Al-Bireh
Al-Bireh, al-Birah, or el-Bira (Arabic: البيرة; also known historically as Castrum Mahomeria, Magna Mahomeria, Mahomeria Major, Birra, or Beirothah) is a Palestinian city in the central West Bank, 15 kilometers (9.3 mi) north of Jerusalem. It is the capital of the Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate of the State of Palestine. It is situated on the central ridge running through the West Bank and is 860 meters (2,820 ft) above sea level, covering an area of 22.4 square kilometers (8.6 sq mi). Al-Bireh is under the administration of the Palestinian National Authority (as part of Area A).
Al-Bireh | |
|---|---|
| Arabic transcription(s) | |
| • Arabic | البيرة |
| • Latin | al-Bira (unofficial) |
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Municipal Seal of Al-Bireh | |
Al-Bireh Location of Al-Bireh within Palestine Al-Bireh Al-Bireh (the West Bank) | |
| Coordinates: 31°54′19″N 35°12′54″E | |
| Palestine grid | 170/145 |
| State | State of Palestine |
| Governorate | Ramallah and al-Bireh |
| Government | |
| • Type | City |
| • Head of Municipality | Umar Hammayil |
| Area | |
| • Municipality type A (City) | 22,406 dunams (22.4 km2 or 8.6 sq mi) |
| Population (2017) | |
| • Municipality type A (City) | 45,975 |
| • Density | 2,100/km2 (5,300/sq mi) |
| • Metro | 153,237 |
| Name meaning | "The Well of the Palace" |
| Website | www.al-bireh.ps |
Because of its location Al-Bireh served as an economic crossroad between the north and south, along the caravan route between Jerusalem and Nablus. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS), the city had a population of approximately 45,975 in the 2017 census.