Palestine: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Palestine

The State of Palestine claims the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, two separate areas in Western Asia whose final status is unresolved. The West Bank has hills and valleys west of the Jordan River, and the Gaza Strip is on the Mediterranean coast. The area is known for ancient towns, olive groves and traditional embroidery.

About East Jerusalem

East Jerusalem is the eastern part of Jerusalem, a city in the Judaean Mountains about 750 metres above sea level. It includes the walled Old City, with sites sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims.

Fun facts about Palestine

1. Ancient Jericho has traces of settlement more than 11,000 years old, making it one of the oldest towns in the world.
2. Jericho lies about 250 m below sea level, making it one of the lowest towns on Earth.
3. Traditional Palestinian embroidery, called tatreez, uses colourful cross-stitch patterns and is recognized by UNESCO.
4. At Battir, a UNESCO site, families share spring water for their stone farm terraces using an ancient rotation system.
5. The city of Nablus is known for soap made from olive oil and for knafeh, a sweet cheese pastry.
6. Musakhan, roasted chicken with onions and tangy sumac on flatbread, is a popular traditional dish.