Ramallah is a relatively small city (population, approximately 57,000) in the Palestinian Territories, located within the West Bank region, some 15 km (10 mi) north of Jerusalem. Since the inception of the Palestinian National Authority, Ramallah has acted as the de facto capital city of the Palestinian administration.
Ramallah is known for its religiously relaxed atmosphere —bars are well attended and there are cafes along its main streets. Also, the dress code is slightly more relaxed than in other cities in the West Bank, but it is still better to dress accordingly in order to avoid unwanted attention. Ramallah is, without question, the cultural capital of the West Bank, with a highly educated and fashionable population.
Founded in the mid-1500s by the Christian Hadadeens, it has grown to become one of the most important cities of Palestine.
