Conflicts in the Middle East

Capital:Disputed. Israel claims Jerusalem as its capital, but most countries have embassies in Tel Aviv.

Area:
8,019 sq mi, slightly smaller than New Jersey. Hot and dry in southern and eastern desert areas. Negev desert in the south; low coastal plain; central mountains; Jordan Rift Valley.

Population:
5,938,093 (July 2001 est.).

Gaza Strip:
Israeli occupied territory with limited Palestinian self-government.

Area:
139 sq mi, mostly limestone hills.

Population:
1,178,119 (2001 est.)

West Bank:
Israeli occupied territory with areas of limited Palestinian self-government.

Area:
2,263 sq mi, flat to rolling sand- and dune-covered coastal plain.

Population:
2,090,713 (2001 est.) note: 176,000 Israeli settlers in the West Bank, about 6,900 in the Gaza Strip, about 20,000 in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights (August 2000 est.).