A portfolio of photos showing the George Bush Center for Intelligence and its environs (aka CIA headquarters), the home of The World Factbook.To view more photos of the CIA compound, visit CIA Sites to See and Explore CIA Headquarters.

Topic: Headquarters and JetsSpectacular aerial view of the Agency’s Original and New Headquarters Buildings being overflown by two F-16 jets.

Topic: OHB in the SnowThe CIA’s Original Headquarters Building is depicted during a snow storm. The building was designed in the mid-1950s by the New York firm Harrison and Abramovitz. The designers followed the vision of former DCI Allen Dulles, who dreamed of a place where intelligence officers could work in a college campus-like atmosphere. He also wanted this secure and secluded environment to be close to US policymakers. (Langley is 13 km (8 mi) outside of downtown Washington.) OHB’s cornerstone was laid on 3 November 1959. Construction was completed in March 1961. OHB consists of 130,000 sq m (1,400,000 sq ft) of space. OHB and its companion, New Headquarters Building, sit on 104 hectares (258 acres) of land.

Topic: Aerial View of HeadquartersHistoric aerial view of the Agency’s headquarters buildings and the “bubble” auditorium.

Topic: OHB Main StepsThe CIA’s Original Headquarters Building was designed in the mid-1950s by the New York firm Harrison and Abramovitz. The designers followed the vision of former DCI Allen Dulles, who dreamed of a place where intelligence officers could work in a college campus-like atmosphere. He also wanted this secure and secluded environment to be close to US policymakers. (Langley is 13 km (8 mi) outside of downtown Washington.)

Topic: OHB at NightThe CIA’s Original Headquarters Building at night. The building, designed in the mid-1950s by the New York firm Harrison and Abramovitz, followed the vision of former DCI Allen Dulles. Dulles dreamed of a place where intelligence officers could work in a college campus-like atmosphere in a secure and secluded environment close to US policymakers.

Topic: OHB SpringThe CIA’s Original Headquarters Building (OHB) in the spring. A number of magnificent magnolia trees grace the CIA campus.

Topic: The LobbyThe iconic Lobby of the CIA Headquarters Building. The massive seal has been featured in countless movies and publicity photos. On the left is the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Memorial and the William Donovan statue. The OSS, precursor to the CIA, was set up on 13 June 1942 in the midst of World War II and dissolved a month after the cessation of hostilities on 20 September 1945. William Donovan served as head of OSS and is regarded as the founding father of the CIA. On the right is the Memorial Wall to Agency officers who have died in the line of duty.

Topic: Memorial WallThe Memorial Wall on the north side of the Original Headquarters Building lobby stands as a silent, simple memorial to those CIA officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Among the stars, an inscription reads: “In honor of those members of the Central Intelligence Agency who gave their lives in the service of their country.” The Memorial Wall was commissioned by the CIA Fine Arts Commission in May 1973 and sculpted by Harold Vogel in July 1974.There are 139 stars carved into the marble of the CIA Memorial Wall as of 2022. Inclusion on the Memorial Wall is awarded posthumously to employees who lose their lives while serving their country in the field of intelligence. Death may occur in a foreign field or in the United States.The Honor and Merit Awards Board (HMAB) recommends approval of the nomination to the CIA Director if it meets the following selection criteria:

Death must be of an inspirational or heroic character while in the performance of duty; or as the result of an act of terrorism while in the performance of duty; or as an act of premeditated violence targeted against an employee, motivated solely by that employee’s Agency affiliation; or in the performance of duty while serving in areas of hostilities or other exceptionally hazardous conditions where the death is a direct result of such hostilities or hazards.The HMAB reviews the circumstances surrounding the death of an employee and makes its recommendation to the DCIA for final approval. Once approved by the DCIA, the Office of Protocol arranges placement of the star on the Memorial Wall.A stone carver creates a star by first tracing the new star on the wall using a template. Each star measures 2-1/4 inches tall by 2-1/4 inches wide and half an inch deep; all the stars are six inches apart from each other, as are all the rows. The stone carver uses both a pneumatic air hammer and a chisel to carve out the traced pattern. After carving the star, the stone carver cleans the dust and sprays the star black, which as the star ages, fades to gray. The current stone carver is part of a lineage who learned this craft from the Memorial Wall’s original sculptor, Harold Vogel.The new star is officially unveiled at the CIA’s annual Memorial Ceremony.

Topic: The Lobby at ChristmasThe lobby of the Original Headquarters Building decorated for the holidays.

Topic: Liberty MuralThe Statue of Liberty Mural in the Original Headquarters Building. The two-sentence quote can almost be regarded as the Agency’s mission statement: “We are the nation’s first line of defense. We accomplish what others cannot accomplish and go where others cannot go.”

Topic: Nathan Hale StatueA statue of Nathan Hale is located between the Auditorium and the Original Headquarters Building. Hale was the first American executed for spying for his country. This statue is a copy of the original work created in 1914 for Yale University, Nathan Hale’s alma mater. The Agency’s statue was erected on the grounds in 1973, 200 years after his graduation from Yale.There is no known portrait of Nathan Hale; this life-size statue portrays what little written description there is of him. The statue captures the spirit of the moment before his execution – a 21-year-old man prepared to meet his death for honor and country, hands and feet bound, face resolute, and his eyes on the horizon. His last words, “I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country,” circle the base around his feet.He stands vigilant guard on the Agency and is a continuing reminder to its employees of the duties and sacrifices of an intelligence officer.

Topic: Memorial Pond at SunriseThe Memorial Garden is located on a hillside between the Original Headquarters Building and the Auditorium. It is one of several memorials on the CIA compound (including the Office of Strategic Services Memorial and the CIA Memorial Wall). The garden is a memorial to all deceased intelligence officers and contractors who served their country.Where some memorials are set in stone, this remembrance uses the quiet beauty of living nature to honor those who have died in service to their country: Agency officers, OSS members, and contractors. The garden is a blend of natural and landscaped plantings amid stone outcroppings from which a cascade of water continuously falls into a large fishpond, providing a tranquil and reflective place for Agency employees. The words, “In remembrance of those whose unheralded efforts served a grateful nation,” are cast in a brass plaque set in fieldstone to ensure the living will not forget the fallen.

Topic: Memorial Pond KoiThese are some of the koi that live in the pond in the Memorial Garden located on a hillside between the Original Headquarters Building and the Auditorium. It is one of several memorials on the CIA compound (including the Office of Strategic Services Memorial and the CIA Memorial Wall). The garden is a memorial to all deceased intelligence officers and contractors who served their country.

Topic: Heron in the Memorial PondOften outside birds, such as this heron, are drawn to the beauty and solemnity of the Memorial Garden located on a hillside between the Original Headquarters Building and the Auditorium. The garden is a memorial to all deceased intelligence officers and contractors who served their country.

Topic: Auditorium in the FallThe Headquarters Auditorium, called the “Bubble” by Agency employees, got its nickname for its bubble- or igloo-like shape. The auditorium was part of the CIA Headquarters design in the mid-1950s. The Bubble is the largest conference area at the CIA. It measures 650 sq m (7,000 sq ft) of floor space, can accommodate 470 people, and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.The auditorium is equipped with the latest in multi-media equipment, including side and rear lighting that accommodates color television cameras and motion picture filming. The Bubble is home to special events, prominent speakers, and large conferences.

Topic: Inside the AuditoriumThe Headquarters Auditorium, called the “Bubble” by Agency employees, got its nickname for its bubble- or igloo-like shape. The auditorium was part of the CIA Headquarters design in the mid-1950s. The Bubble is the largest conference area at the CIA. It measures 650 sq m (7,000 sq ft) of floor space, can accommodate 470 people, and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.The auditorium is equipped with the latest in multi-media equipment, including side and rear lighting that accommodates color television cameras and motion picture filming. The large plaster disks on the inside surface of the dome enhance the acoustics of the auditorium. The Bubble is home to special events, prominent speakers, and large conferences.

Topic: Berlin WallIn developing this monument, the CIA Fine Arts Commission decided on five precepts for its placement: prominence, pedestrian orientation, a sense of the wall as an obstacle, an “unromantic presentation,” and a measure of contemplation. The Wall is located near the southwest entrance to the Original Headquarters Building. It was dedicated on 18 December 1992. A bronze plaque near the Wall reads, “These three sections of reinforced concrete were removed from the Berlin Wall near Checkpoint Charlie at Potsdamer Platz in November 1989.”The monument is oriented as it was in Berlin — the west side painted with graffiti and the east side whitewashed. The west side of the Wall is covered with graffiti that reflects the color, hope and optimism of the West itself. In stark contrast, the east side of the wall is plain and devoid of color and life. The Wall is located in the middle of a path so that it must be confronted directly — just as it was for nearly three decades by the citizens of Berlin. On both sides of the Wall is a bench- height wall where employees can sit and view the three segments and contemplate their history.

Topic: New Headquarters Building LobbyThis is a view of the lobby of the New Headquarters Building. By the early 1980s, it was clear that the Agency needed to expand beyond the Original Headquarters Building. By this time, there was a need for an additional building and more parking. Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls Associates presented a design that was functional for the Agency’s needs and would blend in with the existing OHB structure.The final design is two, six-story office towers built into a hillside behind OHB. The New Headquarters Building is linked to the OHB building in a seamless blend of the two structures. The main entrance to NHB is on the fourth floor. Inside the entrance, one is greeted by a huge skylight ceiling and, at the end of the entry corridor, a spectacular view of the OHB.The groundbreaking ceremony for NHB took place on 24 May 1984; the building was completed by March 1991.

Topic: Daffodils at NHBBy the early 1980s, it was clear that the Agency needed to expand beyond the Original Headquarters Building. By this time, there was a need for an additional building and more parking. Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls Associates presented a design that was functional for the Agency’s needs and would blend in with the existing OHB structure.The final design is two, six-story office towers built into a hillside behind OHB. The New Headquarters Building is linked to the OHB building in a seamless blend of the two structures. The main entrance to NHB is on the fourth floor. Inside the entrance, one is greeted by a huge skylight ceiling and, at the end of the entry corridor, a spectacular view of the OHB.The groundbreaking ceremony for NHB took place on 24 May 1984; the building was completed by March 1991.

Topic: A-12 in the SnowCIA developed the highly secret A-12 OXCART as the U-2’s successor, intended to meet the nation’s need for a very fast, very high-flying reconnaissance aircraft that could avoid Soviet air defenses. CIA awarded the OXCART contract to Lockheed (builder of the U-2) in 1959. In meeting the A-12’s extreme speed and altitude requirements, Lockheed — led by legendary engineer Clarence “Kelly” Johnson — overcame numerous technical challenges with cutting-edge innovations in titanium fabrication, lubricants, jet engines, fuel, navigation, flight control, electronic countermeasures, radar stealthiness, and pilot life-support systems. In 1965, after hundreds of hours flown at high personal risk by the elite team of CIA and Lockheed pilots, the A-12 was declared fully operational, attaining the design specifications of a sustained speed of Mach 3.2 at 27,400 m (90,000 ft) altitude.CIA’s operational use of the A-12 was beset by not only many technical problems but also political sensitivity to aircraft flights over denied areas and competition from imaging satellites. After the U-2 piloted by Francis Gary Powers was shot down over the Soviet Union in May 1960, all Soviet overflights were halted, thus blocking the A-12’s original mission to monitor the Soviet Bloc. By the time of CIA’s first A-12 deployment in 1967, CORONA satellites were being launched regularly to collect thousands of images worldwide each year. Although its imagery was less timely and of poorer resolution than the A-12’s, CORONA was invulnerable to anti-aircraft missiles and much less provocative than A-12 overflights. At the same time, the US Air Force was developing the SR-71, a modified version of the A-12. Seeing little value in maintaining both overt SR-71 and covert A-12 fleets with similar capabilities, President Johnson ordered retirement of the A-12 in 1968.The only A-12 reconnaissance operation, codenamed BLACK SHIELD, took place from May 1967 to May 1968. A detachment of six pilots and three A-12’s based at Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa flew 29 missions over East Asia. The panoramic stereo camera aboard each aircraft yielded considerable high-quality imagery that within hours of landing was processed. From the images, photo interpreters provided key intelligence information in support of US military operations during the Vietnam War.The A-12 on display at CIA Headquarters — number eight in production of the 15 A-12s built — was the first of the operational fleet to be certified for Mach 3. No piloted operational jet aircraft has ever flown faster or higher. This picture depicts it at wintertime.

Topic: KryptosJames Sanborn’s sculpture “Kryptos” begins at the entrance to the New Headquarters Building and continues in the northwest corner of the New Headquarters Building courtyard.The theme of this sculpture is “intelligence gathering.” Dedicated on 3 November 1990, Kryptos incorporates materials native to the United States. A piece of petrified wood supports a large S-shaped copper screen that looks like a piece of paper coming out of a computer printer. On the “paper” are inscribed several enigmatic messages, each written in a different code. The sculpture continues to be a source of pleasure and mystery for Agency employees, with a few taking the challenge to “break the code.”“Kryptos” © Copyright 1988 James Sanborn. All rights reserved.

Topic: Kryptos at NHBJames Sanborn’s sculpture “Kryptos” begins at the entrance to the New Headquarters Building and continues in the northwest corner of the New Headquarters Building courtyard.The theme of this sculpture is “intelligence gathering.” Dedicated on 3 November 1990, Kryptos incorporates materials native to the United States. A piece of petrified wood supports a large S-shaped copper screen that looks like a piece of paper coming out of a computer printer. On the “paper” are inscribed several enigmatic messages, each written in a different code. The sculpture continues to be a source of pleasure and mystery for Agency employees, with a few taking the challenge to “break the code.”“Kryptos” © Copyright 1988 James Sanborn. All rights reserved.

Topic: Kryptos with FlowersJames Sanborn’s sculpture “Kryptos,” as pictured in the spring, begins at the entrance to the New Headquarters Building and continues in the northwest corner of the New Headquarters Building courtyard.“Kryptos” © Copyright 1988 James Sanborn. All rights reserved. To view more photos of the CIA compound, visit CIA Sites to See and Explore CIA Headquarters.


US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Singapore. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days.
US Embassy/Consulate: [65] 6476-9100; US Embassy Singapore, 27 Napier Road, Singapore 258508; singaporeusembassy@state.gov;

https://sg.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code: 65
Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 995; Fire: 995; Police: 999
Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Tropical; hot, humid, rainy; two distinct monsoon seasons - northeastern monsoon (December to March) and southwestern monsoon (June to September); inter-monsoon - frequent afternoon and early evening thunderstorms
Currency (Code): Singapore dollars (SGD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G

Major Languages: English, Mandarin, other Chinese dialects, Malay, Tamil
Major Religions: Buddhist 31.1%, Christian 18.9%, Muslim 15.6%, Taoist 8.8%, Hindu 5%
Time Difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water: Yes
International Driving Permit: Suggested
Road Driving Side: Left
Tourist Destinations: Marina Bay Sands; Gardens by the Bay; Singapore Botanic Gardens; Singapore Zoo; Orchard Road; Singapore Flyer; Jurong Bird Park; Raffles Hotel; Tooth Relic Temple; National Orchid Gardens
Major Sports: Soccer, badminton, rugby, cricket, swimming, basketball
Cultural Practices: Do not be surprised if gifts are initially refused. It is common to turn down a gift out of modesty up to three times.
Tipping Guidelines: Despite restaurants including a service charge, it is standard to tip 10%. Hand wait staff cash directly while thanking them for their service. Round up taxi fares. Tip bellhops 1-2 Singapore dollars per bag.Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Tuesday, May 10, 2022


This entry provides the long-term average water availability for a country measured in cubic meters per year of precipitation, recharged ground water, and surface inflows from surrounding countries.  Total renewable water resources provides the water total available to a country but does not include water resource totals that have been reserved for upstream or downstream countries through international agreements.  Note that these values are averages and do not accurately reflect the total available in any given year.  Annual available resources can vary greatly due to short-term and long-term climatic and weather variations.This entry provides the long-term average water availability for a country measured in cubic meters per year of precipitation, recharged ground water, and surface inflows from surrounding countries.  Total renewable water resources provides the water total available to a country but does not include water resource totals that have been reserved for upstream or downstream countries through international agreements.  Note that these values are averages and do not accurately reflect the total available in any given year.  Annual available resources can vary greatly due to short-term and long-term climatic and weather variations.

Topic: Afghanistan65.33 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Albania30.2 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Algeria11.667 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Andorra315.6 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Angola148.4 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Antigua and Barbuda52 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Argentina876.24 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Armenia7.769 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Australia492 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Austria77.7 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Azerbaijan34.675 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Bahamas, The700 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Bahrain116 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Bangladesh1,227,032,000,000 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Barbados80 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Belarus57.9 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Belgium18.3 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Belize21.734 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Benin26.39 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Bhutan78 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Bolivia574 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina37.5 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Botswana12.24 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Brazil8.647 trillion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Brunei8.5 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Bulgaria21.3 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Burkina Faso13.5 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Burma1,167,800,000,000 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Burundi12.536 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Cabo Verde300 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Cambodia476.1 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Cameroon283.15 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Canada2.902 trillion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Central African Republic141 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Chad45.7 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Chile923.06 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: China2,840,220,000,000 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Colombia2.36 trillion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Comoros1.2 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the1.283 trillion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Congo, Republic of the832 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Cook Islands0 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Costa Rica113 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Cote d'Ivoire84.14 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Croatia105.5 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Cuba38.12 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: CuracaoNA

Topic: Cyprus780 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Czechia13.15 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Denmark6 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Djibouti300 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Dominica200 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Dominican Republic23.5 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Ecuador442.4 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Egypt57.5 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: El Salvador26.27 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Equatorial Guinea26 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Eritrea7.315 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Estonia12.806 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Eswatini4.51 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Ethiopia122 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: European Union2,057.76 cubic meters (2011)

Topic: Faroe Islands0 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Fiji28.55 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Finland110 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: France211 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Gabon166 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Gambia, The8 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Gaza Strip837 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

note: data represent combined total from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Topic: Georgia63.33 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Germany154 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Ghana56.2 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Greece68.4 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Grenada200 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Guatemala127.91 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Guinea226 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Guinea-Bissau31.4 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Guyana271 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Haiti14.022 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)0 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Honduras92.164 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Hungary104 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Iceland170 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: India1,910,900,000,000 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Indonesia2,018,700,000,000 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Iran137.045 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Iraq89.86 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Ireland52 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Israel1.78 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Italy191.3 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Jamaica10.823 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Japan430 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Jordan937 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Kazakhstan108.41 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Kenya30.7 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Kiribati0 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Korea, North77.15 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Korea, South69.7 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Kuwait20 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Kyrgyzstan23.618 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Laos333.5 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Latvia34.94 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Lebanon4.503 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Lesotho3.022 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Liberia232 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Libya700 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Liechtenstein0 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Lithuania24.5 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Luxembourg3.5 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Madagascar337 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Malawi17.28 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Malaysia580 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Maldives30 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Mali120 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Malta50.5 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Marshall Islands0 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Mauritania11.4 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Mauritius2.751 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Mexico461.888 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of0 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Moldova12.27 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Mongolia34.8 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Morocco29 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

note:  data does not include former Western Sahara

Topic: Mozambique217.1 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Namibia39.91 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Nauru10 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Nepal210.2 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Netherlands91 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: New Zealand327 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Nicaragua164.52 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Niger34.05 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Nigeria286.2 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Niue0 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: North Macedonia6.4 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Norway393 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Oman1.4 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Pakistan246.8 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Palau0 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Panama139.304 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Papua New Guinea801 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Paraguay387.77 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Peru1,879,800,000,000 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Philippines479 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Poland60.5 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Portugal77.4 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Puerto Rico7.1 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Qatar58 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Romania212.01 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Russia4,525,445,000,000 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Rwanda13.3 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis24 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Saint Lucia300 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines100 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Samoa0 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Sao Tome and Principe2.18 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Saudi Arabia2.4 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Senegal38.97 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Serbia162.2 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) (note - includes Kosovo)

Topic: Seychelles0 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Sierra Leone160 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Singapore600 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Slovakia50.1 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Slovenia31.87 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Solomon Islands44.7 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Somalia14.7 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: South Africa51.35 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: South Sudan49.5 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Spain111.5 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Sri Lanka52.8 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Sudan37.8 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Suriname99 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Sweden174 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Switzerland53.5 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Syria16.802 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Taiwan67 cubic meters (2011)

Topic: Tajikistan21.91 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Tanzania96.27 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Thailand438.61 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Timor-Leste8.215 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Togo14.7 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Tokelau0 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Tonga0 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Trinidad and Tobago3.84 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Tunisia4.615 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)211.6 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Turkmenistan24.765 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Tuvalu0 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Uganda60.1 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Ukraine175.28 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: United Arab Emirates150 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: United Kingdom147 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: United States3.069 trillion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Uruguay172.2 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Uzbekistan48.87 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Vanuatu10 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Venezuela1.325 trillion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Vietnam884.12 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: West Bank837 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

note: data represent combined total from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Topic: World53,789.29 cubic meters (2011)

Topic: Yemen2.1 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Zambia104.8 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Zimbabwe20 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)


US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens RECONSIDER TRAVEL to the Marshall Islands due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in the Marshall Islands.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required for US citizens.
US Embassy/Consulate: (692) 247-4011; EMER: (692)-455 8213; US Embassy Majuro, Mejen Weto, Ocean Side, Majuro, Marshall Islands; MAJConsular@state.gov;

https://mh.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code: 692
Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 625, 4111; Police: 625, 8666
Vaccinations: Cholera vaccination is required for those travelling from an infected area. See WHO recommendations.

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November; islands border typhoon belt
Currency (Code): US dollar is used (USD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B

Major Languages: Marshallese; note: English, widely spoken as a second language
Major Religions: Protestant 80.5%, Roman Catholic 8.5%, Mormon 7%, Jehovah's Witness 1.7%
Time Difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water: Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit: Suggested
Road Driving Side: Right
Tourist Destinations: Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site; Kwajalein Island; Alele Museum
Major Sports: Soccer, baseball, softball
Cultural Practices: The people of the Marshall Islands emphasize respect for their elders. Codes of respect and deference are important, and often Americans are considered haughty, brash, and irreverent.
Tipping Guidelines: Meals are generally inexpensive so tipping by rounding up is appropriate. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Tuesday, March 22, 2022


This entry includes the two-letter codes maintained by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in the ISO 3166 Alpha-2 list and used by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) to establish country-coded top-level domains (ccTLDs).

Topic: Afghanistan.af

Topic: Albania.al

Topic: Algeria.dz

Topic: American Samoa.as

Topic: Andorra.ad

Topic: Angola.ao

Topic: Anguilla.ai

Topic: Antarctica.aq

Topic: Antigua and Barbuda.ag

Topic: Argentina.ar

Topic: Armenia.am

Topic: Aruba.aw

Topic: Australia.au

Topic: Austria.at

Topic: Azerbaijan.az

Topic: Bahamas, The.bs

Topic: Bahrain.bh

Topic: Bangladesh.bd

Topic: Barbados.bb

Topic: Belarus.by

Topic: Belgium.be

Topic: Belize.bz

Topic: Benin.bj

Topic: Bermuda.bm

Topic: Bhutan.bt

Topic: Bolivia.bo

Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina.ba

Topic: Botswana.bw

Topic: Bouvet Island.bv

Topic: Brazil.br

Topic: British Indian Ocean Territory.io

Topic: British Virgin Islands.vg

Topic: Brunei.bn

Topic: Bulgaria.bg

Topic: Burkina Faso.bf

Topic: Burma.mm

Topic: Burundi.bi

Topic: Cabo Verde.cv

Topic: Cambodia.kh

Topic: Cameroon.cm

Topic: Canada.ca

Topic: Cayman Islands.ky

Topic: Central African Republic.cf

Topic: Chad.td

Topic: Chile.cl

Topic: China.cn

Topic: Christmas Island.cx

Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islands.cc

Topic: Colombia.co

Topic: Comoros.km

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the.cd

Topic: Congo, Republic of the.cg

Topic: Cook Islands.ck

Topic: Costa Rica.cr

Topic: Cote d'Ivoire.ci

Topic: Croatia.hr

Topic: Cuba.cu

Topic: Curacao.cw.cw

Topic: Cyprus.cy

Topic: Czechia.cz

Topic: Denmark.dk

Topic: Djibouti.dj

Topic: Dominica.dm

Topic: Dominican Republic.do

Topic: Ecuador.ec

Topic: Egypt.eg

Topic: El Salvador.sv

Topic: Equatorial Guinea.gq

Topic: Eritrea.er

Topic: Estonia.ee

Topic: Eswatini.sz

Topic: Ethiopia.et

Topic: European Union.eu; note - see country entries of member states for individual country codes

Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).fk

Topic: Faroe Islands.fo

Topic: Fiji.fj

Topic: Finland.fi

note - Aland Islands assigned .ax.fi

Topic: Francemetropolitan France - .fr; French Guiana - .gf; Guadeloupe - .gp; Martinique - .mq; Mayotte - .yt; Reunion - .re

Topic: French Polynesia.pf

Topic: French Southern and Antarctic Lands.tf

Topic: Gabon.ga

Topic: Gambia, The.gm

Topic: Gaza Strip.psnote - same as the West Bank

Topic: Georgia.ge

Topic: Germany.de

Topic: Ghana.gh

Topic: Gibraltar.gi

Topic: Greece.gr

Topic: Greenland.gl

Topic: Grenada.gd

Topic: Guam.gu

Topic: Guatemala.gt

Topic: Guernsey.gg

Topic: Guinea.gn

Topic: Guinea-Bissau.gw

Topic: Guyana.gy

Topic: Haiti.ht

Topic: Heard Island and McDonald Islands.hm

Topic: Holy See (Vatican City).va

Topic: Honduras.hn

Topic: Hong Kong.hk

Topic: Hungary.hu

Topic: Iceland.is

Topic: India.in

Topic: Indonesia.id

Topic: Iran.ir

Topic: Iraq.iq

Topic: Ireland.ie

Topic: Isle of Man.im

Topic: Israel.il

Topic: Italy.it

Topic: Jamaica.jm

Topic: Japan.jp

Topic: Jersey.je

Topic: Jordan.jo

Topic: Kazakhstan.kz

Topic: Kenya.ke

Topic: Kiribati.ki

Topic: Korea, North.kp

Topic: Korea, South.kr

Topic: Kosovo.xk

note: assigned as a temporary code under UN Security Council resolution 1244/99

Topic: Kuwait.kw

Topic: Kyrgyzstan.kg

Topic: Laos.la

Topic: Latvia.lv

Topic: Lebanon.lb

Topic: Lesotho.ls

Topic: Liberia.lr

Topic: Libya.ly

Topic: Liechtenstein.li

Topic: Lithuania.lt

Topic: Luxembourg.lu

Topic: Macau.mo

Topic: Madagascar.mg

Topic: Malawi.mw

Topic: Malaysia.my

Topic: Maldives.mv

Topic: Mali.ml

Topic: Malta.mt

Topic: Marshall Islands.mh

Topic: Mauritania.mr

Topic: Mauritius.mu

Topic: Mexico.mx

Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of.fm

Topic: Moldova.md

Topic: Monaco.mc

Topic: Mongolia.mn

Topic: Montenegro.me

Topic: Montserrat.ms

Topic: Morocco.ma

Topic: Mozambique.mz

Topic: Namibia.na

Topic: Nauru.nr

Topic: Nepal.np

Topic: Netherlands.nl

Topic: New Caledonia.nc

Topic: New Zealand.nz

Topic: Nicaragua.ni

Topic: Niger.ne

Topic: Nigeria.ng

Topic: Niue.nu

Topic: Norfolk Island.nf

Topic: North Macedonia.mk

Topic: Northern Mariana Islands.mp

Topic: Norway.no

Topic: Oman.om

Topic: Pakistan.pk

Topic: Palau.pw

Topic: Panama.pa

Topic: Papua New Guinea.pg

Topic: Paraguay.py

Topic: Peru.pe

Topic: Philippines.ph

Topic: Pitcairn Islands.pn

Topic: Poland.pl

Topic: Portugal.pt

Topic: Puerto Rico.pr

Topic: Qatar.qa

Topic: Romania.ro

Topic: Russia.ru; note - Russia also has responsibility for a legacy domain ".su" that was allocated to the Soviet Union and is being phased out

Topic: Rwanda.rw

Topic: Saint Barthelemy.bl; note - .gp, the Internet country code for Guadeloupe, and .fr, the Internet country code for France, might also be encountered

Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha.sh; note - Ascension Island assigned .ac

Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis.kn

Topic: Saint Lucia.lc

Topic: Saint Martin.mf; note - .gp, the Internet country code for Guadeloupe, and .fr, the Internet country code for France, might also be encountered

Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelon.pm

Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.vc

Topic: Samoa.ws

Topic: San Marino.sm

Topic: Sao Tome and Principe.st

Topic: Saudi Arabia.sa

Topic: Senegal.sn

Topic: Serbia.rs

Topic: Seychelles.sc

Topic: Sierra Leone.sl

Topic: Singapore.sg

Topic: Sint Maarten.sx; note - IANA has designated .sx for Sint Maarten, but has not yet assigned it to a sponsoring organization.sx; note - IANA has designated .sx for Sint Maarten, but has not yet assigned it to a sponsoring organization

Topic: Slovakia.sk

Topic: Slovenia.si

Topic: Solomon Islands.sb

Topic: Somalia.so

Topic: South Africa.za

Topic: South Sudan.ss

Topic: Spain.es

Topic: Sri Lanka.lk

Topic: Sudan.sd

Topic: Suriname.sr

Topic: Svalbard.sj

Topic: Sweden.se

Topic: Switzerland.ch

Topic: Syria.sy

Topic: Taiwan.tw

Topic: Tajikistan.tj

Topic: Tanzania.tz

Topic: Thailand.th

Topic: Timor-Leste.tl

Topic: Togo.tg

Topic: Tokelau.tk

Topic: Tonga.to

Topic: Trinidad and Tobago.tt

Topic: Tunisia.tn

Topic: Turkey (Turkiye).tr

Topic: Turkmenistan.tm

Topic: Turks and Caicos Islands.tc

Topic: Tuvalu.tv

Topic: Uganda.ug

Topic: Ukraine.ua

Topic: United Arab Emirates.ae

Topic: United Kingdom.uk

Topic: United States.us

Topic: Uruguay.uy

Topic: Uzbekistan.uz

Topic: Vanuatu.vu

Topic: Venezuela.ve

Topic: Vietnam.vn

Topic: Virgin Islands.vi

Topic: Wallis and Futuna.wf

Topic: West Bank.psnote - same as Gaza Strip

Topic: Yemen.ye

Topic: Zambia.zm

Topic: Zimbabwe.zw


Topic: Photos of West Bank

Topic: Introduction
Background: The landlocked West Bank - the larger of the two Palestinian territories - is home to some three million Palestinians. Inhabited since at least the 15th century B.C., the West Bank has been dominated by many different peoples throughout its history; it was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in the early 16th century. The West Bank fell to British forces during World War I, becoming part of the British Mandate of Palestine. Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the West Bank was captured by Transjordan (later renamed Jordan), which annexed the West Bank in 1950; it was captured by Israel in the Six-Day War in 1967. Under a series of agreements known as the Oslo accords signed between 1993 and 1999, Israel transferred to the newly created Palestinian Authority (PA) security and civilian responsibility for many Palestinian-populated areas of the West Bank as well as the Gaza Strip. In addition to establishing the PA as an interim government, the Oslo accords divided the West Bank into three areas with one fully managed by the PA, another fully administered by Israel, and a third with shared control until a permanent agreement could be reached between the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Israel. In 2000, a violent intifada or uprising began across the Palestinian territories, and in 2001 negotiations for a permanent agreement between the PLO and Israel on final status issues stalled. Subsequent attempts to re-start direct negotiations have not resulted in progress toward determining final status of the area. The PA last held national elections in 2006, when the Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS) won a majority of seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC). Fatah, the dominant Palestinian political faction in the West Bank, and HAMAS failed to maintain a unity government, leading to violent clashes between their respective supporters and HAMAS’s violent seizure of all PA military and governmental institutions in the Gaza Strip in June 2007. In December 2018, the Palestinian Constitutional Court dissolved the PLC. In recent years, Fatah and HAMAS have made several attempts at reconciliation, but the factions have been unable to implement agreements. Since 1994, the PA has administered parts of the West Bank under its control, mainly the major Palestinian population centers and areas immediately surrounding them. Roughly 60% of the West Bank remains under full Israeli civil and military control, impeding movement of people and goods through the territory.  The landlocked West Bank - the larger of the two Palestinian territories - is home to some three million Palestinians. Inhabited since at least the 15th century B.C., the West Bank has been dominated by many different peoples throughout its history; it was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in the early 16th century. The West Bank fell to British forces during World War I, becoming part of the British Mandate of Palestine. Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the West Bank was captured by Transjordan (later renamed Jordan), which annexed the West Bank in 1950; it was captured by Israel in the Six-Day War in 1967. Under a series of agreements known as the Oslo accords signed between 1993 and 1999, Israel transferred to the newly created Palestinian Authority (PA) security and civilian responsibility for many Palestinian-populated areas of the West Bank as well as the Gaza Strip.In addition to establishing the PA as an interim government, the Oslo accords divided the West Bank into three areas with one fully managed by the PA, another fully administered by Israel, and a third with shared control until a permanent agreement could be reached between the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Israel. In 2000, a violent intifada or uprising began across the Palestinian territories, and in 2001 negotiations for a permanent agreement between the PLO and Israel on final status issues stalled. Subsequent attempts to re-start direct negotiations have not resulted in progress toward determining final status of the area.The PA last held national elections in 2006, when the Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS) won a majority of seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC). Fatah, the dominant Palestinian political faction in the West Bank, and HAMAS failed to maintain a unity government, leading to violent clashes between their respective supporters and HAMAS’s violent seizure of all PA military and governmental institutions in the Gaza Strip in June 2007. In December 2018, the Palestinian Constitutional Court dissolved the PLC. In recent years, Fatah and HAMAS have made several attempts at reconciliation, but the factions have been unable to implement agreements. Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Middle East, west of Jordan, east of Israel
Geographic coordinates: 32 00 N, 35 15 E
Map references: Middle East
Area: total: 5,860 sq km

land: 5,640 sq km

water: 220 sq km

note: includes West Bank, Latrun Salient, and the northwest quarter of the Dead Sea, but excludes Mt. Scopus; East Jerusalem and Jerusalem No Man's Land are also included only as a means of depicting the entire area occupied by Israel in 1967
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Delaware
Land boundaries: total: 478 km

border countries (2): Israel 330 km; Jordan 148 km
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims: none (landlocked)
Climate: temperate; temperature and precipitation vary with altitude, warm to hot summers, cool to mild winters
Terrain: mostly rugged, dissected upland in west, flat plains descending to Jordan River Valley to the east
Elevation: highest point: Khallat al Batrakh 1,020 m

lowest point: Dead Sea -431 m
Natural resources: arable land
Land use: agricultural land: 43.3% (2018 est.)

arable land: 7.4% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 11% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 24.9% (2018 est.)

forest: 1.5% (2018 est.)

other: 55.2% (2018 est.)

note: includes Gaza Strip
Irrigated land: (2012) 240 sq km; note - includes Gaza Strip
Major lakes (area sq km): Salt water lake(s): Dead Sea (shared with Jordan and Israel) - 1,020 sq km
note - endorheic hypersaline lake; 9.6 times saltier than the ocean; lake shore is 431 meters below sea level
Population distribution: the most populous Palestinian communities in the West Bank are located in the central ridge and western half of its territory; Jewish settlements are located throughout the West Bank, the most populous in the Seam Zone--between the 1949 Armistice Line and the separation barrier--and around Jerusalem
Natural hazards: droughts
Geography - note: landlocked; highlands are main recharge area for Israel's coastal aquifers; there are about 380 Israeli civilian sites, including about 213 settlements and 132 small outpost communities in the West Bank and 35 sites in East Jerusalem (2017)
Map description: West Bank map showing its major population centers as well as parts of the two countries that surround it – Israel to the west and Jordan to the east.West Bank map showing its major population centers as well as parts of the two countries that surround it – Israel to the west and Jordan to the east.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 3,000,021 (2022 est.)

note: approximately 432,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank (2019); approximately 227,100 Israeli settlers live in East Jerusalem (2019)
Nationality: noun: NA

adjective: NA
Ethnic groups: Palestinian Arab, Jewish, other
Languages: Arabic, Hebrew (spoken by Israeli settlers and many Palestinians), English (widely understood)

major-language sample(s):
كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions: Muslim 80-85% (predominantly Sunni), Jewish 12-14%, Christian 1-2.5% (mainly Greek Orthodox), other, unaffiliated, unspecified <1% (2012 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 35.31% (male 525,645/female 498,458)

15-24 years: 20.75% (male 307,420/female 294,469)

25-54 years: 35.19% (male 516,758/female 503,626)

55-64 years: 5.12% (male 76,615/female 72,006)

65 years and over: 3.62% (2020 est.) (male 48,387/female 56,650)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 71.2

youth dependency ratio: 65.7

elderly dependency ratio: 5.5

potential support ratio: 18.2 (2020 est.)

note: data represent Gaza Strip and the West Bank
Median age: total: 21.9 years

male: 21.7 years

female: 22.2 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.69% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 24.42 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 3.4 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: -4.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: the most populous Palestinian communities in the West Bank are located in the central ridge and western half of its territory; Jewish settlements are located throughout the West Bank, the most populous in the Seam Zone--between the 1949 Armistice Line and the separation barrier--and around Jerusalem
Urbanization: urban population: 77.3% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 2.85% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

note: data represent Gaza Strip and the West Bank
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio: 27 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)

note: data represent Gaza Strip and the West Bank
Infant mortality rate: total: 15.29 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 17.68 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 12.76 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.38 years

male: 74.29 years

female: 78.6 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.96 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: 57.3% (2019/20)

note: includes Gaza Strip and the West Bank
Drinking water source: improved: urban: 98.9% of population

rural: 99% of population

total: 98.9% of population

unimproved: urban: 1.1% of population

rural: 1% of population

total: 1.1% of population (2020 est.)

note: includes Gaza Strip and the West Bank
Current Health Expenditure: NA
Physicians density: 3.25 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Hospital bed density: 1.3 beds/1,000 population (2019)
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 99.9% of population

rural: 98.6% of population

total: 99.6% of population

unimproved: urban: 0.1% of population

rural: 1.4% of population

total: 0.4% of population (2020 est.)

note: note includes Gaza Strip and the West Bank
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
Major infectious diseases: note: on 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Asia; the West Bank is currently considered a high risk to travelers for polio; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, the CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccinenote: on 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Asia; the West Bank is currently considered a high risk to travelers for polio; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, the CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 2.1% (2019/20)

note: estimate is for Gaza Strip and the West Bank
Child marriage: women married by age 15: 0.7%

women married by age 18: 13.4% (2020 est.)

note: includes both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank
Education expenditures: 5.3% of GDP (2018)

note: includes Gaza Strip and the West Bank
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.5%

male: 98.8%

female: 96.2% (2020)

note: estimates are for Gaza and the West Bank
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 13 years

male: 12 years

female: 14 years (2020)

note: data represent Gaza Strip and the West Bank
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 42.1%

male: 36.6%

female: 70% (2020 est.)

note: includes Gaza Strip

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: adequacy of freshwater supply; sewage treatment
Air pollutants: carbon dioxide emissions: 3.23 megatons (2016 est.)

note: data represent combined total from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Climate: temperate; temperature and precipitation vary with altitude, warm to hot summers, cool to mild winters
Land use: agricultural land: 43.3% (2018 est.)

arable land: 7.4% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 11% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 24.9% (2018 est.)

forest: 1.5% (2018 est.)

other: 55.2% (2018 est.)

note: includes Gaza Strip
Urbanization: urban population: 77.3% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 2.85% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

note: data represent Gaza Strip and the West Bank
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Major infectious diseases: note: on 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Asia; the West Bank is currently considered a high risk to travelers for polio; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, the CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccinenote: on 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Asia; the West Bank is currently considered a high risk to travelers for polio; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, the CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 1.387 million tons (2016 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 6,935 tons (2013 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 0.5% (2013 est.)

note: data represent combined total from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Major lakes (area sq km): Salt water lake(s): Dead Sea (shared with Jordan and Israel) - 1,020 sq km
note - endorheic hypersaline lake; 9.6 times saltier than the ocean; lake shore is 431 meters below sea level
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 181.2 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

industrial: 32 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

agricultural: 162 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

note: data represent combined total from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Total renewable water resources: 837 million cubic meters (2017 est.)

note: data represent combined total from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: none

conventional short form: West Bank

etymology: name refers to the location of the region of the British Mandate of Palestine that was occupied and administered by Jordan in 1948, as it is located on the far side (west bank) of the Jordan River in relation to Jordan proper; the designation was retained following the 1967 Six-Day War and the subsequent changes in administration

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: In 2017, the economic outlook in the West Bank - the larger of the two areas comprising the Palestinian Territories – remained fragile, as security concerns and political friction slowed economic growth. Unemployment in the West Bank remained high at 19.0% in the third quarter of 2017, only slightly better than 19.6% at the same point the previous year, while the labor force participation rate remained flat, year-on-year.Longstanding Israeli restrictions on imports, exports, and movement of goods and people continue to disrupt labor and trade flows and the territory’s industrial capacity, and constrain private sector development. The PA’s budget benefited from an effort to improve tax collection, coupled with lower spending in 2017, but the PA for the foreseeable future will continue to rely heavily on donor aid for its budgetary needs and infrastructure development.In 2017, the economic outlook in the West Bank - the larger of the two areas comprising the Palestinian Territories – remained fragile, as security concerns and political friction slowed economic growth. Unemployment in the West Bank remained high at 19.0% in the third quarter of 2017, only slightly better than 19.6% at the same point the previous year, while the labor force participation rate remained flat, year-on-year.Longstanding Israeli restrictions on imports, exports, and movement of goods and people continue to disrupt labor and trade flows and the territory’s industrial capacity, and constrain private sector development. The PA’s budget benefited from an effort to improve tax collection, coupled with lower spending in 2017, but the PA for the foreseeable future will continue to rely heavily on donor aid for its budgetary needs and infrastructure development.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $25.91 billion (2020 est.)

$29.26 billion (2019 est.)

$28.87 billion (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars and includes Gaza Strip
Real GDP growth rate: 5.3% (2014 est.)

1% (2013 est.)

6% (2012 est.)

note: excludes Gaza Strip
Real GDP per capita: $5,400 (2020 est.)

$6,200 (2019 est.)

$6,300 (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars and includes Gaza Strip
GDP (official exchange rate): $9.828 billion (2014 est.)

note: excludes Gaza Strip
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.2% (2017 est.)

-0.2% (2016 est.)

note: excludes Gaza Strip
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 2.9% (2017 est.)

industry: 19.5% (2017 est.)

services: 77.6% (2017 est.)

note: excludes Gaza Strip
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 91.3% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 26.7% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 23% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 20% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -61% (2017 est.)

note: excludes Gaza Strip
Agricultural products: tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, poultry, milk, potatoes, sheep milk, eggplants, gourds
Industries: small-scale manufacturing, quarrying, textiles, soap, olive-wood carvings, and mother-of-pearl souvenirs
Industrial production growth rate: 2.2% (2017 est.)

note: includes Gaza Strip
Labor force: 1.24 million (2017 est.)

note: excludes Gaza Strip
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 11.5%

industry: 34.4%

services: 54.1% (2013 est.)

note: excludes Gaza Strip
Unemployment rate: 27.9% (2017 est.)

27% (2016 est.)

note: excludes Gaza Strip
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 42.1%

male: 36.6%

female: 70% (2020 est.)

note: includes Gaza Strip
Population below poverty line: 18% (2011 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 33.7 (2016 est.)

38.7 (2007 est.)

note: includes Gaza Strip
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.2%

highest 10%: 28.2% (2009 est.)

note: includes Gaza Strip
Budget: revenues: 1.314 billion (2017 est.)

expenditures: 1.278 billion (2017 est.)

note: includes Palestinian Authority expenditures in the Gaza Strip
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): 0.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Public debt: 24.4% of GDP (2014 est.)

23.8% of GDP (2013 est.)
Taxes and other revenues: 13.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Current account balance: -$1.444 billion (2017 est.)

-$1.348 billion (2016 est.)
Exports: $2.65 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars and includes Gaza Strip

$2.6 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars and includes Gaza Strip

note: excludes Gaza Strip
Exports - commodities: stone, olives, fruit, vegetables, limestone
Imports: $9.15 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars and includes Gaza Strip

$9.02 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars and includes Gaza Strip

note: data include the Gaza Strip
Imports - commodities: food, consumer goods, construction materials, petroleum, chemicals
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $0 (31 December 2017 est.)

$583 million (31 December 2015 est.)
Debt - external: $1.662 billion (31 March 2016 est.)

$1.467 billion (31 March 2015 est.)

note: data include the Gaza Strip
Exchange rates: new Israeli shekels (ILS) per US dollar -

3.606 (2017 est.)

3.841 (2016 est.)

3.841 (2015 est.)

3.8869 (2014 est.)

3.5779 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020)

note: data for West Bank and Gaza Strip combined
Electricity - production: 1.093 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - consumption: 6.489 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2016)
Electricity - imports: 5.473 billion kWh (2016 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity: 170,000 kW (2016 est.)

note: includes Gaza Strip
Electricity - from fossil fuels: 78% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)
Electricity - from nuclear fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Electricity - from other renewable sources: 22% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
Crude oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2018 est.)
Crude oil - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Crude oil - imports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Crude oil - proved reserves: 0 bbl (1 January 2018)
Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - consumption: 24,000 bbl/day (2016 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 19 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 22,740 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Natural gas - production: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - consumption: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2017 est.)
Natural gas - proved reserves: 0 cu m (1 January 2014 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 466,283 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 9 (2020 est.)

note: includes Gaza Strip
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 4,274,119 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 84 (2020 est.)

note: includes Gaza Strip
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: continuing political and economic instability has impeded liberalization of the telecommunications industry (2018)

domestic: Israeli company BEZEK and the Palestinian company PALTEL are responsible for fixed-line services; two Palestinian cellular providers, JAWWAL and WATANIYA MOBILE, launched 3G mobile networks in the West Bank in January 2018 after Israel lifted its ban; fixed-line 9 per 100 and mobile-cellular subscriptions 84 per 100 (includes Gaza Strip) (2020)

international: country code 970 or 972; 1 international switch in Ramallah

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
Broadcast media: the Palestinian Authority operates 1 TV and 1 radio station; about 20 private TV and 40 radio stations; both Jordanian TV and satellite TV are accessible
Internet country code: .psnote - same as Gaza Strip
Internet users: total: 3,602,452 (2020 est.) (includes Gaza Strip)

percent of population: 75% (2020 est.) (includes Gaza Strip)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 373,050 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2020 est.)

note: includes Gaza Strip

Topic: Transportation
Airports: total: 2 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2021)
Heliports: 1 (2021)
Roadways: total: 4,686 km (2010)

paved: 4,686 km (2010)

note: includes Gaza Strip

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: per the Oslo Accords, the PA is not permitted a conventional military but maintains security and police forces; PA security personnel have operated almost exclusively in the West Bank since HAMAS seized power in the Gaza Strip in 2007; PA forces include National Security Forces, Presidential Guard, Civil Police, Civil Defense, Preventive Security Organization, the General Intelligence Organization, and the Military Intelligence Organization (2022)

note(s) - the National Security Forces conduct gendarmerie-style security operations in circumstances that exceed the capabilities of the civil police; it is the largest branch of the Palestinian Authority security service and acts as the Palestinian army; the Presidential Guard protects facilities and provides dignitary protection; the Preventive Security Organization is responsible for internal intelligence gathering and investigations related to internal security cases, including political dissent
Military expenditures: not available
Military and security service personnel strengths: the Palestinian Authority Security Forces have approximately 30,000 active personnel (2022)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the security services are armed mostly with small arms and light weapons, although since 2007, they have received limited amounts of heavier equipment from Jordan (armored personnel carriers) and Russia (armored personnel carriers and transport helicopters) (2022)
Military service age and obligation: not available

Topic: Terrorism
Terrorist group(s): Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade; HAMAS; Kahane Chai; Palestine Islamic Jihad; Palestine Liberation Front; Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine

note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in Appendix-T

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: West Bank-Israel: West Bank is Israeli-occupied with current status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement - permanent status to be determined through further negotiation; in 2002, Israel began construction of a "seam line" separation barrier along parts of the Green Line and within the West Bank; as of mid-2020, plans were to continue barrier constructionWest Bank-Israel: West Bank is Israeli-occupied with current status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement - permanent status to be determined through further negotiation; in 2002, Israel began construction of a "seam line" separation barrier along parts of the Green Line and within the West Bank; as of mid-2020, plans were to continue barrier construction
Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 871,537 (Palestinian refugees) (2020)

IDPs: 131,000 (includes persons displaced within the Gaza strip due to the intensification of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since June 2014 and other Palestinian IDPs in the Gaza Strip and West Bank who fled as long ago as 1967, although confirmed cumulative data do not go back beyond 2006) (2020)

data represent Gaza Strip and West Bank