Balata is the largest West Bank camp with a registered refugee population of 21,445. The camp was established in 1950 on 252 dunums of land within the municipal boundaries of Nablus.

The first West Bank group to defend refugee rights - the Refugee Committee to Defend Refugee Rights - was established in Balata in early 1994. The camp was very active during the intifadah (1987-1993). Many refugees were killed and injured, and numerous shelters were demolished by the Israeli army.

The camp committee is one of the most active committees in the area with three of its members on the Palestinian Legislative Council. The youth activities centre and the women's programme centre organize many activities including cultural events.

Nablus Municipality supplies the camp with electricity and water, but there are serious sewerage network problems, and the roads and alleys are badly in need of repair.