What is the oldest city in the world?

Jericho, West Bank

Jericho is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and has a fascinating and history. Situated in the West Bank near the Jordan Valley and close to the Jordan River, Jericho is a place of huge religious and historical significance for locals and tourists alike.

Jericho carries archaeological importance as it is home to many findings from the first development of permanent human settlements along with early civilization dating back 11,000 years (9000 BCE). Today, many visitors explore Jericho, including those on Biblical or Christian Pilgrimage tours, eager to visit major highlights like the Mount of Temptation, Monastery of Saint Gerasimos, and the Spring of Elisha, among others.

 Year Founded or First Inhabited: c.9600 – 9000 BCE
 Current Population: ~20,300 (last count in 2006)
 Total Area: 22.665 sq mi (58.701 km²)