The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) published a report showing a statistical overview about demographic status of Palestinian refugees totaled according to UNRWA records 4,255,120 till 31st of March 2005, distributed by state of residence.
The PCBS’s overview shows that the percentage of Palestinian refugees in the Palestinian territories at the end of 2005 represents 42.4% of the total population, distributed by 27.2% in West Bank and 68.4% in Gaza Strip, the International Press Center (IPC), in Gaza, reported.
Most refugees in the Palestinian Territory are characterized as a young population, and that 47.3% of them are children under 15 years old. 3.0% of the refugees are 65 years old and older.
The report indicates that infant mortality rate for refugees in the period between 1999 and 2003 was 27.5 per 1000 live births, compared to 21.7 per 1000 live births for non refugees, the IPC added.
Under five mortality rate for refugees in the period between 1999 and 2003 was 32.3 per 1000 live births compared to 25.2 per 1000 live births for non refugees.
Average for household Size for refugees in 2005 the West Bank and the Gaza Strip was 6.5 person, compared to 6.2 person for non refugees, PCBS said.
Percentage of poor households head by Palestinian refugees in 2005, represents 47.8% of the total poor households in Palestinian Territory.
Unemployment rate of Palestinian refugees aged 15 years and older during the first quarter of 2006, represents 28.3% compared with 23.3% for non refugees.
The illiteracy rate of Palestinian refugees 10 years and over in the Palestinian territories during the first quarter 2006, represents 7.5% compared with 8.6% for non refugees.
