GOVERNMENT As the capital of the state of Israel, Jerusalem is the seat of its government and home to all government

institutions, including the parliament, or Knesset, and the Supreme Court. At the local level, Jerusalem is governed by a mayor and city council whose members are elected to four-year terms. Although Palestinian Arabs living in East Jerusalem have the right to vote in Israeli elections, they have refused to do so in accord with their refusal to recognize the legitimacy of the Israeli government LANGUAGE The main languages spoken in Jerusalem are Hebrew in West Jerusalem and Arabic in East Jerusalem. Most people throughout the city speak sufficient English for communication. In particular, English is widely spoken in areas most visited by tourists, especially the Old City. Typically, even if you do not find an English speaker on first attempt, one will be nearby. Both Palestinians and Israelis are always ready to help out tourists with the language as with other needs. Additionally, many Charedi (strictly Orthodox) Jews speak Yiddish, and there is a significant number of French-speaking Jews. Smaller groups of Jews speak Dutch and Spanish. There is a large number of Russian immigrants of Jewish background, so it is not uncommon to see signs in Russian or hear Russian language radio.

MONUMENTAL BUILDINGS Church of the Holy Sepulcher

Dome of the Rock

POPULATION DEMOGRAPHICS

The old walled city has traditionally been divided into four quarters (Armenian, Chri stian, Jewish, Muslim Quarters). Most population data pre-1905 based on estimates from foreign travellers suggest that at the end of the Crusades, Muslims formed the largest group in Jerusalem until the mid-nineteenth century. In addition, Jerusalem's population size and composition has shifted many times over its 5,000 year history. In fact, Jerusalem may also refer to a district or even a sub-district under Ottoman, British, or Israeli administration.

Population Trends of Jerusalem

800000

Population of Jerusalem (First Century)

0%

Population

600000
400000 200000 0 Christians Muslims Jews Muslims Christians 100%

600

300

900

Year

Population of Jerusalem (Middle Ages)

0%

1800

1200

1500

Jews

Population of Jerusalem (Ottoman Era)

12% 12%
Jews Muslims Christians 100% Jews Muslims

76%

Christians

Population of Jerusalem (Modern Era)

Population of Jerusalem (Present Day)

2%

32%

23%

Jews Muslims

30%
68%

Jews Muslims Christians

45%

Christians