Biddya

Infobox Palestinian Authority muni
name=Biddya


imgsize=250
caption=
arname=بديا
meaning=
founded=
type=munc
typefrom=
altOffSp=Biddia
altUnoSp=Bedia
governorate=sl
latd=32|latm=06|lats=51.37|latNS=N
longd=35 |longm=04|longs=39.12|longEW=E
population=8,325
popyear=2006
area=
areakm=
mayor=Ramadan Shatat

Biddya ( _ar. بديا) is a Palestinian town in the Salfit Governorate, located 32 kilometers southwest of Nablus and half that distance from Salfit in the northern West Bank. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS), Biddya had a population of 8,325 inhabitants in mid-year 2006. [ [http://www.pcbs.gov.ps/Portals/_pcbs/populati/pop05.aspx Projected Mid -Year Population for Salfit District by Locality 2004- 2006] Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics] The town is governed by a municipal council of eleven members who each represent the prominent families of Biddya and select a mayor.

Economy

Biddya depends primarily on olive groves for olive oil and Nabulsi soap production — the town's main industries. The town mostly receives food products from subsistence farming or local grocery markets.

Prior to the beginning of the Second Intifada in the fall of 2000, many residents worked in neighboring towns and cities, especially in Nablus and Ramallah, as well as for Israeli employers. The main road traversing the village, Road #505 (previously part of the "Trans-Samaria Highway"), was lined with many stores which served thousands of Israeli shoppers who would frequent the town each week including residents of the Israeli settlements passing through, as well as Israelis living in the Tel Aviv area who were looking for products at low prices. Unemployment was about 20%, however since the Intifada that figure has risen to 78-90%. Besides farming, some inhabitants live off their savings and others receive aid from relatives abroad. [http://www.iwps.info/en/articles/article.php?id=748 Biddya Village Profile] International Women's Peace Service.]

Public institutions

Biddya has four schools — two for each gender and a private school. Most graduates from high school that attend college, enroll in an-Najah National University in Nablus or Bir Zeit University in Bir Zeit. There are four mosques and a three health clinics in the town.

References