Skip to main content
CountryReports

Select language

ENEnglishESEspañolZH中文HIहिन्दीFRFrançais
Sign In

Gaza Strip

Population:2.1M
Currency:ILS
Language:Arabic, Hebrew (spoken by Israeli settlers and many Palestinians), English (widely understood)

Declare Your Relationship to Gaza Strip

See full leaderboard →

CountryReports Community

  • Studying1
  • From Gaza Strip0
  • Gaza Strip heritage0
  • Visited1
  • Want to visit0

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

The Gaza Strip is home to a deeply rooted Palestinian Arab culture shaped by centuries of history, religious tradition, and the enduring experience of displacement and conflict. The population is overwhelmingly Muslim, with Islam playing a central role in daily life, social customs, family structure, and public observance. A small Christian minority, primarily Greek Orthodox, also maintains a longstanding presence in the territory. Arabic is the official and dominant language, spoken in a distinct Palestinian dialect that reflects the region's history of trade, migration, and outside influence. Family and clan identity, known as the hamula system, remain foundational to social organization, with extended family networks providing economic and emotional support in the absence of stable public institutions. Oral tradition, poetry, and music hold great cultural importance. Dabke, a traditional line dance performed at weddings and celebrations, is a prominent expression of collective Palestinian identity. Folk embroidery, known as tatreez, features geometric patterns unique to specific villages and regions of historic Palestine, and women in Gaza continue this craft as a form of cultural preservation and economic livelihood. Gazan cuisine reflects the broader Levantine culinary tradition with its own local character. Seafood is central to the local diet given the territory's Mediterranean coastline, and dishes such as suqaar (spiced meat), freekeh (roasted green wheat), and za'atar-seasoned flatbreads are common staples. Spices including cumin, turmeric, and dill are used more prominently in Gazan cooking than in other parts of Palestinian cuisine, giving it a distinctive flavor profile. Despite decades of conflict and severe restrictions on movement, cultural life in Gaza persists through community arts programs, theater groups, and educational initiatives. Organizations such as the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music have maintained music education for young people in the territory. Literacy rates remain relatively high by regional standards, reflecting a strong cultural emphasis on education, particularly among women and youth.

Ancient Crossroads of the Mediterranean

Social Customs & Etiquette

Greetings in the Gaza Strip follow the customs and traditions rooted in Palestinian Arab culture, with Islamic conventions playing a central role in everyday social interaction. Arabic is the official and dominant language, and most greetings are drawn from classical Arabic expressions that carry deep cultural and religious meaning.

The most common greeting exchanged between people is "As-salamu alaykum," which translates to "Peace be upon you." The standard reply is "Wa alaykum as-salam," meaning "And upon you peace." This exchange is used broadly across all ages and social settings, whether meeting someone on the street, entering a shop, or beginning a phone call. It reflects the importance of Islam in daily life, as the greeting is rooted in Islamic tradition and is used widely across the Arab world.

When people meet in more informal or social settings, the phrase "Marhaba" (Hello) is also commonly used, with the response "Marhabtayn" (Double hello) reflecting warmth and welcome. "Ahlan wa sahlan" is another welcoming expression roughly equivalent to "Welcome" or "You are among family," and it conveys a strong sense of hospitality that is deeply embedded in Palestinian culture.

Physical greetings vary by gender and relationship. Men who know each other well typically shake hands and may exchange kisses on the cheek, often alternating two or three times. Women greeting other women follow similar customs. However, between men and women who are not family members, physical contact is generally avoided in keeping with cultural and religious norms. A respectful nod or verbal greeting is more appropriate in mixed-gender settings.

When visiting someone's home, it is customary to greet the eldest person in the room first as a sign of respect for seniority. Inquiries about a person's health and family are standard parts of any greeting exchange and are not considered intrusive — they reflect genuine care and social connection.

For travelers and students interacting with Gazans, learning even a few basic Arabic greetings is viewed as a sign of respect and goodwill and is warmly appreciated.

Dating Customs

Dating and marriage customs in the Gaza Strip are deeply shaped by Islamic tradition, Palestinian cultural heritage, and the conservative social norms that prevail across the territory. The majority of Gaza's population is Sunni Muslim, and religious values heavily influence expectations around courtship, family roles, and the institution of marriage.

Dating in the Western sense is not widely practiced in Gaza. Premarital relationships between men and women are generally discouraged and, in many social circles, considered socially unacceptable. Courtship typically occurs within a framework of family involvement, where families introduce potential partners and chaperone early interactions. It is common for a man to formally approach a woman's family to express his interest before any relationship develops.

Marriage is considered a religious duty and a central social institution in Gazan society. The legal minimum age for marriage under Palestinian law is 18 for men and 17 for women, though younger marriages have occurred in some rural or traditional communities, particularly under economic pressure. The Hamas administration, which has governed Gaza since 2007, enforces a legal framework grounded in Islamic jurisprudence.

Weddings in Gaza are typically large communal celebrations, though economic hardship and political instability have forced many families to simplify ceremonies in recent decades. Traditionally, festivities may last several days and include gender-separated celebrations, music, dancing, and communal feasting. The groom's family is expected to provide a mahr, a mandatory marriage gift to the bride, as required under Islamic law.

Polygamy is legally permitted, with a man allowed to marry up to four wives provided he can demonstrate the ability to treat them equally — a standard set by Islamic teaching. However, polygamous marriages represent a minority of all unions in practice.

Family size in Gaza tends to be large. The total fertility rate has historically been among the highest in the region, averaging around 3.4 to 3.7 children per woman in recent years. Extended family networks remain central to daily life, and marriage is viewed not only as a union between individuals but as an alliance between families and communities.

Dates of Interest

  • June 5th

    Marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Includes prayers, feasting, giving of zakat (charity), and festive gatherings with family and friends.

What language do people speak in the Gaza Strip?

Arabic is the official and dominant language, spoken in a distinct Palestinian dialect shaped by the region's history of trade, migration, and outside influence.

Good to know

  • The dialect reflects centuries of trade and migration

What food will you encounter in the Gaza Strip?

Gazan cuisine is part of the broader Levantine tradition with its own local character, and seafood is central given the Mediterranean coastline.

Good to know

  • Try suqaar (spiced meat), freekeh (roasted green wheat), and za'atar-seasoned flatbreads
  • Expect prominent use of cumin, turmeric, and dill, which give Gazan cooking a distinctive flavor

How is family and social life organized in the Gaza Strip?

Family and clan identity, known as the hamula system, is foundational, with extended family networks providing economic and emotional support.

Good to know

  • The population is overwhelmingly Muslim, with Islam central to daily life and family structure
  • A small Christian minority, primarily Greek Orthodox, has a longstanding presence

What cultural traditions and arts are important in the Gaza Strip?

Oral tradition, poetry, and music are highly valued, and cultural life persists through community arts, theater, and educational programs.

Good to know

  • Dabke, a traditional line dance, is performed at weddings and celebrations
  • Tatreez folk embroidery features geometric patterns unique to specific villages
  • The Edward Said National Conservatory of Music offers music education for young people
  • Literacy rates are relatively high, with strong emphasis on educating women and youth

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 4: Do Not Travel
Currency
new Israeli shekel (ILS)
Climate
temperate, mild winters, dry and warm to hot summers
Airports
2
Premium Content

Read the full travel guide — health, safety, vaccinations, disease risk, sanitation, and transit details.

View full travel guide

Recipes

Featured Dish

Falafel (Pitas with dried chick peas)

Main Dish

Browse all 15 recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Ancient & Philistine Era

    1500 BCE – 636

    Egypt occupied Gaza around the 15th century BCE, establishing it as a key node on the coastal trade route between Egypt and Syria. Philistines settled the region centuries later, making Gaza one of their principal cities. The area subsequently passed through Assyrian, Persian, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine hands, each leaving lasting cultural and architectural imprints.

  2. Islamic & Crusader Period

    636 – 1516

    Arab forces captured Gaza in the 630s CE, and the city gained religious significance as the reputed burial place of the Prophet Muhammad's great-grandfather, becoming an important Islamic center. Crusaders seized Gaza in the 12th century, but Saladin restored Muslim control in 1187. The city subsequently flourished under Ayyubid and Mamluk rule as a regional administrative and commercial hub.

  3. Ottoman Rule

    1516 – 1917

    The Ottoman Empire incorporated Gaza in 1516, and the city served as a provincial center within the broader Levantine administrative structure for four centuries. Trade and agriculture sustained the local economy, though the region experienced periodic unrest and plague. British forces under General Allenby captured Gaza after fierce battles in 1917, ending Ottoman sovereignty.

  4. British Mandate

    1917 – 1948

    Following World War I, Gaza was incorporated into the British Mandate for Palestine, administered under the League of Nations framework. Rising tensions between Arab and Jewish communities intensified throughout the 1930s and 1940s, fueled by Jewish immigration and competing nationalist aspirations. The British withdrawal and the end of the Mandate in 1948 triggered the first Arab-Israeli War.

  5. Egyptian Administration & Israeli Occupation

    1948 – 1994

    Egypt took control of the Gaza Strip following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, administering it without formally annexing the territory. Israel captured Gaza during the 1967 Six-Day War and governed it for the next 27 years, establishing Jewish settlements and facing mounting Palestinian resistance. The first intifada, erupting in 1987, dramatically escalated civil unrest and gave rise to Hamas, intensifying pressure for a political resolution.

  6. Palestinian Authority & Post-Oslo

    1994 – present

    The 1993 Oslo Accords and the subsequent 1994 Cairo Agreement transferred administrative authority over Gaza to the Palestinian Authority under Yasser Arafat, marking the first Palestinian self-governance of the territory. Israel's 2005 disengagement removed all Jewish settlers and most military forces, yet Hamas seized full control of Gaza in 2007, creating a political split with the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority. The territory has since experienced recurring conflicts with Israel, severe economic restrictions, and a deepening humanitarian crisis.

Overview

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 World War I, Gaza became part of the British mandate for Palestine. After the first Arab Israel war in 1948, Egypt took control over Gaza and its surrounding area. Israel occupied the city and the Gaza Strip during the 1967 Six Day War, and Gaza remained under Israeli administration for the next 27 years.

With the onset of the Palestinian uprising known as the intifada in 1987, Gaza became a center of political unrest and confrontation between Israelis and Palestinians, and economic conditions in the city worsened.

In September 1993, leaders of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) signed the Oslo Accords calling for Palestinian administration of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank town of Jericho, which was implemented in May 1994. Most of the Israeli forces left Gaza, leaving a new Palestinian Authority to administer and police the city, along with the rest of the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Authority, led by Yasser Arafat, chose Gaza as its first provincial headquarters. In September 1995, Israel and the PLO signed a second peace agreement extending the Palestinian Authority to some West Bank towns. The agreement also established an elected 88-member Palestinian Council, which held its inaugural session in Gaza in March 1996.

In August 2005, Israel withdrew 8,000 Jewish settlers from Gaza. How Gaza fares post-disengagement—economically and politically, with its 1.4m inhabitants—remains to be seen. A border-crossing deal, brokered and aided financially by the United States in November 2005, seeks to improve life for Palestinians.

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1949

    Israel signs a series of truces with Arab countries.

    Israel signs a series of truces with Arab countries. Under the 1949 pacts, Egypt retained control of the Gaza Strip.

  2. 1967

    The Six Day War

    Israel recaptures the strip during the Arab-Israeli war of June 1967, called the Six-Day War. Israel doesn’t annex or incorporate the West Bank and Gaza into Israel proper.

  3. 1970

    One of the first Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip is Kfar Darom .

    One of the first Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip is Kfar Darom in 1970. In 1972, Netzarim is built up. The Israeli government continues to build settlements in the Gaza Strip during the 1970s and 1980s. The increasing Jewish presence ignites Palestinian activism and helps to motivate several militant groups. Riots become commonplace and confrontations between Israelis and Palestinians became more violent.

  4. 1987

    Hamas, a radical Islamic organization operating mainly in the Gaza Strip, is formed.

    Hamas, a radical Islamic organization operating mainly in the Gaza Strip, is formed.

  5. 1993

    Israel continues its plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and four West Bank settlements.

    The Oslo Accords, signed in Washington, D.C., put in place a peace process aimed at ending the rebellion and resolving the situation between the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Israeli government.

  6. 1993

    The Oslo Accords

    The Oslo Accords, signed in Washington, D.C., put in place a peace process aimed at ending the rebellion and resolving the situation between the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Israeli government. The accords inaugurated the Palestinian National Authority and called for the handover of some land to Palestinian control.

  7. 1994

    By mid-1994 Israel has withdrawn most of its troops from the Gaza Strip.

    By mid-1994 Israel has withdrawn most of its troops from the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Authority assumes administrative control of the region

View full timeline (8 events)
Premium Content

Read the full history profile — narrative overview, defining eras, and the complete timeline in one place.

View expanded history

Interesting Facts

  • The Gaza Strip is 27 miles (45km) long and 3-7 miles (5-12km) wide, an area of 141 sq miles (365 sq km) that is completely fenced in

Premium Content

See every fact — trivia, oddities, and curious tidbits gathered from across the country.

View all interesting facts

Geography and Environment

Terrain
flat to rolling, sand- and dune-covered coastal plain
Climate
temperate, mild winters, dry and warm to hot summers
Natural Hazards
droughts
Current Environmental Issues
desertification; salination of fresh water; sewage treatment; water-borne disease; soil degradation; depletion and contamination of underground water resources
Premium Content

Read the full geography and environment profile — terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, land use, and international agreements.

View full geography

People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Arabic, Hebrew (spoken by Israeli settlers and many Palestinians), English (widely understood)

  • Arabic
  • Hebrew

Population

Population
2,098,325
Nationality Noun
NA
Ethnic Groups
Palestinian Arab and other 99.4%, Jewish 0.6%

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in the Gaza Strip reflects the complex humanitarian and public health conditions that have shaped the territory over decades. Prior to the significant escalation of conflict beginning in late 2023, overall life expectancy in Gaza stood at approximately 74 to 75 years, with women living slightly longer than men — around 76 to 77 years for females compared to roughly 72 to 73 years for males. These figures placed Gaza broadly in line with lower-middle-income territories globally, a notable achievement given the severe economic constraints and longstanding restrictions on movement affecting the population. Gaza's life expectancy gains over the latter half of the 20th century were driven largely by improvements in maternal and child health services, expanded vaccination programs, and the growth of UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) healthcare facilities serving the Palestinian refugee population. Infant mortality rates declined substantially during this period, contributing meaningfully to rising average life expectancy figures. The structural conditions in Gaza, however, present persistent threats to long-term health outcomes. The territory faces chronic shortages of clean water, with a severely depleted coastal aquifer rendering the vast majority of groundwater unfit for human consumption without treatment. Rates of waterborne illness, malnutrition, and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease have all been documented at elevated levels. The blockade imposed since 2007 has restricted the import of medical equipment, medications, and supplies, placing enormous strain on an already underfunded health system. The armed conflict that intensified dramatically beginning in October 2023 has further devastated Gaza's health infrastructure. Hospitals have been damaged or rendered non-operational, and mass casualties have been recorded across the civilian population. The World Health Organization and other humanitarian bodies have documented the near-collapse of the territory's healthcare system, with the compounding effects of mass displacement, acute food insecurity, the breakdown of sanitation infrastructure, and severely restricted access to medical care creating conditions that public health experts warn will suppress life expectancy significantly in the coming years. These developments risk reversing decades of hard-won health gains and may place Gaza among the most acute humanitarian health crises recorded in recent history.

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in the Gaza Strip reflects the complex humanitarian and public health conditions that have shaped the territory over decades. Prior to the significant escalation of conflict beginning in late 2023, overall life expectancy in Gaza stood at approximately 74 to 75 years, with women living slightly longer than men — around 76 to 77 years for females compared to roughly 72 to 73 years for males. These figures placed Gaza broadly in line with lower-middle-income territories globally, a notable achievement given the severe economic constraints and longstanding restrictions on movement affecting the population. Gaza's life expectancy gains over the latter half of the 20th century were driven largely by improvements in maternal and child health services, expanded vaccination programs, and the growth of UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) healthcare facilities serving the Palestinian refugee population. Infant mortality rates declined substantially during this period, contributing meaningfully to rising average life expectancy figures. The structural conditions in Gaza, however, present persistent threats to long-term health outcomes. The territory faces chronic shortages of clean water, with a severely depleted coastal aquifer rendering the vast majority of groundwater unfit for human consumption without treatment. Rates of waterborne illness, malnutrition, and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease have all been documented at elevated levels. The blockade imposed since 2007 has restricted the import of medical equipment, medications, and supplies, placing enormous strain on an already underfunded health system. The armed conflict that intensified dramatically beginning in October 2023 has further devastated Gaza's health infrastructure. Hospitals have been damaged or rendered non-operational, and mass casualties have been recorded across the civilian population. The World Health Organization and other humanitarian bodies have documented the near-collapse of the territory's healthcare system, with the compounding effects of mass displacement, acute food insecurity, the breakdown of sanitation infrastructure, and severely restricted access to medical care creating conditions that public health experts warn will suppress life expectancy significantly in the coming years. These developments risk reversing decades of hard-won health gains and may place Gaza among the most acute humanitarian health crises recorded in recent history.
Premium Content

Read the full people and society profile — demographics, health, education, religion, languages, and notable people.

View full people and society

Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
GazaStrip

Government Structure

Executive Branch
The executive structure of the Gaza Strip is complex and contested, reflecting the territory's unique and disputed political status. Since June 2007, Hamas — the Islamic Resistance Movement — has exercised de facto administrative control over the Gaza Strip following its violent takeover from the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority (PA). This division created a political split between Gaza, governed by Hamas, and the West Bank, administered by the PA under President Mahmoud Abbas. Hamas does not operate under a conventional executive branch structure recognized by most of the international community. Instead, it maintains governance through a political bureau and a separate administrative apparatus. The Political Bureau of Hamas has historically been based outside Gaza, with senior figures operating from Qatar and other regional states. Ismail Haniyeh served as the head of Hamas's political bureau for several years before his assassination in July 2024 in Tehran. Yahya Sinwar, the organization's military commander and chief architect of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, had been widely considered the most powerful figure inside Gaza. Sinwar was killed by Israeli forces in October 2024. The Palestinian Authority, under President Mahmoud Abbas, maintains internationally recognized executive authority over Palestinian territories in a broader legal sense, though it has had no effective governing presence in Gaza since 2007. Abbas, who has served as PA President since 2005, heads the executive branch of the Palestinian Authority from Ramallah in the West Bank. Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, Hamas's governing infrastructure in Gaza was severely degraded. The conflict resulted in the destruction of significant portions of the administrative apparatus Hamas had built over nearly two decades. As of 2025, the question of who will ultimately govern the Gaza Strip remains unresolved, with ongoing international discussions involving the Palestinian Authority, Arab states, and various international stakeholders about potential post-conflict governance arrangements. No internationally recognized executive structure with clear leadership has been established for the territory in the immediate aftermath of the conflict.
Legislative Branch
The Gaza Strip does not have a fully functioning independent legislative body in the conventional sense, given its complex and contested political status. The territory is not a sovereign state, and its governance arrangements have been shaped by decades of conflict, occupation, and internal Palestinian political divisions. The Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), established under the Oslo Accords and first elected in 1996, was designed to serve as the legislative branch for the Palestinian Authority (PA) across both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The PLC is a unicameral body composed of 132 seats, with members elected through a mixed proportional and district-based system. However, the council has been effectively non-functional for many years. Following the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections, in which Hamas won a majority of seats, a political rupture between Hamas and the rival Fatah movement led to Hamas seizing full control of Gaza in 2007. This effectively split Palestinian governance into two separate administrations — the PA-led West Bank and Hamas-controlled Gaza. Since that division, Hamas has governed Gaza through its own administrative structures, including a separate legislature it established called the Legislative Council of the Gaza Strip, sometimes referred to as the Hamas-aligned PLC. This body operates independently of the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority and is not internationally recognized as a legitimate legislative institution by most Western governments or international organizations. Palestinian legislative elections were called for May 2021 but were indefinitely postponed by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, with no rescheduled date confirmed as of the time of writing. The ongoing conflict following the Hamas-led attacks in October 2023 and the subsequent Israeli military campaign in Gaza has further disrupted any prospects for near-term legislative or electoral normalization. As a result, the Gaza Strip currently lacks a broadly recognized, democratically functioning legislative branch, and its governance remains a deeply unresolved issue tied to the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the internal Palestinian political divide.

Military

Branches: HAMAS maintains security forces inside Gaza in addition to its military wing, the 'Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades; the military wing ostensibly reports to the HAMAS Political Bureau but operates with considerable autonomy; there are several other militant groups operating in the Gaza Strip, most notably the Al-Quds Brigades of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which are usually but not always beholden to HAMAS's authority.

Premium Content

Read the full government profile — flag symbolism, national anthem, and other national symbols.

View full government details

Economy

The Gaza Strip's economy has been shaped by decades of conflict, blockade, and political division, with conditions deteriorating dramatically following the outbreak of war in October 2023. Even before the current conflict, Gaza's economy had been severely constrained by the Israeli-Egyptian blockade imposed after Hamas took control of the territory in 2007, restricting the movement of goods, people, and capital. The blockade, combined with recurring military escalations in 2008-09, 2012, 2014, and 2021, repeatedly destroyed infrastructure and stunted economic development.

Prior to October 2023, Gaza's economy was already in crisis, with unemployment exceeding 45 percent—among the highest rates in the world—and youth unemployment surpassing 60 percent. Approximately 80 percent of the population depended on international humanitarian assistance, and food insecurity affected more than 60 percent of households. GDP per capita had stagnated for years, and the private sector remained severely underdeveloped due to restrictions on imports, exports, and access to electricity, water, and fuel.

The war that began in October 2023 has caused unprecedented economic devastation. According to UN and World Bank assessments, Gaza's GDP contracted by more than 80 percent in the final quarter of 2023 and remained collapsed throughout 2024. Virtually all economic activity has ceased, with estimates indicating that over 80 percent of commercial facilities, agricultural land, and productive infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed. Unemployment is now estimated at nearly 80 percent, and essentially the entire population of roughly 2.1 million people is dependent on humanitarian aid. The United Nations has warned that reconstruction could take decades and cost upwards of $50 billion.

The agricultural sector, once a vital source of employment and food security, has been largely destroyed, with the majority of cropland, greenhouses, and irrigation systems rendered inoperable. The fishing industry, long restricted by maritime limits, has effectively collapsed. Manufacturing, construction, and services have similarly been devastated. Electricity supply, water and sanitation systems, healthcare facilities, and educational infrastructure have suffered catastrophic damage, compounding the humanitarian crisis and eliminating the foundations needed for any near-term economic recovery.

Long-term economic prospects remain deeply uncertain and contingent on a durable ceasefire, lifting of restrictions, large-scale international reconstruction financing, and a political resolution to the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
ILS
GDP Real Growth Rate
-35%

Banknotes

Gaza Strip Money - Front
Gaza Strip Money - Front
Gaza Strip Money - Back
Gaza Strip Money - Back

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year
calendar year
Annual Budget
$1,340,000,000 (USD)
Economic Aid
$2,000,000,000 (USD)

Labor, Industry & Trade

Labor Force by Occupation
services 66%; industry 21%; agriculture 13%
Industries
generally small family businesses that produce textiles, soap, olive-wood carvings, and mother-of-pearl souvenirs; the Israelis have established some small-scale modern industries in an industrial center
Agriculture Products
olives, citrus, vegetables; beef, dairy products
Export Commodities
citrus, flowers
Export Partners
Israel, Egypt, West Bank
Import Commodities
food, consumer goods, construction materials
Import Partners
Israel, Egypt, West Bank

Energy

Oil Production
0 bbl/day
Oil Consumption
0 bbl/day
Oil Reserves
0 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production
0 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption
0 cu m
Natural Gas Imports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Exports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves
0 cu m

Communications

Telephone System
general assessment: Gaza continues to repair the damage to its telecommunications infrastructure caused by fighting in 2009 domestic: Israeli company BEZEK and the Palestinian company PALTEL are responsible for fixed-line services; the Palestinian JAWWAL company provides cellular services international: country code - 970
Internet Country Code
N/A

News & Weather

Latest News

News via Google News

Climate Overview

temperate, mild winters, dry and warm to hot summers

Videos

1 curated YouTube videos.

  • Source: YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Gaza Strip?
The population of Gaza Strip is approximately 2.1M.
What language do people speak in the Gaza Strip?
Arabic is the official and dominant language, spoken in a distinct Palestinian dialect shaped by the region's history of trade, migration, and outside influence. The dialect reflects centuries of trade and migration
What food will you encounter in the Gaza Strip?
Gazan cuisine is part of the broader Levantine tradition with its own local character, and seafood is central given the Mediterranean coastline. Try suqaar (spiced meat), freekeh (roasted green wheat), and za'atar-seasoned flatbreads Expect prominent use of cumin, turmeric, and dill, which give Gazan cooking a distinctive flavor
How is family and social life organized in the Gaza Strip?
Family and clan identity, known as the hamula system, is foundational, with extended family networks providing economic and emotional support. The population is overwhelmingly Muslim, with Islam central to daily life and family structure A small Christian minority, primarily Greek Orthodox, has a longstanding presence
What cultural traditions and arts are important in the Gaza Strip?
Oral tradition, poetry, and music are highly valued, and cultural life persists through community arts, theater, and educational programs. Dabke, a traditional line dance, is performed at weddings and celebrations Tatreez folk embroidery features geometric patterns unique to specific villages The Edward Said National Conservatory of Music offers music education for young people Literacy rates are relatively high, with strong emphasis on educating women and youth
Where is the Gaza Strip located?
The Gaza Strip is located in the Middle East, along the southeastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It sits at the southwestern edge of historic Palestine, bordered by Israel to the north and east, Egypt to the southwest, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. Despite its small size, the territory occupies a strategically significant position at the crossroads of Africa and Asia, and has been a focal point of regional conflict and international diplomacy for decades.
What countries and territories border the Gaza Strip?
Israel borders the Gaza Strip to the north and east, while Egypt borders it to the southwest, with the Rafah crossing serving as the territory's primary gateway to the Arab world. The western edge opens onto the Mediterranean Sea, which historically provided fishing access and a potential outlet for trade. The territory is enclosed by a security fence and buffer zones, making movement of people and goods across its borders subject to strict controls enforced by both Israel and Egypt.
What religion is practiced in the Gaza Strip?
Islam, predominantly of the Sunni tradition, is by far the dominant religion in the Gaza Strip, practiced by approximately 98.7% of the population. A small Christian community, largely Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic, accounts for roughly 0.7% of residents and maintains a historic presence in the territory. A very small Jewish population, approximately 0.6%, also exists. Religious observance plays a central role in daily life, cultural customs, and the political landscape of the territory.
What currency is used in the Gaza Strip?
The Israeli New Shekel (ILS) is the primary currency in use in the Gaza Strip, a consequence of the territory's economic ties and administrative entanglement with Israel. The Jordanian dinar and the US dollar also circulate and are widely accepted for transactions. The territory lacks an independent monetary authority, and its economy is heavily constrained by border restrictions, aid dependency, and limited access to international markets, resulting in chronically high unemployment and poverty rates.
What languages are spoken in the Gaza Strip?
Arabic is the official and overwhelmingly dominant language of the Gaza Strip, spoken natively by the vast majority of the Palestinian population. Hebrew is understood and spoken by many Palestinians who have had contact with Israeli institutions, and English is widely understood, particularly among educated residents and those engaged in international humanitarian and academic contexts. The Arabic dialect spoken in Gaza is a variety of Levantine Arabic with some regional distinctions influenced by the territory's history and its Egyptian border.
What is the size and geography of the Gaza Strip?
The Gaza Strip covers approximately 365 square kilometers (141 square miles), making it one of the most densely populated territories on earth. It stretches roughly 45 kilometers (27 miles) in length and only 5 to 12 kilometers (3 to 7 miles) in width, and is entirely enclosed by fencing and barriers. The terrain is largely flat to rolling, characterized by sand dunes along the coast, fertile agricultural land in the interior, and an urbanized landscape dominated by Gaza City and several large refugee camps.
What is the Gaza Strip known for?
The Gaza Strip is known internationally for its extraordinary population density, its central role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and its protracted humanitarian crisis. Culturally, the territory has a long tradition of embroidery (tatreez), a distinctive Palestinian folk art, and a Mediterranean culinary heritage featuring dishes such as sumagiyya, a slow-cooked stew unique to Gaza. The territory is also historically associated with a centuries-old fishing culture along its Mediterranean coastline, and was a significant crossroads of ancient trade routes connecting Africa, the Levant, and Arabia.
What is the political and governance background of the Gaza Strip?
The Gaza Strip has operated under a complex and contested governance arrangement since the 1993 Oslo Accords, which established interim Palestinian self-government in Gaza and the West Bank. The Palestinian Authority initially administered the territory following Israeli withdrawal from civilian areas, but Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007 following armed conflict with Fatah, creating a political split between Gaza and the West Bank. The territory has since been subject to an Israeli-led blockade, and its final status remains unresolved under international law and ongoing negotiations.

Last reviewed 2026

Video LibraryCompareArticlesGlobal ContentActivitiesLessonsRecipesBlogInternet CitationGlossary