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Holy Land Palestine lies at a point linking Africa, Asia and Europe, and this strategic location was to determine much of its history. It was a thoroughfare, a corridor in constant use. In ancient times, it was coveted by the great empires of Egypt and the Middle East, lying as they did at the crossroads of the trade routes coming from Egypt, Mesopotamia and the Aegean. Palestine's role and its developing culture and trade gained strength in the periods of peace between Mesopotamia and Egypt. At such times it became a channel for busy exchanges between those countries and a forum for dialogue between civilizations. Location: Palestine lies on the western edge of the Asian continent and the eastern extremity of the Mediterranean Sea. It is bounded on the north by Lebanon and Syria; to the west by the Mediterranean Sea; to the south by the Jordanian Gulf of Aqaba and the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula; and to the east by Jordan. Area: Land area: 26,323 km2 = 10,162 miles2 Palestinian Territories: 6,170 km2 West Bank: 5,800 km2; 130 km long and 40-65 km in width Gaza Strip: 365 km2; 45 km long and 5-12 km in width (self-rule area: 210km2) Regions: 4 main regions: the Gaza Strip, the northern, central and southern West Bank. Capital: Jerusalem Climate Palestine has two main seasons: one starts in April and ends in October when the weather is hot, sunny and dry; the second begins in November and ends in March when the weather is temperate. Average temperatures range from 9-18 C in winter and 26- 30 C in summer. Palestine is situated in the +2.00 GMT Time Zone (+3.00 GMT in summer). Communications Public phones in Palestine work either with coins or phone cards. Phone cards are available at the Palestinian post offices. The international code for Palestine is '972'. When calling from Jordan you need to call 970. To call overseas, you must dial '00' (or '012', '013','014' if you're in Jerusalem). For information you can call '144'. Languages Palestinians speak Arabic. The written language is Fusha or classical Arabic. In the Cities and bigger towns, English is widely spoken. In many of the tourist spots other Languages (Spanish, Italian, German, and French) are also often understood. Transportation The easiest means of transportation in Palestine is the collective taxi ("taxi service"). These are large cars or small vans which drive along main routes and stop anywhere upon request. They most often depart from a main square such as Damascus Gate in Jerusalem, Manara Square in Ramallah, Bab Is-skak in Bethlehem, and in city centres generally. Private or special taxis do not always have taximeters, therefore a price should be arranged in advance. An international driver's license is required to drive a rented car in Palestine. There are a number of Palestinian car-rental companies in all towns and cities. Currency There are at least three currencies, which can be used in Palestine without difficulties. Tourists can ask for prices and invoices in US Dollars, Jordanian Dinars, and New Israeli Shekels. In Gaza, the Egyptian Pound is also widely used as a currency. Foreign currencies are widely accepted, as well as travelers' checks and all major credit cards. Exchange rates are regulated and you can change money in banks, most hotels, and authorized money changers. Newspapers & Publications The Jerusalem Times is the only English Language weekly in Palestine. Two Informative cultural events publications--This Week in Palestine and What's Up--are available at most hotels, bookshops, restaurants, and cultural centres. Working hours and holidays Working hours are generally from 8.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. Palestinian Government offices generally open from 8.00 a.m. - 2.30 p.m. Banks open from 8.00 a.m.-12.30 p.m. (some also open from 3.00 to 5.00 pm). The official holiday is on Friday but some shops close on Sundays. How to get to the Palestinian Territories Bridges There are four border crossings which visitors to the Palestinian territories lying under the Palestinian National Authority can currently use. Two border crossings are from Jordan:
Airports Currently the only Palestinian airport, Gaza International (Tel: 07-2135696), is located in Rafah, Gaza. Other airports that can be used to travel to the Palestinian territories are Ben Gurion International Airport (Tel: 03-9723344) and Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan (Tel: 962-6-4453200). Visas Visitors to the Palestinian Territories need only a valid passport. Israeli authorities, however, require visitors to fill out an entry visa card. Citizens of the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, and EU don't need a visa beforehand. They can obtain one at the border crossings or at the airport upon arrival. It is advisable to get your visa stamped onto your entry card rather than into your passport. No vaccinations are required to enter Palestinian Territories.
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