Palestinian demographic and educational status

Recent demographic and educational reports from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics highlight both the resilience and the vulnerabilities of the Palestinian population. As of late 2025, the total population is estimated at 5.56 million, with approximately 1.2 million young people aged 18 to 29 making up 21% of the total residents. This youth demographic has been disproportionately affected by the conflict that began in October 2023; in the Gaza Strip, youth accounted for roughly 24% of reported casualties through August 2026, while in the West Bank, 71% of reported casualties were under the age of 30.

Regarding education, Palestine reports some of the lowest illiteracy rates globally, with a rate of 2.1% for individuals aged 15 and older in 2025. In the West Bank, the gender gap in literacy has narrowed significantly since 1997. While historical data showed a sharp decline in Gaza’s illiteracy rate prior to the current conflict, recent data collection for the Gaza Strip has been impossible due to ongoing hostilities. The conflict has caused significant damage to educational infrastructure, including the destruction of over 179 government schools and more than 105 UNRWA schools.