Located 12 km southwest of Bethlehem City, and has a population of about 5,000. The name of the village derives from Nahl or bee, for the area has long been famous for breeding bees; it is also famous for its olive, almond, and vine trees as well as its fresh vegetables such as parsley, onions, and beans. The old core of the village has three maqams or shrines for Muslim holy men, and a number of archaeological sites are found in and around the village, some currently undergoing excavation, including a large building which seems to be an ancient church.