People and Society of West Bank

Nationality

NA

Ethnic Groups

Palestinian Arab and other 83%, Jewish 17%

Population

3,000,000

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in the West Bank stands at approximately 74 to 75 years overall, with women typically outliving men by several years. Female life expectancy is estimated at around 76 to 77 years, while male life expectancy falls in the range of 72 to 74 years. These figures place the West Bank broadly in line with lower-middle to upper-middle income countries globally, and represent a notable improvement over previous decades. Over the past several decades, life expectancy in the West Bank has risen significantly, driven by improvements in access to healthcare, increased rates of vaccination, better maternal and child health services, and growing public health infrastructure. Palestinian health authorities and international humanitarian organizations have worked to expand clinic networks and improve the availability of essential medicines across the territory. Despite this progress, life expectancy and overall health outcomes in the West Bank are affected by a range of complex factors. Movement restrictions, political instability, and economic constraints have periodically disrupted access to specialized medical care, particularly for patients requiring treatment at hospitals in East Jerusalem or abroad. Rates of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, have grown in prominence as leading causes of death, a pattern consistent with health transitions seen across the Middle East and North Africa region. Infant and child mortality rates have declined considerably over the years, contributing directly to improved average life expectancy at birth. The under-five mortality rate has dropped to relatively low levels by regional standards, reflecting gains in prenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and childhood nutrition programs. The West Bank's relatively young population structure also shapes health planning priorities, as authorities and international partners work to balance the needs of a growing youth population with the rising healthcare demands of an aging segment of society. Continued investment in primary healthcare and disease prevention programs remains central to sustaining and improving these life expectancy outcomes in the years ahead.

Infant Mortality Rate

The infant mortality rate in the West Bank reflects the broader public health landscape of this contested territory, showing notable improvements over recent decades while still facing challenges tied to political, economic, and infrastructural conditions. As of recent estimates, the infant mortality rate in the West Bank stands at approximately 14 to 16 deaths per 1,000 live births. This figure represents a significant decline from earlier decades, when rates were considerably higher, and reflects ongoing investments in maternal and child healthcare services, expanded access to prenatal care, and improved nutrition programs. The Palestinian Authority, with support from international organizations including UNICEF and the World Health Organization, has worked to strengthen primary healthcare infrastructure across the West Bank. Vaccination coverage has increased substantially, helping reduce deaths from preventable infectious diseases among newborns and young children. Oral rehydration therapy and improved management of respiratory infections have also contributed to declining mortality figures. However, disparities exist across different areas of the West Bank. Communities with limited access to health facilities, particularly those in more rural or isolated zones, tend to experience higher rates of infant mortality than urban centers such as Ramallah or Nablus. Movement restrictions and checkpoint delays can complicate timely access to emergency obstetric and neonatal care, which remains a concern for maternal and infant health outcomes in affected areas. Compared to regional neighbors, the West Bank's infant mortality rate is lower than several countries in the broader Middle East and North Africa region, though it remains higher than rates seen in high-income countries, where figures often fall below 5 deaths per 1,000 live births. Continued improvements in the West Bank's infant mortality rate are expected to depend on sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure, stable political and economic conditions, and the ongoing involvement of international health organizations in supporting local medical systems and community health programs.

Literacy Definition

NA

• Muslim (predominantly Sunni)75.0%
• Jewish17.0%
• Christian and other8.0%

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

Arabic is the most commonly spoken language in the West Bank, and it is the official language of the Palestinian Authority. Most Palestinians in the West Bank speak Palestinian Arabic, which is a dialect of Arabic that has evolved over centuries and has its own unique vocabulary and grammar. In addition to Arabic, many Palestinians in the West Bank also speak Hebrew, which is the official language of Israel. Hebrew is taught in Palestinian schools as a second language, and many Palestinians who work or interact with Israelis are fluent in Hebrew. English is also widely spoken in the West Bank, particularly in urban areas and among younger generations. English is taught as a second language in Palestinian schools, and many Palestinians who work in international organizations or do business with foreigners are proficient in English. Other languages that are spoken by smaller segments of the population include French, Spanish, and Russian, among others. However, Arabic remains the dominant language in the West Bank, and proficiency in Arabic is essential for communication with the local population.

• Arabic
• Hebrew