Legality of Cannabis by U.S. Jurisdiction

Bethlehem Governorate
2018 United Nations map of the area, showing the Israeli occupation arrangements in the governorate
2018 United Nations map of the area, showing the Israeli occupation arrangements in the governorate
Location of Bethlehem Governorate
Country Palestine
Area
 • Total644 km2 (249 sq mi)
Population
 (2017)[1]
 • Total176,515
 This figure excludes the Israeli West Bank Settlements

The Bethlehem Governorate (Arabic: محافظة بيت لحم, romanizedMuḥāfaẓat Bayt Laḥm) is one of 16 Governorates of Palestine. It covers an area of the West Bank, south of Jerusalem. Its principal city and district capital is Bethlehem. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, its population was estimated to 199,463 in 2012.[2]

Geography[edit]

According to United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the governorate has a total area of around 660 km2.[3] Due to the occupation by Israel, Palestinians can only use 13% of the area and much of that is fragmented as of May 2009.[3]

Politics[edit]

Politically, the Bethlehem Governorate is something of a stronghold of the Palestinian left. At the 2006 Palestinian legislative election the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and The Alternative both had their best votes there. Its current governor is Salah al-Tamari.

Localities[edit]

Bethlehem Governorate with the Separation Barrier as of 2011

The governorate consists of 10 municipalities, 3 refugee camps, and 58 rural districts.

Municipalities[edit]

Local and village councils[edit]

Refugee camps[edit]

References[edit]

31°39′N 35°18′E / 31.65°N 35.3°E / 31.65; 35.3