Bethlehem has deteriorated dramatically in the last century. In 1947, Christians comprised about 85% of the city’s population, but that figure had actually plunged to 16% by 2016, and is estimated since then. | Bethlehem has deteriorated dramatically in the last century. In 1947, Christians comprised about 85% of the city’s population, but that figure had actually plunged to 16% by 2016, and is estimated since then. |