Travel Alert Status
Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Travel Climate
temperate; temperature and precipitation vary with altitude, warm to hot summers, cool to mild winters
Travel Currency
new Israeli shekel (ILS); Jordanian dinar (JOD)
Language Spoken
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.
Languages
Arabic, Hebrew (spoken by Israeli settlers and many Palestinians), English (widely understood)
Ethnic Groups
Palestinian Arab and other 83%, Jewish 17%
Geographic Coordinates
32 00 N, 35 15 E
Location
Middle East, west of Jordan, east of Israel
Airports
2