Kalandia

Kalandia is a Palestinian village located in the West Bank, situated northeast of Jerusalem and south of Ramallah. Administratively, it falls under the Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate. The village is positioned near the Route 60 highway, a major north-south artery in the West Bank. Its geographical location places it within a significant agricultural area, though its proximity to Jerusalem has also led to some urban sprawl effects.

The history of Kalandia is intertwined with the broader history of the region. Like many Palestinian villages, it has experienced significant demographic and territorial changes over the decades, particularly following the 1967 Six-Day War. A notable feature of Kalandia is the Kalandia refugee camp, established in 1949 by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This camp houses Palestinian refugees and their descendants, originating primarily from villages in what is now Israel.

The economy of Kalandia and the surrounding area has been influenced by its location, with some residents engaged in agriculture, while others commute to nearby cities for work. The presence of the refugee camp also contributes to the local social and economic fabric. The village and camp have been subject to the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including issues related to movement, land use, and development. Kalandia remains a community with deep roots and a significant Palestinian population.