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On the national day of refugee : 4.26 million Palestinian refugee in the world

PALESTINE, June 19,2006 (IPC) - Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics published a report in which shows 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 Territory at the end of 2005 represents 42.4% of the total Palestinian Territory, distributed by 27.2% in West Bank and 68.4% in Gaza Strip.

Refugees in the Palestinian Territory are characterized as a young population, and the percentage of young ages under 15 years , according the PCBS, constitute 47.3% of the total population, compared to 3.0% for persons aged 65 years and over.

The report indicates that Infant Mortality Rate for refugees During 1999 - 2003 in the Palestinian Territory was 27.5 per 1000 live births , compared to 21.7 per 1000 live births for non refugees.

Under Five Mortality Rate for refugees During 1999 - 2003 in the Palestinian Territory was 32.3 per 1000 live births compared to 25.2 per 1000 live births for non refugees.

As for the Total Fertility Rate for refugees in 2003 in the Palestinian Territory the report said it was 4.9 birth compared to 4.3 birth for non refugees.

Average Household Size for refugees in 2005 in the Palestinian Territory 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.

The Unemployment Rate of Palestinian refugees 15 years and over in the Palestinian Territory during the first quarter 2006, represents 28.3% compared with 23.3% for non refugee.

The illiteracy rate of Palestinian refugees 10 years and over in the Palestinian Territory during the first quarter 2006, represents 7.5% compared with 8.6% for non refugee.