Palestine sits in the Middle East. It runs along the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea. This specific spot explains a lot about the local weather. It also hints at the layers of history tied to the land. Officially, the name is the State of Palestine. In daily life, people usually talk about two separate areas. These are the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. These names come up most often in discussions about Israel and Palestine.
Most maps center Palestine at roughly 31.95°N and 35.23°E. This puts it in Western Asia. It sits south of Lebanon and west of Jordan. It also borders Egypt through the Gaza Strip. The location carries a lot of weight for such a small area. Its religious and historical pull brings people back year after year.
To the east, you encounter the Dead Sea. It is extremely salty. It sits far below sea level. This body of water shapes the land and the climate nearby. This guide looks at where Palestine is by focusing on geography and borders. We will also cover time zones and travel basics. We stick to maps and reference data rather than opinions.
📌 Key Takeaways
- Continent: Palestine is part of Western Asia.
- Region: It belongs to the Levant in the heart of the Middle East.
- Neighbors: Gaza borders Israel and Egypt. The West Bank touches Israel and Jordan.
- Time Zone: It uses Eastern European Time at UTC+2.
- Travel: Most people enter through Israel or Jordan.
Key Facts About Palestine
Core facts provide a steady anchor for understanding the region. These points show the scale and population of the area. As of early 2026, the current population is estimated at roughly 5.6 million. The flag of Palestine is a common sight in these territories. It features three horizontal stripes of black, white, and green with a red triangle. The Palestine flag represents the history and identity of the people living there.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Capital | Jerusalem is proclaimed. Ramallah is the administrative center. |
| Continent | Asia |
| Sub-region | Western Asia, Levant |
| Population | The population is estimated to be approximately 5.64 million in 2026. |
| Area | The area is estimated to be between 6,020 and 6,220 square kilometers in size. |
| Currency | Israeli Shekel, Jordanian Dinar, and US Dollar. |
| Languages | Arabic is primary. English is a common second language. |
| Calling code | +970 |
Where is Palestine Located Geographically?
Palestine sits squarely in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres. The land covers just over six thousand square kilometers. This area is split between two distinct parts. You have the narrow Gaza Strip and the higher West Bank ground. This physical split shapes how the land feels.
The terrain shifts quite a bit. Gaza is mostly a coastal plain. It has sandy stretches near the sea. The West Bank is different. It consists of rougher hills and uplands. You encounter limestone highlands near Mount Nabi Yunis. These reach about 1,030 meters high. Then the land drops toward the Dead Sea basin. This area is roughly 429 meters below sea level.
These elevation changes create microclimates. Winters are wetter on the western slopes. Rain seeps into underground aquifers there. The eastern valleys stay drier and hotter. You can feel the air change from the soft Gaza coast to the cool inland plateaus.
Is Palestine in Asia?
Yes, Palestine is in Asia. More specifically, it is in Western Asia. It sits within the Levant region. This area includes Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Israel. This phenomenon explains why the culture and geography often blur across borders. You see it in the food and the language. You even see it in how cities are built.
There are many top things to do in Palestine for those visiting this part of Asia. You can explore the old city of Hebron or visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The region is packed with ancient sites and vibrant local markets.
Where Is Palestine Located Relative to Its Neighbors?
Palestine sits among several Middle Eastern neighbors. Israel forms most of the western and northern edges. Jordan sits directly to the east. Gaza meets Egypt in the southwest. It also opens to the Mediterranean Sea. These borders dictate how people travel.
Movement depends heavily on checkpoints. These crossings shape daily travel between cities. Geography and logistics are difficult to separate here. Land borders:
- Israel forms the longest shared boundary.
- Jordan follows the Jordan River and the Dead Sea.
- Egypt sits at the Gaza-Egypt frontier.
Where is Palestine? Seas, Oceans, & Natural Features
Palestine borders the Mediterranean Sea along Gaza. This coastline is about 40 kilometers long. It is the only direct access to open water. This western edge shapes how the land works. Climate patterns often trace back to these natural features.
- Seas: The Mediterranean Sea helps cool the Gaza coast.
- Rivers: The Jordan River forms the eastern boundary.
- Mountains: The West Bank has hills like Mount Gerizim.
- Deserts: Arid slopes stretch toward the southern Negev.
Time Zone and Seasonal Geography
Palestine follows Eastern European Time. This is UTC+2 for most of the year. It shifts to UTC+3 for daylight saving. This cycle happens from late March to late October. This phenomenon keeps the region in sync with its neighbors. Gaza and the West Bank keep the same time. This shared clock is relevant for work and school.
Knowing the time difference in Palestine is important for calling home. It is usually two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time in winter. This makes scheduling easier for international travelers.
| Time Zone | UTC Offset | DST | Regions Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| EET | UTC+2 | No | West Bank and Gaza in winter |
| EEST | UTC+3 | Yes | West Bank and Gaza in summer |
Why Location of Palestine Matters for Travelers
Palestine’s spot in the Middle East affects travel times. Flights from Europe take three to five hours. Trips from Asia can take twelve hours. There is usually very little jet lag. Most travelers arrive through Tel Aviv or Amman. Then they take a bus or taxi overland.
Border crossings require careful planning. Being near Jerusalem makes it easy to visit religious sites. Routes through the Jordan Valley lead to the Dead Sea. Overland travel from Israel or Egypt is common. Travelers should check local schedules to stay aligned. In 2026, crossing the Allenby Bridge remains a primary route from Jordan.
Network Coverage Across Palestine Location
Mobile networks face some challenges here. The West Bank has very hilly terrain. Gaza has dense urban areas. These factors affect the signal. Jawwal and Ooredoo are the main providers. Service is usually strong in the cities. It gets weaker in remote eastern areas.
- Jawwal has strong 4G in major urban hubs.
- Ooredoo offers excellent speeds in Hebron and Nablus.
- Many travelers now use a Palestine eSIM or Palestine SIM Card for data.
In the SimCorner Local Mobile Networks section, you will find options for both the West Bank and Gaza. Using a digital chip is a simple way to stay connected while moving between cities.
Using SimCorner eSIMs & SIM Cards in Palestine
Tourists find prepaid options easier. Many people now prefer eSIMs for convenience. These work well on newer iPhone and Samsung models. Both local networks support these digital chips.
SimCorner works with Jawwal and Ooredoo. They offer data through eSIMs and physical cards. You can activate them via a QR code. Most people do this before they arrive. This method is easier than finding a shop. You can keep your home SIM active for calls. Then use the eSIM for your daily data.






