Located just minutes north of Jerusalem but separated from the Israeli city by security barriers and army checkpoints, Ramallah is the unofficial capital of the Palestinian Territories. Palestinian governing authorities are based in the Mukata compound, which is also the location of former Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat's grave. During the years of Jordanian rule, Ramallah was known fondly as the Bride of Palestine for its favorable climate. Ramallah and neighboring Al-Bireh are the most modern of the Palestinian towns and even boast an American-style shopping mall. The city hosts many popular restaurants and coffee shops. 10 mi/16 km north of Jerusalem.
