Fact 1: The Birthplace of Christ
The city of Bethlehem, located in the West Bank of Palestine, is widely recognized as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. It is a significant religious location for Christians worldwide and a destination for tourists from all corners of the globe, particularly during Christmas.
Fact 2: A Nation of Great Historical Significance
Dating back to as early as 5,000 B.C, Palestine has been home to many ancient civilizations including the Canaanites, Philistines and the Israelites. Its rich history and diverse cultural heritage is reflected in its many archaeological sites, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and museums.
Fact 3: The Al-Aqsa Mosque
Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in Jerusalem, is the third holiest site in Islam, after Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. Muslims believe this was the location where the Prophet Muhammad was transported during the 'Night Journey' (Al-Isra) from Mecca.
Fact 4: The Namesake of Palestine
The name Palestine is believed to have derived from Philistia or Philistine, which in turn comes from the Hebrew name Pleshet, a people who settled along the eastern Mediterranean coast.
Fact 5: Oldest Olive Trees
Palestine has the world's oldest olive trees, some even dating as far back as 4,000 years. Olive trees symbolize Palestinian resilience and steadfastness, and their olive oil is a major contributor to the country's economy.
Fact 6: The Dead Sea
Although it borders several countries, the western edge of the Dead Sea is in Palestine. Famous for its extremely high salt concentration, it allows people to float on the surface without any effort. The mud is also rich in minerals and has therapeutic and beauty benefits.
Fact 7: The Palestinian Scarf
The chequered black & white scarf known as the Keffiyeh has become a symbol of Palestinian nationalism. It is traditionally worn by Arab men, particularly in the region of Palestine.
Fact 8: Bethlehem Star Street
Palestine houses the Star Street in Bethlehem, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is believed by Christians to be the path followed by the Magi, or the three wise men, when they came to visit baby Jesus.
Fact 9: Home to Many Religions
Although predominantly Muslim, Palestine is also home to practitioners of many other religions, including Christianity and Judaism. The complex history and spiritual significance of the region has resulted in this religious diversity.
Fact 10: Archaeological Treasure
Palestine is rich in archaeology, with the city of Jericho being one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. It dates back to around 10,000 years.
Fact 11: The Biodiversity of Palestine
Despite its small geographical size, Palestine boasts a varied topography and climate, resulting in diverse ecosystems and a high degree of biodiversity, with hundreds of plant and animal species.
Fact 12: A Renowned Culinary Palette
Palestinian cuisine is highly diverse, with world-renowned dishes like Hummus, Falafel, and Mansaf. Local culinary traditions have been greatly influenced by its history of trade and invasion.
Fact 13: History of Soap Making
Palestine has a rich history of 'Nabulsi' soap making, which dates back to the 10th century. The soap, made from olive oil, is named after the city of Nablus where it is mostly produced.
Fact 14: Largest Refugee Population
Palestine has one of the world's largest refugee populations, well over 5 million, many of whom are third or fourth-generation refugees, residing in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, and the Gaza Strip.
Fact 15: Renowned Arabic Calligraphy
Palestine is renowned for its Arabic calligraphy and Islamic art, which adorn many of the buildings, mosques, and monuments throughout the region, beautifully reflecting its rich cultural and artistic history.
Fact 16: The Hebron Glass
The city of Hebron, in Palestine, is famous for its traditional glass blowing. For centuries, this city has been producing distinctive turquoise-colored glass products, an art passed down through generations.
Fact 17: The Wheat Harvest 'Sahrawi'
Every May, Palestinians celebrate the wheat harvest with a festival known as 'Sahrawi'. The farmers wear traditional attire and music, dancing and feasting abound.
Fact 18: The Multilingual Landscape
While Arabic is the official language of Palestine, you'll find a multilingual landscape where English, French, German and Hebrew are commonly spoken, a testament to the cultural diversity and rich heritage.
Fact 19: The Art of Palestinian Embroidery
Palestinian embroidery, locally known as Tatreez, is a traditional art form with patterns that represent different regions, stories and histories. Each design is a symbol of Palestinian tradition and cultural identity.
Fact 20: The Highest Education Levels in MENA
Despite the ongoing conflict in the region, Palestine has one of the highest education levels in the Middle East, with the literacy rate estimated at approximately 96.5% according to the World Bank.