Discovering Israel: Unveiling Key Facts and Insights
White with a blue hexagram (six-pointed linear star) known as the Magen David (Star of David or Shield of David) centered between two equal horizontal blue bands near the top and bottom edges of the flag; the basic design resembles a traditional Jewish prayer shawl (tallit), which is white with blue stripes; the hexagram as a Jewish symbol dates back to medieval times
note: the Israeli flag proclamation states that the flag colors are sky blue and white, but the exact shade of blue has never been set and can vary from a light to a dark blue
Israel map showing major cities and significant features including - but not limited to - Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank. Note that in 2017 the US recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and in 2019 recognized the Golan Heights as part of Israel.
Background
The State of Israel was declared in 1948, after Britain withdrew from its mandate of Palestine. Israel was admitted as a member of the UN in 1949 and saw rapid population growth, primarily due to migration from Europe and the Middle East. The Israeli economy has undergone a dramatic transformation in the last 25 years, led by cutting-edge, high-tech sectors.
Geography:
Area
total: 21,937 sq km
land: 21,497 sq km
water: 440 sq km
Climate: temperate; hot and dry in southern and eastern desert areas
Natural resources: timber, potash, copper ore, natural gas, phosphate rock, magnesium bromide, clays, sand
People and Society
Population: 9,043,387 (2023 est.)
Ethnic groups: Jewish 73.5% (of which Israel-born 79.7%, Europe/America/Oceania-born 14.3%, Africa-born 3.9%, Asia-born 2.1%), Arab 21.1%, other 5.4% (2022 est.)
Languages: Hebrew (official), Arabic (special status under Israeli law), English (most commonly used foreign language)
Religions: Jewish 73.5%, Muslim 18.1%, Christian 1.9%, Druze 1.6%, other 4.9% (2022 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.56% (2023 est.)
Government
Government type: parliamentary democracy
Capital
name: Jerusalem; note - the US recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in December 2017 without taking a position on the specific boundaries of Israeli sovereignty
Executive branch
chief of state: President Isaac HERZOG (since 7 July 2021)
head of government: Prime Minister Benyamin NETANYAHU (since 29 December 2022)
Legislative branch
description: unicameral Knesset (120 seats; members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by closed party-list proportional representation vote, with a 3.25% vote threshold to gain representation; members serve 4-year terms)
Economy
Economic overview
high-income, technology- and industrial-based economy; highly dense, fast-growing labor force; recent debt spikes; persistent inequality and poverty; significant tariff and regulatory burdens, especially in agriculture; quantitative easing in effect
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$393.861 billion (2021 est.)
$362.632 billion (2020 est.)
$369.494 billion (2019 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$42,100 (2021 est.)
$39,400 (2020 est.)
$40,800 (2019 est.)
Agricultural products
milk, potatoes, poultry, tomatoes, carrots, turnips, tangerines/mandarins, green chillies/peppers, eggs, vegetables
Industries
high-technology products (including aviation, communications, computer-aided design and manufactures, medical electronics, fiber optics), wood and paper products, potash and phosphates, food, beverages, and tobacco, caustic soda, cement, pharmaceuticals, construction, metal products, chemical products, plastics, cut diamonds, textiles, footwear
Exports
$143.884 billion (2021 est.)
$114.422 billion (2020 est.)
$117.779 billion (2019 est.)
Exports - partners
United States 27%, China 8%, India 4%, Germany 3%, Ireland 3% (2021)
Exports - commodities
diamonds, integrated circuits, refined petroleum, medical instruments, packaged medicines, measuring instruments (2021)
Imports
$124.578 billion (2021 est.)
$95.977 billion (2020 est.)
$108.784 billion (2019 est.)
Imports - partners
United States 12%, China 11%, Germany 7.5%, Switzerland 7%, Turkey 6% (2020)
Imports - commodities
diamonds, cars, crude petroleum, refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment (2021)
Exchange rates: new Israeli shekels (ILS) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
3.23 (2021 est.)
3.442 (2020 est.)
3.565 (2019 est.)
3.591 (2018 est.)
3.6 (2017 est.)
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest. DO NOT TRAVEL to Gaza due to terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict.
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
Telephone Code: 972
Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 101; Fire: 102; Police: 100
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Israel: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, anthrax, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
Currency (Code): New Israeli shekels (ILS); the shekel is also commonly referred to as NIS
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, H
Time Difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, Friday before the last Sunday in March, ends the last Sunday in October
Potable Water: Yes, but many opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit: Suggested
Road Driving Side: Right
Tourist Destinations
Jerusalem (includes Temple Mount, al-Aqsa Mosque, Holy Sepulcher Church, Mount of Olives); Bethlehem; Timna Park; Sea of Galilee; Masada; Dead Sea; Haifa & Mount Carmel
Major Sports: Soccer, basketball
Cultural Practices
Orthodox Jewish areas of Israel closely observe Shabbat, which begins at sunset Friday and continues until sunset Saturday. This time is a day of rest, and as a result, driving and using electricity and digital devices are usually restricted.
Tipping Guidelines: Tip servers 10-15% at restaurants. Tipping taxi drivers is not expected.
Souvenirs
Religious artifacts, jewelry, olive wood carvings, olive oil and Dead Sea mineral beauty products, antiquities replicas including Roman coins, olive oil and kosher foods
Traditional Cuisine
Falafel — deep-fried balls or patties of mashed chickpea most often served with tahina/tahini (a paste made from ground sesame seeds), hummus, vegetable salad, or other sides.
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