Gaza facts for kids
| Gaza | |
Quick facts for kids  Skyline of Gaza, 2007 |
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| Arabic | غزة |
| Governorate | Gaza |
| Government | City (from 1994) |
| Also spelled | Ghazzah (officially)
Gaza City (unofficially) |
| Coordinates | 31°31′N 34°27′E / 31.517°N 34.450°E |
| Population | 409,680 (2006) |
| Jurisdiction |
45,000 dunams (45 km²) |
| Founded in | 15th Century BCE |
| Head of Municipality | Rafiq Tawfiq al-Makki |
Gaza (also called Ghazzah) is a very old and important city. It is the largest city in the Gaza Strip and one of the biggest in the Palestinian territories. About 400,000 people live there. Sometimes, people call it "Gaza City" to make sure they mean the city itself, not the whole Gaza Strip area.
Gaza has been a busy place for thousands of years. It sits right on the Mediterranean Sea. This location made it a key spot for trade and travel between Africa and Asia.
Contents
Where is Gaza?
Gaza is located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is part of the Gaza Strip, which is a narrow piece of land. This area is about 41 kilometers (25 miles) long. It is also about 6 to 12 kilometers (3.7 to 7.5 miles) wide.
The city of Gaza is in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. Its location has always been important. It is a natural stopping point for people traveling along the coast.
A Look at Gaza's History
Gaza has a very long and interesting history. People have lived there for thousands of years. It is one of the oldest cities in the world.
Ancient Times
Gaza was first settled around 1500 BCE. This was during the time of the ancient Egyptians. It was an important city for many different groups. These included the Philistines, Egyptians, and Assyrians.
The city was often a center for trade. Goods from different lands passed through Gaza. This made it a rich and powerful place.
Roman and Islamic Eras
Later, the Romans took control of Gaza. It continued to be a busy port city. Many different cultures mixed there. After that, Islamic rule began in the 7th century. Gaza became an important center for Islamic learning.
Modern History
In more recent times, Gaza has seen many changes. It was part of the Ottoman Empire for a long time. After World War I, it came under British control. Since 1994, Gaza has been governed by the Palestinian Authority.
Life in Gaza Today
Gaza is a lively city. It has many markets, schools, and hospitals. The people of Gaza are known for their strong community spirit.
Culture and Education
The culture in Gaza is rich. It has influences from its long history. Arabic is the main language spoken. There are several universities in the city. These help young people get a good education.
Economy and Daily Life
Many people in Gaza work in trade and services. Fishing is also an important activity. The city's port helps with some trade. Daily life often involves family and community activities. People enjoy traditional foods and gatherings.
Images for kids
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Skyline of Gaza, 2007
