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Ramallah

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Ramallah is a busy city in the central West Bank.

2018 OCHA OpT map Ramallah
2018 OCHA OpT map Ramallah

It sits high up on the Judaean Mountains. This location is just north of the city of Jerusalem. The city is right next to a place called al-Bireh.

Ramallah Residential
Ramallah Residential

Because it is in the mountains, the area has many hills. It is a very important place for the people of Palestine. It serves as their administrative capital today. This means many important government offices are located there.

Many different groups have helped shape the city over hundreds of years. The modern city was started in the 16th century. A group called the Hadadeens founded it. They were an Arab Christian clan. They moved here from east of the Jordan River. They liked the mountains because they felt like home. The thick forests also provided fuel for their metal forges.

Der Ghassanah village
Der Ghassanah village

Even before the city was built, people lived nearby. Archaeologists have found ancient rock-cut tombs in the area. Some buildings even use stone from the time of Herod the Great.

History shows that many different powers have ruled this land. In 1517, the Ottoman Empire took control of the area. Later, the United Kingdom held the land during the British Mandate. This happened after they captured the area in World War I. After a war in 1948, Jordan took control of the West Bank. Then, Israel captured the city during the Six-Day War in 1967. Since the Oslo Accords in 1995, the Palestinian Authority has governed the city.

Ramallah Muqata'a 2013
Ramallah Muqata'a 2013

Today, Ramallah is a major center for culture and business. It has many museums and interesting cultural centers. The city also has a famous nightlife scene.

Ramallah Moevenpick
Ramallah Moevenpick

It is home to the Mukataa, which is a very important building. The Mukataa is the official residence for the Palestinian president. The city also houses the Palestinian Legislative Council.

Ramallah Muqata'a 2013
Ramallah Muqata'a 2013

Many people come here for work or to visit government offices.

About 38,998 people lived in the city in 2017.

Ramallah Residential
Ramallah Residential

Most of the people living there are Muslims. However, there is still a significant number of Christians. In the past, the town was mostly Christian. Now, the population has changed over time. You can see many different types of buildings here. Some are old stone houses, and others are modern structures.

Ammar Tower 02
Ammar Tower 02

The city continues to grow and change every year.

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🖼️ Images & Media (16)
File:Ramallah, Quaker Mission School. Photographed in 1937 LOC matpc.09098.jpg
Ramallah, Quaker Mission School....
File:2018 OCHA OpT map Ramallah.jpg
2018 OCHA OpT map Ramallah.jpg
File:Psagot Settlement.JPG
Psagot Settlement.JPG
File:Ramallah Muqata'a 2013.jpg
Ramallah Muqata'a 2013.jpg
File:Ramallah Residential.JPG
Ramallah Residential.JPG
File:Koppen World Map (Mediterranean Sea area only).png
Koppen World Map (Mediterranean Sea area only).png
File:Der Ghassanah village.jpg
Der Ghassanah village.jpg
File:Rawabi - industrial area.jpg
Rawabi - industrial area.jpg
File:Ammar_Tower_02.jpg
Ammar_Tower_02.jpg
File:مستشفى هوغو تشافيز، ترمسعيا 02.jpg
مستشفى هوغو تشافيز، ترمسعيا 02.jpg
File:Istishari Arab Hospital 004.jpg
Istishari Arab Hospital 004.jpg
File:2010-08 Ramallah 39.jpg
2010-08 Ramallah 39.jpg

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