History
The Palestinian city of Qalqilia, located in the northwest of the West Bank, has its roots and origins in the Canaaite era. The name "Qalqilia" goes back to the Roman times, and European Mediaeval sources refer to it as "Kalkelie", the name used today by its contemporary residents.

Location
Qalqilia is situated about 12 km from the Mediterranean coast, on the border between Israel and the West Bank. The city's altitude ranges from 45 to 125 m above sea level, and it covers approximately 3.5 km2.

Population
Qalqilia has 45.000 inhabitants, and an annual growth rate of 3.8%.

Climate
Qalqilia has a temperate Mediterranean climate; rainy and warm in winter, hot in summer with humidity levels reaching 70% during July and August. Annual average rainfall is 550 mm.

Local Government
A local council was first established in Qalqilia in 1909, during the final years of Ottoman rule. The first municipal council was established in 1945.

Qalqilia Municipality
The municipality of Qalqilia is responsible for public sanitation (waste water and disposal), the provision of utilities (electricity and water) and the operation and maintenance of recreational and cultural facilities such as the Qalqilia zoo.

Local Economy
The city of Qalqilia is dependent on the Israeli market. Most of Qalqilia's labor force (skilled and unskilled) works in the construction, agriculture and other sectors within Israel. Additionally, 20% of Qalqilia's population is engaged in trade and commerce. Israelis and Palestinian citizens of Israel in the villages across the border are an important source of income for this sector.

The recurrent Israeli closures of the West Bank, during which the movement of goods and persons between Israel and the West Bank (and at times within the West Bank as well) is prohibited, has had a devastating impact on Qalqilia's economy. Workers are prevented from reaching their jobs and the agricultural produce cannot be marketed and as a consequence the local commercial sector is negatively affected as well. On several occasions the Israeli military has sealed off Qalqilia from the outside world for prolonged periods, preventing any movement into or out of the city.