Jenin is located in the north of the West Bank. It is 75 km from Jerusalem. According to 2007 statistics, the city is inhabited by 39,000 people, while the city with surrounding villages totals approximately 256,000 people.
The city covers an area of 583 square kilometres (9,7% of the total West Bank’s area), which makes it the third largest city in the West Bank after Hebron and Nablus.
Ancient Egyptian, Babylonian, and Assyrian, as well as the Torah and the Bible, record the name of Jenin. The name means “the garden”, which is associated with the Marj Ebn Amer Plain, which is considered the most fertile lands of historical Palestine.
The city is considered the fifth holy site for Christians due to the passage of Jesus Christ from the village of Burkin, which is located about 4km to the southwest of the city of Jenin. Burkin contains one of the oldest churches on earth. Christian pilgrims visiting Palestine come to this village and its church. In addition, the city also includes one of the most and largest Islamic Ottoman Landmarks in Palestine which is the Great Jenin Mosque.
Due to its northern location, Jenin’s climate is different than the general climate of Palestine. Jenin’s high altitude tends to decrease the benefits of rain and moderate winds. As a result the temperatures of Jenin are higher than its neighbouring cities.
There are about 16,000 refugees who live in a refugee camp established in 1953. It is to the west of Jenin. The camp is thought to be the second largest camp in the West Bank after Balata Camp which is located in Nablus.
The city of Jenin contains a number of important sites and landmarks such as the Latin Convent, and Al-Sebat market which is an old commercial market frequented by inhabitants on a daily basis. In addition, the military garden displays the military history of the city by presenting the evolution of weapons through the city’s history.
