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Israel, officially known as the State of Israel, is a country located in the Middle-East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It borders Lebanon in the north, Syria in the northeast, Jordan in the east, and Egypt in the southwest. The geography of Israel offers a wide range of variety and is divided into three main regions - the coastal plain, the mountain region and the Jordan Valley Rift.
There are countless different ways to describe life in Israel, perhaps cultured, spiritual and fun are best suited expressions. The daily life and culture in Israel are as diverse as its citizens. Israel is a country full of immigrants, the current population is over 7 million, embracing a diversity of people with varied ethnic backgrounds, lifestyles, religions, cultures and traditions.
This overview is written based on the latest information available during the time of writing, thus it is subject to revision without prior knowledge or notice.
Official Name: Known officially as the State of Israel, or commonly Israel.
Capital city: Jerusalem is the Capital of Israel, located in the East of the Jordan River in the Judaean Hills. It is the largest city in terms of both geographical area and population size. Jerusalem is a holy city for three of the world's major religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Location: Israel is located in the Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt and Lebanon.
Size: The total land area of Israel is 22,027 square kilometers and this ranks 159th globally. It is slightly smaller than New Jersey in the United States.
Climate: Israel has a Mediterranean climate characterized by long, hot, dry summers and short, cool, rainy winters, as modified locally by altitude and latitude. The climate is determined by Israel's location between the subtropical dry characteristic of Egypt and the subtropical humidity of the Eastern Mediterranean. January is the coldest month, with temperatures from 5°C to 10°C, and August is the hottest month at 18°C to 38°C.
Population: Israel has an estimated population of 7.23 million people, ranks 98th globally. There is a population growth rate of 1.671%.
Life expectancy at birth: The average life expectancy at birth for Israel is 80.73 years, ranking at 13th globally. Females have a longer average life span at 82.95 years, while Males average at 78.62 years from birth.
Prevalence of HIV/AIDS: The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Israel is approximately 0.1%, placing 121st globally. This means that around 5,100 people are living with the disease in the country.
Major illnesses: The risk of major infectious disease in Israel is intermediate.
Special Precautions should be taken on diseases such as Hepatitis A and Tetanus. Other common diseases also include Diphtheria, Rabies and Typhoid.
Ethnic Groups: Israel is comprised of mainly Jewish at 76.4% (include Israel-born at 67.1%, Europe/America-born at 22.6%, Africa-born 5.9%, Asia-born 4.2%) and non-Jewish (mostly Arab) at 23.6%.
Languages: The official language in Israel is Hebrew. Arabic is used officially for Arab minority. English is the most commonly used foreign language while Russian is also widely spoken.
Religion: There are various religions in Israel. The major religion is Jewish and accounts for 76.4% of the population. Other religions include Islam at 16%, Arab Christians at 1.7%, other Christian at 0.4%, Druze at 1.6% and unspecified at 3.9%.
Government: Israel is a parliamentary democracy with legislative, executive and judicial branches. The nation is governed by a 120-member parliament, known as the Knesset, which is the legislative branch of the Israeli government.
The Knesset enacts laws, elects the president and prime minister (he or she is ceremonially appointed by the President).
Head of State: The Head of State is President of Israel, Shimon PERES who is elected by the Knesset for a seven-year term, limit to one term only.
Head of Government: The Head of Government is Prime Minister of Israel, Binjamin NETANYAHU.
Military: The Israel Military is divided into three branches. Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israel Naval Forces (INF) and Israel Air Force (IAF). The suitable military age is 18 years old and it is compulsory for Jews and Druzes; voluntary military service for Christians, Islams and Circassians. Both sexes are obligated to military service with service obligation of 36 months for men, 21 months for women and 48 months for officers. Reserve obligation is to the age of 41-51 for men and 24 for women.
Economy: Israel has a diversified and technologically advanced economy. The nation’s main industries include high-technology projects such as communications, computer-aided design, aviation, and fiber optics. Other industries include cement production, diamond cutting, metal products, wood/paper products, textiles and footwear. Some of the major trading partners of Israel include the US, Belgium, Hong Kong, Germany, Switzerland, UK, and China. Tourism, particularly religious tourism, also plays an important role in the economy. Israel has joined major free trade agreements with the United States, Canada, Jordan, Mexico, Egypt, the European Free Trade Association, and the European Union. It is also the first non-Latin American nation to sign a free trade agreement with Mercado Común del Sur.
GDP: Israel has a purchasing power parity of US$200.7 billion, ranking at 53rd in the world. The official growth rate is about 3.9%, which ranks 112th globally.
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For more information about Israel, Expatriate Health Insurance or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our expert advisors today. |
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