 Gaza Strip — (gä´zə strip) |
About The People
Did You Know...... The Gaza Strip is 27 miles (45km) long and 3-7 miles (5-12km) wide, an area of 141 sq miles (365 sq »» More
| World Region: Middle East
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Gaza Strip History
Strategically located on the Mediterranean coastal route, ancient Gaza was a prosperous trade center and a stop on the caravan route between Egypt and Syria. The city was occupied by Egypt around the 15th century BCE. Philistines settled the area several hundred years later, and Gaza became one of their chief cities.
Gaza was captured by Arabs in the AC 600s. Believed to be the site where the Prophet Muhammad’s great grandfather was buried, the city became an important Islamic center. In the 12th century, Gaza was taken by Christian Crusaders; it returned to Muslim control in 1187. The city fell to the Ottomans in the 16th century and was taken by the British during World War I (1914-1918).
Following »» More | Statistics, Graphs, Charts, & Data Tables
Capital Cities...
Population: 1,551,859
GDP: $11,950,000,000 (USD)
Total Area: 360 (sq km) 139 (sq mi)
Currency: new Israeli shekel
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