Browse economic indicators and data sets

West Bank and Gaza

Browse economic indicators and data sets, selected by Global Finance editors, to learn more about The Occupied Palestinian Territories economic outlook, debt to GDP ratio, international trade performance and population trends.

War Devastation Overwhelms Economic Promise

Since the cross-border assault led by Hamas against Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent Israeli retaliation, the West Bank and Gaza have experienced a devastating loss of life and widespread destruction. This conflict has had catastrophic repercussions on their economy.

The available data only provides a snapshot of the Palestinian economy prior to the conflict. Even before this event, the economy was modest, with a nominal GDP below $20 billion, according to estimates from the U.S. Department of State. Small and medium-sized enterprises, predominantly family-owned, represented 99% of business activities and employed fewer than 20 people. The free movement of goods and people was curtailed, and growth was hindered by restrictions on foreign investments, outdated infrastructure and inconsistent water and energy supply.

Still, albeit high unemployment persisted and worsened in recent years, the Palestinian labor force is young and well-educated, boasting a 98% literacy rate. The conflict has cast a long shadow over the future of the five million citizens of the West Bank and Gaza, a significant number of whom are currently displaced.

The Occupied Palestinian Territories GDP & Economic Overview

Key Facts

Total Area 6,220 sq km
Type of Government Semi-presidential multi-party republic
Capital City Ramallah
Total Population 5.603 million
Median Age 19.0
Total GDP N/A
Adult Per Capita Income (PPP) USD 14,072

The Occupied Palestinian Territories

Trade & Finance

International Trade

Total Exports USD 1,833.71 million
Major Exports Crude petroleum
gold
fish
industrial chemical liquids
scrap iron
Major Trade Partners – Export Israel
Jordan
United Arab Emirates
United States
Saudi Arabia
Total Imports USD 215 million
Major Imports Food
consumer goods
construction materials
petroleum
chemicals
Major Trade Partners – Imports Israel
Turkey
China
Jordan
Germany

Inbound and Outbound Investment

Data Shows The Occupied Palestinian Territory’s Debt Load To Be Below The Regional Average

The chart at left compares The Occupied Palestinian Territory’s debt-to-GDP ratio to the regional average. It illustrates how the country has been successful at keeping its debt burden in line with its national productive capacity.

The Occupied Palestinian Territory's Leading Companies

Power Palestine Power Generation Co
Beverage The National Beverage Company
Real estate Izdehar Prosperity Investment & Development
Telecom Paltel
Investment holding company Arab Palestinian Investment Company
Real estate development Izdehar Prosperity Investment & Development

Global Finance Rankings & Awards: The Occupied Palestinian Territories

Global Finance Magazine holds several conferences and awards ceremonies throughout the year to recognize the winning financial institutions and companies in a host of categories including World’s Best Trade Finance Banks, World's Biggest Banks, World's Safest Banks, World's Best Developed & Emerging Markets Banks, World's Best Internet Banks, and World’s Best Investment Banks.


Data Sources:

IMF World Economic Outlook

UN World Population Prospects

World Inequality Report

S&P Global Ratings

Moody’s

Fitch Ratings

IMF Direction of Trade Statistics (DOTS)

UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

CIA The World Factbook

World Bank’s World Integrated Trade Solution

Forbes Global 2000

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