Bethlehem

Bethlehem is a Palestinian city in the central West Bank, about 10 kilometers south of Jerusalem. It serves as the capital of the Bethlehem Governorate and is a center of religious, historical, and cultural significance in the region.

Bethlehem holds a central place in Christian tradition as the birthplace of Jesus. The Church of the Nativity, built over the traditional site of the birth, is one of the oldest continuously operating churches and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. The historic center around Manger Square contains other religious sites and markets.

The local economy relies on tourism, crafts such as olive wood goods, and services, with agriculture in the surrounding rural areas. The city has several educational institutions, including Bethlehem University, founded in 1973.

Bethlehem is administered by the Palestinian Authority as part of the State of Palestine. The city and its institutions operate within the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with movement and security arrangements affected by broader political developments.