Gaza Strip

Overview
The territory takes its name from Gaza, its main city. It has about 1.4 million Palestinian residents.

Location and Geography
The Gaza Strip is a coastal strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Egypt on the south-west and Israel on the north and east. It is about 41 kilometers long, and between 6 and 12 kilometers wide, with a total area of 360 square kilometers. The border with Israel is 51 kilometers; with Egypt, 11 km border, the Mediterranean coastline 40 km. The terrain is flat to rolling with a sand- and dune-covered coastal plain.

Climate
Gaza strip has a temperate climate, with mild winters, and dry, hot summers subject to drought.

People
The principal ethnic majority are the Palestinian Arabs who account for 99% of the population. The people of Gaza are welcoming and warm to visitors.

Religion
Muslim (predominantly Sunni) 99.3%, Christian 0.7%

Language
The official language is Arabic. Many Palestinians also speak Hebrew. English is also widely understood.

Currency
The currency in the Gaza Strip is Israeli Shekels.

Time Zone
Gaza time is GMT +2.

Healthcare
There is ample healthcare available in Gaza for routine and emergency care. For surgery and long term care, the service is readily available in Israel.

Living Arrangements
There are three apartment buildings in Gaza that U.N. staff are authorized to reside at. The apartments are all very modern. The rent depends on the size and location. The rent includes everything except electricity. Although Gaza is a non-family duty station, staff members can set up a second household in Israel to have their family close.

Transportation
Erez, at the north of the Strip, is the entry/exit point to Gaza to Israel. From Erez to Palestine Square is a twenty minute ride. From Palestine Square, taxi service is available to anywhere within the Gaza Strip.

Communication
Internet access is readily available in Gaza and the bandwidth is enough to support Skype and other communication programs. Each staff member is issued a mobile phone from the agency and pay for any private calls they make.

Living in Gaza
Generally speaking, the Palestinians are delighted to welcome visitors and appreciate any outside interest in their living conditions. However, visitors must dress modestly cover upper arms and shoulders and absolutely no shorts for either men or women. Visitors should also avoid wearing olive or military style clothing. A few hotels are available for short term visitors.