Israel Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Israel, Middle East State; 20,770 km², 8.9 million residents (2019).Israel was established in 1948 in parts of the former British mandate Palestine on the south-eastern Mediterranean coast. Israel borders in the north to Lebanon, in the northeast to Syria, in the east to Jordan, in the south to the Gulf of Aqaba and in the west to Egypt and to the west coast to the Mediterranean. Jerusalem was designated the capital of Israel in 1949, but only the United States has confirmed that status.

Country facts

Medinat Yisraūel / State of Israel
Country abbreviation: IL
Area: 20 770 km²
Population (2019): 8.9 million residents
Capital: Jerusalem (not internationally recognized)
Main languages: Hebrew, Arabic
State: Republic
Head of State: Reuven Rivlin (President)
Head of Government: Benjamin Netanyahu
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 41,614
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 40,850
Currency unit: 1 shekel = 100 agorot
Currency code: ILS
Country Dialing (Telephony): 972
Internet domain name: il
Time difference compared to Sweden: +1
National Day: yearly change in the period from mid-April to mid-May (Independence Day, 1948)

Nature

Land use: forest (6%), agricultural land (21%), other (73%)
Highest mountain: Meron (1,208 m above sea level)

Population

Population density (2019): 428 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 1.6%; birth number 21 ‰, death number 5 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (28%), 15-64 (61%), 65- (11%)
Average life expectancy (2019): men 81 years, women 85 years
Infant mortality (2019): 3 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 13 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.903 (place 22 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 91%
Most populous cities (2017): Jerusalem (882,600 residents), Tel Aviv (438,800), Haifa (279,600)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (2%), industry (27%), service (71%)
Exports (2017): US $ 58,670 million
Main export products: machines, software, gemstones, agricultural products
Main exporting countries: USA, UK, China
Imports (2017): US $ 68 610 million
Main import products: raw materials, military equipment, gemstones
Main importing countries: USA, China, Switzerland
Railway network (2014): 1 250 km

Geography

Location and Borders

Israel is located in the Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea to the west. It shares land borders with Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan to the east, and Egypt to the southwest. To the southeast, Israel is separated from the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, which are key areas of political and territorial significance. Israel’s strategic location in the eastern Mediterranean has shaped its history, culture, and geopolitical importance.

The country spans a relatively small area of about 22,000 square kilometers, making it one of the smaller nations in the region. Despite its size, Israel’s location provides it with diverse landscapes, including coastal plains, mountains, deserts, and fertile valleys, which contribute to its agricultural and economic development. Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, is located in the central part of the country, while Tel Aviv, Israel’s largest city and commercial hub, lies along the Mediterranean coast.

Major Landforms

Israel’s geography is dominated by a variety of landforms that vary greatly across the country. The coastal plain stretches along the Mediterranean coastline from the Lebanese border in the north to the Gaza Strip in the south. This region is characterized by fertile soil and urban development, with cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa located here. The coastal plain is Israel’s primary agricultural area, producing vegetables, fruits, and flowers for both domestic consumption and export.

The central part of Israel features the Judean and Samarian hills, which rise sharply from the coastal plain. Jerusalem sits in these mountains, strategically positioned between the coastal plains and the Jordan Rift Valley. These hills are home to numerous ancient sites and are of historical significance to multiple religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

To the east of the country lies the Jordan Rift Valley, part of the larger Great Rift Valley that stretches from Africa through the Middle East. The Jordan River, which flows along the valley, is the most important water source in Israel. The Dead Sea, located in the southeastern part of the country, lies at the lowest point on Earth and is known for its high salt content and therapeutic mud.

The southern part of Israel is dominated by the Negev Desert, which covers more than half of the country’s land area. The desert is characterized by arid conditions, with vast stretches of sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and small oasis towns. Despite the challenging environment, the Negev is home to several settlements and significant agricultural projects, including large-scale irrigation schemes that have transformed parts of the desert into productive land.

Rivers and Lakes

The primary river in Israel is the Jordan River, which flows from the north, beginning in the mountains of Lebanon and Syria, and empties into the Dead Sea. The Jordan River is sacred in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, and it plays a significant role in Israel’s agriculture and water management systems. Historically, the river also served as a natural border, particularly between Israel and Jordan.

In addition to the Jordan River, Israel is home to several smaller rivers, including the Yarkon River in the central region, which serves as a key water resource for the greater Tel Aviv area. Israel’s lakes are primarily located in the north, including Lake Kinneret (also known as the Sea of Galilee), which is a freshwater lake and an essential water supply for the country. The Dead Sea, as mentioned earlier, is not a freshwater lake but a saline lake that has high economic and tourist value, due to its mineral-rich waters and mud used for health and cosmetic treatments.

Climate

Mediterranean Climate Zones

Israel enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The climate varies considerably across the country, from the cooler, more temperate coastal region to the much hotter and drier desert areas in the south.

The coastal plain, where Tel Aviv and Haifa are located, experiences warm, sunny summers with average temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s °C (80s to 90s °F), and mild, rainy winters with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). The winter rains are essential for the country’s water supply, falling between November and March.

In contrast, the interior of the country, particularly the central highlands where Jerusalem is situated, has cooler winters with occasional snowfall. Summers are dry and hot, with temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F) or more. The Jordan Rift Valley, including the Dead Sea, is one of the hottest areas in Israel, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C (104°F).

The Negev Desert in the south of Israel has a hot desert climate, characterized by extremely hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall is scarce, with much of the region receiving less than 100 millimeters (4 inches) of rain annually. Despite the harsh conditions, the Negev has been developed for agriculture, thanks to advanced irrigation techniques and the use of groundwater.

Seasonal Variation

Israel experiences distinct seasonal changes, with the winter months bringing significant rainfall, particularly to the northern and central parts of the country, while the summer months are dry and often sweltering. The Mediterranean climate allows for a relatively long growing season in the coastal regions, where agriculture thrives. Farmers in these areas cultivate a variety of crops, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers, which are exported worldwide.

Rainfall is more sparse in the southern desert regions, but the winter rains are crucial for replenishing water reserves and maintaining Israel’s agricultural output. The seasonal shift from rainy to dry conditions shapes the country’s water management strategies, including the use of reservoirs, desalination plants, and conservation programs.

People

Demographics

Israel’s population is diverse and includes a mix of Jewish and Arab communities. The Jewish population comprises the majority of Israel’s citizens, with Jews from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, including Ashkenazi (European), Sephardic (Middle Eastern), and Mizrahi (North African) Jews. Israel also has a significant number of Russian-speaking immigrants, many of whom arrived in the 1990s. In addition, Israel is home to an Arab population, including Palestinians, Druze, and Bedouins, who make up about 20% of the country’s population.

The Jewish community in Israel includes both secular and religious individuals, with varying levels of religious observance. The religious divide in Israel is a prominent feature of the country’s social landscape, influencing everything from politics to daily life. Jerusalem, as a center of Jewish, Christian, and Islamic faiths, is a focal point of religious diversity and tension.

The Arab population in Israel is predominantly Muslim, although there is a significant Christian minority, especially in cities like Nazareth and Haifa. Druze and Bedouin communities, both of which have unique cultural and religious practices, also contribute to the nation’s diversity.

Language and Religion

The official languages of Israel are Hebrew and Arabic. Hebrew is the primary language of communication, government, and education, and it is spoken by the majority of the population. Arabic is also an official language, though it is primarily spoken by the Arab population and is used in local government, particularly in Arab communities. English is widely spoken as a second language, especially in business and tourism.

Religion plays a central role in Israeli society. Judaism is the dominant religion, and the state is defined as a Jewish state. Religious observance in Israel varies widely, with some citizens adhering strictly to Jewish law (halacha), while others lead secular lifestyles. The country has many religious sites, particularly in Jerusalem, which is considered sacred by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike.

Islam is the second-largest religion in Israel, practiced predominantly by the Arab population. The Muslim community is mostly Sunni, although there is a small Shia minority. Christianity is also present, with churches and communities scattered throughout Israel, particularly in Nazareth and Jerusalem.

Economy

Economic Overview

Israel has a highly developed economy, driven by innovation, technology, and a highly skilled workforce. Despite its small size, Israel has established itself as a global leader in several sectors, particularly in technology, defense, and agriculture. The country has a diverse and modern economy, with significant contributions from high-tech industries, research and development, tourism, and agriculture.

Israel is renowned for its thriving technology sector, often referred to as “Silicon Wadi,” which mirrors Silicon Valley in the United States. The country has become a global hub for startups, with companies in fields such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. Israel’s technological advancements have contributed to its military strength, with the country investing heavily in defense technologies, including missile defense systems like the Iron Dome.

Agriculture, though a smaller part of the economy today, still plays an important role, particularly in the areas of irrigation technology, desert agriculture, and food production. Israel is a leading exporter of fresh produce, flowers, and high-quality wines. The country’s innovative agricultural practices, particularly in the Negev Desert, have enabled the development of arid regions into productive agricultural land.

Challenges and Opportunities

Israel faces several economic challenges, including its political and security situation in the Middle East, which affects trade and foreign investment. Additionally, Israel’s economy is characterized by inequality, with significant gaps in income, education, and opportunities between Jewish and Arab communities. The high cost of living, particularly in cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, is another issue, especially for young people and immigrants.

However, Israel has substantial opportunities for growth, particularly in its technology sector, which continues to attract global investment. The country’s focus on innovation, education, and research has positioned it as a leader in fields such as water management, renewable energy, and medical technologies. The recent normalization of relations with several Arab countries through the Abraham Accords has also opened new opportunities for trade and cooperation in the region.

Government

Political Structure

Israel is a parliamentary democracy, with a political system based on representative democracy. The Israeli government is divided into three branches: the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary. The president, who holds a largely ceremonial role, is elected by the Knesset (Israel’s parliament) for a seven-year term. The real political power in Israel rests with the prime minister, who is the head of government and is typically the leader of the party that wins the most seats in the Knesset.

The Knesset is a unicameral legislature with 120 members, elected by proportional representation for a four-year term. The political system encourages coalition governments, as no single party typically achieves a majority on its own. Israel’s political landscape is diverse, with a wide array of political parties representing a variety of interests, including secular, religious, and Arab political groups.

Political History

The modern State of Israel was established in 1948, following the end of the British Mandate for Palestine and the United Nations’ approval of a partition plan for the region. The founding of Israel was followed by a series of wars with neighboring Arab countries, which rejected the creation of a Jewish state. Israel’s early years were marked by conflict, political challenges, and mass immigration, as Jews from Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa sought refuge in Israel after the Holocaust and other persecutions.

Israel’s political history has been shaped by its ongoing conflict with the Palestinians and its neighbors, particularly over territorial disputes and the status of Jerusalem. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which remains unresolved, has had a significant impact on the country’s domestic politics, security policies, and foreign relations.

In addition to its security concerns, Israel has also dealt with internal political divisions, particularly between secular and religious groups, and between Jewish and Arab citizens. The political system continues to evolve, with periodic elections and shifting alliances reflecting the complexity of the country’s demographics and regional challenges.

Culture

Art and Music

Israel has a vibrant cultural scene, with significant contributions to the fields of art, music, theater, and literature. Israeli art is deeply influenced by the country’s history, geography, and cultural diversity. Many Israeli artists have focused on themes such as identity, conflict, and memory, drawing from the country’s complex political and social environment.

Israeli music is a fusion of various influences, combining traditional Jewish music with elements from the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa. Klezmer, a form of Eastern European Jewish music, is popular, as is Israeli pop music. The Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the country’s leading cultural institutions, is internationally recognized for its performances of classical and contemporary music.

Festivals and Cuisine

Israel is home to numerous festivals celebrating its rich cultural and religious diversity. Jewish festivals such as Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Hanukkah are celebrated with great significance, as are Muslim holidays like Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. The country also celebrates secular holidays like Independence Day, marked by parades and fireworks.

Israeli cuisine reflects the country’s multicultural population, with influences from Jewish, Arab, and Mediterranean cultures. Dishes such as falafel, hummus, shawarma, and shakshuka are staples of Israeli food, while Israeli wines, produced in regions like the Golan Heights, are gaining recognition on the international stage.

Literature and Cinema

Israeli literature is diverse, with prominent works written in Hebrew, Arabic, and other languages. Writers like Amos Oz, David Grossman, and A.B. Yehoshua have brought international attention to Israeli literature. Israeli cinema, which has received increasing acclaim, often explores themes of identity, conflict, and the Israeli-Palestinian relationship.