Q&A: Palestinians' upgraded UN status

On 29 November 2012, the United Nations General Assembly voted to upgrade the status of the Palestinians to that of a "non-member observer state".

It follows a failed bid to join the international body as a full member state in 2011 because of a lack of support in the UN Security Council.

Here is a guide to the move's likely significance.

What were the Palestinians asking for?

What was the general process?

Is this symbolic or will it change facts on the ground?

What legal action could the Palestinians consider?

Why has this happened now?

How does this fit with previous declarations?

Who supported and opposed the latest UN option?