Key Economic Insights: The economy of West Bank generates an estimated GDP of $13.71 billion ($2,592 per capita) supporting a population of 5,289,152. Productive output is anchored by 75% services, 21.1% industry and manufacturing, and 3% agriculture and natural resource extraction. Key merchandise exports include Manufactured goods, mineral resources, and agricultural commodities, directed primarily toward Global and regional trade partners.
West Bank and Gaza is a region with a population of 5,289,152 (as of 2024), ranking 119th globally, just behind New Zealand. Located in the Middle East, it covers 6,025 square kilometers, ranking 156th worldwide, just below Puerto Rico.
As of 2024, West Bank and Gaza’s economy is characterized by a GDP of approximately $13.71 billion, having contracted sharply amid the ongoing conflict from about $19.11 billion in 2022. In terms of GDP per capita, West Bank and Gaza have a figure of approximately $2,592 (as of 2024), down from $3,789 in 2022.
Despite facing severe challenges, West Bank and Gaza continue to navigate their economic landscape with resilience and determination.
West Bank Economic Structure & Sector Analysis
| Economic Dimension | Official Indicator (2024–2026) | Authoritative Source |
|---|---|---|
| GDP & Macro Output | Nominal GDP: $13.71 billion | Per Capita: $2,592 | World Bank WDI / IMF |
| Sector Breakdown | Services: 75% | Industry: 21.1% | Agriculture: 3% | World Bank National Accounts |
| Trade & Commodities | Top Exports: Manufactured goods, mineral resources, and agricultural commodities (Total: $1.56 billion) | UN Comtrade / OEC |
| Demographics & Labor | Population: 5,289,152 | Distributed workforce across formal & primary sectors | ILO / UN Population Division |
| Strategic Trade Corridors | Leading Trade Partners: Global and regional trade partners | World Bank WITS / IMF DOTS |
- Primary activities: 3% of GDP.
- Secondary activities: 21.1% of GDP.
- Tertiary activities: 75% of GDP.
Primary Sector of West Bank
The primary sector in the West Bank is predominantly focused on agriculture, with approximately 65% of the land dedicated to farming. The region’s climate and natural resources support a variety of crops and animal products, including tomatoes, milk, cucumbers, olives, potatoes, sheep milk, eggplants, pumpkins, grapes, and chicken.
While agriculture contributes 3% to the GDP, the sector plays a crucial role in providing employment and sustaining livelihoods. The diverse range of agricultural products highlights the importance of the sector in the country’s economy, showcasing its resilience and potential for growth.
West Bank’s geological diversity results in varied natural resources. The primary sector heavily relies on arable land for agriculture, driving the economy through the production of fruits, vegetables, and olives.
Secondary Sector of West Bank
The secondary sector involves industries that create finished products from raw materials obtained from primary activities. In the West Bank, main industrial products include small-scale manufacturing, quarrying, textiles, soap, olive-wood carvings, and mother-of-pearl souvenirs.
Manufactures play an important role in West Bank exports, alongside building stone, scrap iron, plastic products, and furniture. This highlights their contribution to the territory’s limited export revenue.
Tertiary sector of West Bank
The tertiary sector in the West Bank includes a variety of services that enhance productivity and meet needs. Main activities are restaurants, healthcare, education, banking, communication, media, and tourism. These services contribute significantly to the economy by providing intangible goods like expertise and attention.
Of particular importance, The tourism industry plays a crucial role in the economy of the West Bank, contributing significantly to its overall growth. With an impressive 688,000 annual arrivals, accounting for 0.1364 of the population, popular destinations like Bethlehem and Jericho attract visitors from around the world, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular sector, with approximately 4.4 million subscriptions, supporting technological growth. This connectivity fosters innovation and enhances digital services across various industries.
International Trade of West Bank
Import Activities of West Bank
The import activities of West Bank and Gaza are substantial. As of 2023, imports of goods totaled approximately $7.74 billion, far exceeding exports and producing a large structural trade deficit.
The West Bank’s major import partners are Israel (57%), Turkey (6%), Egypt (6%), Jordan (4%), and China (4%). Key import commodities include refined petroleum, electricity, animal food, cars, and cement for both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Exports Activities of West Bank
As of 2023, the West Bank and Gaza’s total exports of goods amounted to approximately $1.56 billion, leaving a merchandise trade deficit of roughly $6.2 billion. This relatively low level of export activity reflects the constrained, import-dependent nature of the economy.
The West Bank exports building stone, scrap iron, plastic products, furniture, and seats. Its main export partners are Israel (81%), Jordan (10%), UAE (2%), US (1%), and Turkey (1%). The export activities include both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
West Bank economy challenges in 2024
As of 2024-2025, the West Bank and Gaza face acute political unrest and economic contraction. The region grapples with ongoing conflict, sharply reduced movement and access, loss of jobs in Israel, limited resources, and high unemployment. International aid remains crucial for stability and recovery.
Sources
- World Bank Data — West Bank and Gaza
- IMF DataMapper — West Bank and Gaza
- Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS)
- CIA World Factbook — West Bank
- UN Comtrade Plus: Trade Flow
Last updated: August 2026
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