Israel
Region
🌍 Asia
Population
👥 10
Currency
💱 Israeli new shekel
Languages
🗣️ Arabic, Hebrew
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Israel, a land of ancient history and modern marvels, invites you to explore its sacred sites, vibrant cities, and breathtaking landscapes. Walk in the footsteps of prophets in Jerusalem, soak up the sun on Tel Aviv's beaches, and discover the unique geological wonders of the Dead Sea. From the rolling hills of Galilee to the bustling markets of the Shuk, Israel offers an unforgettable journey through faith, culture, and adventure.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
State of Israel
Continent
Asia
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Israeli
Independence
May 14, 1948
Top-Level Domain
.il
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+972
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+02:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Jerusalem
ISO Alpha-2
IL
ISO Alpha-3
ISR
UN Code
376
Geographic Coordinates
31.47,35.13
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
20,770#154 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
10,305,000#93 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
455.13
Highest Point (m)
Mount Hermon, 2,814 m
Lowest Point (m)
Dead Sea, -430.5 m
Land Use
Approximately 20% arable land, 61% other.
Irrigated Land
Approximately 6000 sq km
Coastline Length
273 km
Climate
Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters; arid in the south.
Natural Resources
Potash, bromine, magnesium, copper, phosphates, salt, sulfur, natural gas.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria
Major Rivers
Jordan River
Major Lakes
Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret)
Government Type
Parliamentary Republic
Administrative Divisions
6 districts
Legal System
Based on English common law, British Mandate regulations, and religious law.
Chief of State
President Isaac Herzog
Head of Government
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Cabinet
The Cabinet of Israel is composed of ministers, who are members of the Knesset.
Elections
Elections for the Knesset are held every four years, or sooner if the government collapses.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court
Legislative Branch
Knesset (unicameral)
Major Political Parties
Likud, Yesh Atid, National Unity, Shas, United Torah Judaism, Religious Zionism, Hadash-Ta'al, Ra'am
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Israeli new shekel
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
610.78#26 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
604.5#49 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
60,336.85#23 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
1.29
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
17.23
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
72.85
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.04#95 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
4,828,536
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.49#129 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (1999)Checked September 29, 2026
88.31
Budget
Revenues: $137 billion; Expenditures: $155 billion (2022 est.)
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
168.32#37 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
155.33#39 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Approximately $200 billion (2023 est.)
Currency Exchange
Visit a reputable financial website or bank for current exchange rates.
GDP by Sector
Services 64.9%, Industry 32.2%, Agriculture 2.9% (2022 est.)
Major Industries
High-technology products, tourism, diamond cutting, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products.
Major Export Partners
United States, United Kingdom, China, and Netherlands.
Major Import Partners
United States, China, Germany, and Switzerland.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (1983)Checked September 29, 2026
91.75#96 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
18.6
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
5.3
Net Migration Rate
1.7 migrant(s) per 1,000 population (2023 est.)
Median Age
30.8 years (2023 est.)
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
91.58#29 of 214
Urbanization Rate
0.98% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
83.2#17 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Less than 0.1% (2021 est.)
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
7.1
Ethnic Groups
Jewish 74.9%, Arab 20.9%, other 4.2% (2021 est.)
Religions
Jewish 73.6%, Muslim 17.9%, Christian 1.7%, Druze 1.6%, other 5.2% (2021 est.)
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Arabic, Hebrew
Education
Education System
Compulsory education from ages 6-18. Public and private schools exist. Includes secular, religious, and ultra-Orthodox systems.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2018)Checked September 29, 2026
16.1
Government Education Spending
Relatively high, a significant percentage of GDP.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv University, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, and others.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Diverse, influenced by Jewish traditions, Middle Eastern culture, and global trends. Strong emphasis on family and community.
National Holidays
Includes Independence Day, Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), Passover, and others.
Popular Music
Diverse, with influences from Middle Eastern, European, and American music. Pop, rock, and Mizrahi music are popular.
Traditional Food
Mix of Middle Eastern and Jewish cuisines. Includes falafel, hummus, shakshuka, and various dishes using couscous and tahini.
Sports
Soccer, basketball, and judo are popular. The country has a national sports infrastructure and participates internationally.
Major Festivals
Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hanukkah, and Independence Day celebrations.
Famous People
Golda Meir, Shimon Peres, Benjamin Netanyahu, Natalie Portman, and Gal Gadot.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Historical sites, museums, art galleries, and archaeological sites.
UNESCO Sites
Masada, Old City of Jerusalem, and others.
Annual Tourist Visits
Millions annually.
Tourism Overview
Significant tourism industry, attracting millions annually.
Top Tourist Attractions
Jerusalem (Old City), Tel Aviv beaches, Dead Sea, Masada.
Famous Cities
Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Eilat.
National Parks
Numerous national parks throughout the country.
Protected Areas
Significant number of protected areas.
Best Time to Visit
Israel offers diverse experiences throughout the year. For pleasant city exploration and cultural immersion, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal, with comfortable temperatures for walking through historical sites like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Beach lovers will find the summer months (June to August) perfect for the Mediterranean coast, though it can be very hot. Hiking in the Galilee or Negev deserts is best enjoyed in spring or autumn to avoid extreme heat. Religious festivals, such as Passover in spring and Sukkot in autumn, add a unique dimension to a visit, but can also mean increased crowds and accommodation prices. For a balance of good weather and fewer crowds, consider the shoulder seasons of late spring or early autumn.
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary depending on nationality. Check specific requirements.
Visa Requirements Overview
Most tourists visiting Israel do not require a visa for short stays, typically up to 90 days. This applies to citizens of many European countries, North and South America, and Australia. Upon arrival, visitors usually receive an entry permit stamp in their passport. However, visa requirements can vary significantly based on your nationality, so it is crucial to verify the specific regulations for your country well in advance of your trip. Some nationalities may need to apply for a visa before traveling. Always ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Extensions beyond the initial 90 days are generally not permitted for tourist stays.
Travel Advisory
Travel advisories may be in effect; check with your government.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
A high-quality healthcare system is available.
Medical Cost
Medical costs can vary; check with specific providers for information.
Number of Hospitals
Israel has numerous hospitals; the exact number varies.
Universal Healthcare
Universal healthcare through a mandatory health insurance system, primarily financed by taxes and contributions.
Medical Services Overview
Comprehensive medical services are available, including public and private hospitals, clinics, and specialists.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are readily available, including ambulances and mobile intensive care units.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
100
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
101
Emergency Number (Fire)
102
Crime Rate
Moderate.
Safety Index
High.
Military Expenditure
High percentage of GDP.
Emergency Services Overview
Well-equipped and efficient emergency services.
Safety Overview
Israel is generally a safe country for tourists, with low rates of violent crime. As with any destination, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded public places. Petty theft, like pickpocketing, can occur in busy markets or on public transport, so keep valuables secure. While political tensions exist, tourist areas are typically well-policed and incidents directly affecting visitors are rare. It's advisable to stay informed about current events through reputable news sources. Avoid large demonstrations, which can sometimes become volatile. Exercise caution when traveling in certain border regions or areas with heightened security. Stick to well-traveled tourist routes and trust your instincts.
Military Branches
Israel Defense Forces (IDF): Army, Navy, Air Force.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Universal access to electricity.
Water Access
Universal access to improved water sources.
Sanitation Access
Universal access to improved sanitation facilities.
Railways
A network of railway lines connecting major cities; undergoing expansion.
Roadways
Well-developed road network, including highways and urban roads.
Transportation System
Well-developed, including buses, trains, and private vehicles. Road network is extensive.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), Ramon International Airport (ETM), Bar Yehuda Airfield (MTZ), Nevatim Air Base (VTM), Rosh Pina Airport (RPN), Uri Michaeli Haifa International Airport (HFA)
Ports
Major ports: Ashdod, Haifa, and Eilat.
Public Transit
Extensive bus network, train lines, and light rail in some cities.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
88.18#73 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
High.
Tech Startups
Thriving startup ecosystem; 'Startup Nation'.
Innovation Index
High.
ICT Development Index
High.
TV Broadcast Stations
Multiple television channels.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Numerous radio stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
Type C and H, 230V, 50Hz
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
5.77#44 of 202
Air Quality Index
Moderate air quality, with pollution from vehicles, industry, and dust storms. Monitoring stations exist.
Water Pollution Level
Water pollution is a concern due to industrial waste, sewage, and agricultural runoff, particularly affecting coastal areas and Lake Kinneret.
Renewable Energy Usage
Growing renewable energy sector, primarily solar power. Targets for increasing renewable energy share in the energy mix are in place.
Environmental Issues
Major issues include air and water pollution, land degradation, desertification, and water scarcity.
Natural Hazards
Droughts, floods, sandstorms, earthquakes, and wildfires are potential natural hazards.
Waste Management
Waste management includes recycling programs, landfills, and waste-to-energy initiatives. Efforts are underway to improve recycling rates.
Environmental Agreements
Party to major international environmental agreements, including climate change, biodiversity, and ozone layer protection.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Maintains diplomatic missions globally.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
OECD
Major Treaties
Participates in numerous international treaties, including those related to trade, security, and environmental protection.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa-free access to many countries; subject to change, check current requirements.