# Al-Bireh

> City in the West Bank, State of Palestine

**Wikidata**: [Q311326](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q311326)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Bireh)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/al-bireh

## Summary
Al-Bireh is a city in the West Bank, State of Palestine, serving as a major settlement within the Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate. It has a population of approximately 49,657 as of 2021 and covers an area of 22.4 square kilometers. The city is known for its administrative and cultural significance in the region.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Al-Bireh is a city and a Municipality of Palestine type A.
- **Geographical Location**: Situated in the West Bank, with coordinates at latitude 31.905141666667 and longitude 35.214958333333.
- **Area**: The city spans 22.4 square kilometers.
- **Population**:
  - 25,000 in 1980 (census).
  - 38,202 in 2006.
  - 48,887 in 2016.
  - 49,657 in 2021 (preferred value).
- **Elevation**: The city is located at an elevation of 860 meters above sea level.
- **Time Zone**:
  - Standard time: UTC+02:00.
  - Palestine Summer Time: UTC+03:00.
- **Administrative Status**:
  - Part of the Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate since 1995.
  - Previously under Mandatory Palestine (1920–1948).
- **Postal Codes**: P610, P611, P612, P613, P614, P615, P616, P617, P618, P619.
- **Borders**: Shares a border with Ramallah.
- **Identifiers**:
  - FAST ID: 1219916.
  - VIAF ID: 141915319.
  - Geonames ID: 285108.
  - GNS Unique Feature ID: -793052.
  - OpenStreetMap Node ID: 432288078.
  - Who’s On First ID: 101921927, 1125861479.
- **Aliases**: Al Bīrah, Al-Bira, アル＝ビーレ, 阿尔·比雷, 比勒赫, البيره, 알 비레.
- **Website**: [http://www.al-bireh.org](http://www.al-bireh.org).
- **Seal Image**: [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Seal_of_al-Bireh.tif](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Seal_of_al-Bireh.tif).
- **Coat of Arms Image**: Same as seal image.
- **Twinned Administrative Bodies**: Youngstown, Fort Lauderdale, Gennevilliers.
- **Wikipedia Languages**: Available in 22 languages including Arabic, English, French, and Spanish.
- **Category for People Born Here**: Category:Births in Al-Bireh.
- **Different From**: Al-Bira (a distinct entity).

## FAQs
**What is the population of Al-Bireh?**
As of 2021, the population of Al-Bireh is 49,657, making it a significant urban center in the West Bank. Previous estimates include 48,887 in 2016 and 38,202 in 2006.

**Where is Al-Bireh located?**
Al-Bireh is located in the West Bank, State of Palestine, within the Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate. It shares a border with Ramallah and has coordinates at 31.905141666667 latitude and 35.214958333333 longitude.

**What is the area of Al-Bireh?**
The city covers an area of 22.4 square kilometers, contributing to its status as a large human settlement.

**What are the postal codes for Al-Bireh?**
Al-Bireh uses the following postal codes: P610, P611, P612, P613, P614, P615, P616, P617, P618, and P619.

**What is the elevation of Al-Bireh?**
Al-Bireh is situated at an elevation of 860 meters above sea level, which influences its climate and geography.

**What are the time zones observed in Al-Bireh?**
Al-Bireh observes UTC+02:00 as standard time and UTC+03:00 during Palestine Summer Time.

**What are the aliases for Al-Bireh?**
Al-Bireh is also known as Al Bīrah, Al-Bira, アル＝ビーレ, 阿尔·比雷, 比勒赫, البيره, and 알 비레.

**What is the website of Al-Bireh?**
The official website of Al-Bireh is [http://www.al-bireh.org](http://www.al-bireh.org).

**What are the identifiers for Al-Bireh?**
Key identifiers include FAST ID 1219916, VIAF ID 141915319, Geonames ID 285108, and GNS Unique Feature ID -793052.

**What is the administrative status of Al-Bireh?**
Al-Bireh is part of the Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate since 1995 and was previously under Mandatory Palestine from 1920 to 1948.

## Why It Matters
Al-Bireh plays a crucial role as a major urban center in the West Bank, serving as an administrative hub within the Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate. Its strategic location and population make it a significant economic and cultural node in the region. The city's historical evolution from Mandatory Palestine to its current status reflects its enduring importance in Palestinian governance and development. Its elevation and geographical features also contribute to its unique environmental and climatic characteristics. The city's administrative functions, including postal services and governance, further underscore its role in regional infrastructure. Additionally, its twinned relationships with international cities highlight its global connections and collaborative efforts in urban planning and development.

## Notable For
- **Administrative Significance**: Al-Bireh serves as a key administrative center within the Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, managing local governance and infrastructure.
- **Population Growth**: The city has experienced notable population growth, with estimates ranging from 25,000 in 1980 to 49,657 in 2021.
- **Geographical Features**: Its elevation of 860 meters and area of 22.4 square kilometers contribute to its distinct geographical profile.
- **Historical Context**: Al-Bireh's history includes periods under Mandatory Palestine and its current status as part of the State of Palestine since 1995.
- **Postal System**: The city's postal codes (P610–P619) reflect its role in regional mail services.
- **Twinned Cities**: Partnerships with Youngstown, Fort Lauderdale, and Gennevilliers demonstrate Al-Bireh's international collaborations.
- **Multilingual Wikipedia Presence**: The city's Wikipedia page is available in 22 languages, indicating its cultural and informational reach.

## Body
### Geography and Location
Al-Bireh is situated in the West Bank, State of Palestine, with precise coordinates at 31.905141666667 latitude and 35.214958333333 longitude. The city covers an area of 22.4 square kilometers and is located at an elevation of 860 meters above sea level. It shares a border with Ramallah, contributing to its regional connectivity.

### Population and Demographics
The population of Al-Bireh has varied over time, with estimates including 25,000 in 1980 (based on census data), 38,202 in 2006, 48,887 in 2016, and 49,657 in 2021 (the preferred value). These figures reflect the city's growth and development as a significant urban center.

### Administrative and Political Status
Al-Bireh is part of the Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, a status it has held since 1995. Prior to this, it was under Mandatory Palestine from 1920 to 1948. The city's administrative functions include governance and infrastructure management, making it a critical node in Palestinian regional governance.

### Time Zones and Postal Services
Al-Bireh observes UTC+02:00 as standard time and UTC+03:00 during Palestine Summer Time. The city uses postal codes P610 through P619 for mail services, reflecting its role in regional postal infrastructure.

### Identifiers and Digital Presence
Key identifiers for Al-Bireh include FAST ID 1219916, VIAF ID 141915319, Geonames ID 285108, and GNS Unique Feature ID -793052. The city's digital presence is further supported by identifiers such as OpenStreetMap Node ID 432288078 and Who’s On First ID 101921927, 1125861479. The official website is [http://www.al-bireh.org](http://www.al-bireh.org), and the city's Wikipedia page is available in 22 languages.

### Symbols and Representation
Al-Bireh is represented by a seal and coat of arms, both of which are available on Wikimedia Commons. The seal image is [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Seal_of_al-Bireh.tif](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Seal_of_al-Bireh.tif), and the coat of arms image is identical.

### Historical and Cultural Context
Al-Bireh's historical context includes periods under Mandatory Palestine and its current status as part of the State of Palestine. The city's aliases, such as Al Bīrah, Al-Bira, and others, reflect its cultural and linguistic diversity. The category for people born in Al-Bireh is "Category:Births in Al-Bireh," indicating its role in local identity and heritage.

### International Relations
Al-Bireh maintains twinned administrative bodies with Youngstown, Fort Lauderdale, and Gennevilliers, demonstrating its international collaborations in urban planning and development. These partnerships highlight the city's global connections and shared efforts in regional governance.

### Unique Features
Al-Bireh is distinguished by its elevation, geographical features, and administrative significance. Its population growth and postal system further highlight its role as a key urban center in the West Bank. The city's multilingual Wikipedia presence and digital identifiers underscore its informational and cultural reach.

## References

1. GeoNames
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Localities in Ramallah & Al Bireh Governorate by Type of Locality and Population Estimates, 2007-2016](http://www.pcbs.gov.ps/Portals/_Rainbow/Documents/ramallah.htm)
5. Muʻjam buldān Filasṭīn (Dār al-Maʼmūn, 1987)
6. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File