representing the diverse history of the area.
Climate Overview
Ramallah experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Due to its elevation of around 880 meters (2,887 feet) above sea level, Ramallah enjoys a slightly cooler climate than the lower-lying regions of the West Bank and Israel. The city receives moderate rainfall, mostly between November and March, and can experience occasional snow in winter.
Climate Data for Ramallah
| Month | Avg Temperature (°C) | Precipitation (mm) | Sunny Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10 | 150 | 8 |
| February | 11 | 130 | 9 |
| March | 13 | 100 | 10 |
| April | 16 | 60 | 12 |
| May | 20 | 30 | 14 |
| June | 24 | 10 | 15 |
| July | 27 | 0 | 17 |
| August | 27 | 0 | 17 |
| September | 24 | 10 | 15 |
| October | 19 | 40 | 13 |
| November | 14 | 110 | 10 |
| December | 11 | 160 | 8 |
Other Cities as Capital in Palestine’s History
Historically, Jerusalem has been considered the capital of Palestine, and it remains the city with the greatest religious, historical, and cultural significance for Palestinians. However, due to the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem since 1967, the Palestinian Authority does not have control over the city. As a result, Palestinian political institutions have been based in Ramallah, which is regarded as the temporary administrative capital of the State of Palestine.
- Jerusalem (before 1967, and considered the capital of Palestine)
- Time Period: Historically, Jerusalem was the capital of Palestine for centuries. Following the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel occupied East Jerusalem and declared the entire city as its capital, a claim that is not internationally recognized. Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
- Significance: Jerusalem remains central to Palestinian national identity, being the home to religious sites like the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Church of the Holy Sepulchre, making it a vital focal point in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
- Gaza City (1980s-1990s, before Palestinian Authority moved to Ramallah)
- Time Period: During the first Intifada in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and in the early years after the Oslo Accords, parts of Palestinian governance operated from Gaza City. However, after the Palestinian Authority relocated its headquarters to Ramallah in the early 2000s, Gaza became politically isolated due to Hamas control.
Country Facts
- Country Name: State of Palestine
- Capital: Ramallah (Administrative), East Jerusalem (claimed as capital)
- Population: Approximately 5.5 million (2023 estimate)
- Area: 6,220 km² (2,400 square miles)
- Largest City: Gaza City
- Currency: Israeli New Shekel (ILS), Jordanian Dinar (JOD), and U.S. Dollar (USD) are commonly used
- Official Language: Arabic
- ISO Country Codes: PS (Alpha-2), PSE (Alpha-3), 275 (Numeric)
- Government: Unitary Presidential Republic with a semi-presidential system, the Palestinian Authority is the administrative government, while Hamas controls the Gaza Strip.
- Religion: The majority of Palestinians are Muslims (Sunni), with a significant Christian minority, especially in areas like Bethlehem.
Ramallah, as the political capital of Palestine, represents the resilience and aspirations of the Palestinian people. It is a hub of governance, culture, and daily life for the millions of Palestinians in the West Bank and beyond. With its modern infrastructure, historical significance, and vibrant cultural scene, Ramallah is both a symbol of Palestine’s struggles and its hopes for a future state.
