Facts About Israel
This page has important and interesting information about Israel. It is grouped by type of information, About Israel, and
In Israel.
About Israel
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GEOGRAPHY:
Israel is located in the Middle East, bounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the west, the Great Syrian - African Rift Valley to the east
and the Red Sea to the south, sharing its borders with Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt. The northern and central part of Israel, where most of the
population is concentrated, is divided into three distinct longitudinal sectors: The Costal Plain, to the west, including the major urban centers of
Tel Aviv-Jaffa and Haifa; The Valley Region, to the east, with the Jordan River linking the two inland seas (the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea); The
mountain range in central Israel incorporating the Hills of Galilee, Samaria and Judea, including the capital, Jerusalem. In the north east one can
find the Golan Heights and snow-capped Mt. Hermon, while the southern region consists of the Negev and Arava Deserts which constitute most of the country's
land area including Ber'er Sheva, the capital of the Negev, and Eilat on the Red Sea. Altitudes vary from 2,224 m (72696 ft) at Mt Hermon to -416 m
(-1365 ft) at the Dead Sea, the lowest spot on earth.
LOCATION:
Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean between Egypt and Lebanon
GEOGRAPHIC COORDINATES:
31 degrees 30 minutes North, 34 degrees 45 minutes East
AREA -- COMPARATIVE:
Israel covers 20,770 square kilometers (8,000 square miles) which is about the size of New Jersey.
CLIMATE:
Temperate; not and dry in southern and eastern desert areas
TERRAIN:
Negev desert-south; low coastal plain; central mountains; Jordan Rift Valley
ELEVATION EXTREMES:
Lowest point: Dead Sea -416 m, Highest point: Har Meron 1208 m
PEOPLE:
Small in size, the country is home to a diverse population from many ethnic, religious, cultural and social backgrounds. Of its more than
6,417,000 million inhabitants, 81.5% are Jews (over half are native born and mostly first and second generation) while the rest come from some 80 countries
around the world; about 17% are Arabs (most of them are Moslem) and the remaining 1.5% are Christians, Druze, Circassian and other small communities.
POPULATION:
The current population of Israel is about 6.3 million people including 389,000 (2006 estimates) living in the Golan Heights,
Gaza Strip, West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
ETHNIC GROUPS:
76.4 % Israeli (Europe/America-born 22.6%, Israeli-born 67.1%, Africa-born 5.9%, Asian-born 4.2%), 23.6% non-Jewish (mostly Arab)
(2004 est)
LANGUAGES:
Hebrew (official), Arabic used officially for Arab minority most commonly used foreign language, English.
Hebrew, the language of the Bible, and Arabic are the official languages of Israel. Hebrew, Arabic and English are compulsory subjects at school.
French, Spanish, German, Yiddish, Russian, Polish and Hungarian are widely spoken. Local and international newspapers and periodicals in a number of
languages are readily available. All streets and most commercial signs are in Hebrew and English and often in Arabic.
GOVERNMENT:
The independent State of Israel was proclaimed on May 14, 1948. Israel is a parliamentary democracy which consists of three branches:
the Legislature (The Knesset [Parliament]); the Executive (The Government) and the Judiciary (The Court System). It is based on the principle of the
separation of power with checks and balances built into the system. The government is administered by the Cabinet, headed by the Prime Minister. The
official Head of State is the President, elected by the Knesset for a five-year term.
GOVERNMENT TYPE:
Parliamentary democracy
CAPITAL:
Jerusalem;
note: Israel proclaimed Jerusalem as its capital in 1950, but the US, like nearly all other countries, maintains
its Embassy in Tel Aviv
INDEPENDENCE:
14 May 1948 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration)
NATIONAL HOLIDAY:
Independence Day, 14 May (1948); note - Israel declared independence on 14 May 1948, but the Jewish calendar is lunar and the
holiday may occur in April or May.
CONSTITUTION:
No formal constitution; some of the functions of a constitution are filled by the Declaration of Establishment (1948), the Basic
Laws of the parliament (Knesset), and the Israeli citizenship law.
LEGAL SYSTEM:
Mixture of English common law, British Mandate regulations, and, in personal matters, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim legal systems;
in December 1985, Israel informed the UN Secretariat that it would no longer accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
EXECUTIVE BRANCH:
Chief of state: President
Head of government: Prime Minister
Cabinet: Cabinet selected by prime
minister and approved by the Knesset
Elections: President is largely a ceremonial role and is elected by the Knesset for a seven-year term;
following legislative elections, the president assigns a Knesset member - traditionally the leader of the largest party - the task of forming a governing
coalition.
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH:
Unicameral Knesset (120 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms);
JUDICIAL BRANCH:
Supreme Court (justices appointed for life by the president)
DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATION:
In the US: chief of mission
From the US: chief of mission
FLAG DESCRIPTION:
White with a blue hexagram (six-pointed linear star) known as the Magen David (Shield of David) centered between two equal horizontal
blue bands near the top and bottom edges of the flag.
ECONOMY – OVERVIEW:
Israel has a technologically advanced market economy with substantial government participation. It depends on imports of crude
oil, grains, raw materials, and military equipment. Despite limited natural resources, Israel has intensively developed its agricultural and industrial
sectors over the past 20 years. Israel imports substantial quantities of grain, but is largely self-sufficient in other agricultural products. Cut diamonds,
high-technology equipment, and agricultural products (fruits and vegetables) are the leading exports. Israel usually posts sizable current account deficits,
which are covered by large transfer payments from abroad and by foreign loans. Roughly half of the government's external debt is owed to the US, which
is its major source of economic and military aid.
LABOR FORCE – By Occupation: agriculture, forestry, and fishing 2.6%, manufacturing 20.2%, construction 7.5%, commerce 12.8%, transport, storage,
and communications 6.2%, finance and business 13.1%, personal and other services 6.4%, public services 31.2% (1996)
AGRICULTURE - PRODUCTS:
Citrus, vegetables, cotton; beef, poultry, dairy products
INDUSTRIES:
High-technology projects (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, construction, metals products, chemical products,
plastics, diamond cutting, textiles and footwear
EXCHANGE RATES:
Approximately 3.75 – 4.5 NIS = 1 US
MILITARY BRANCHES:
Israel Defense Forces (IDF): Ground Corps, Navy, Air and Space Force (includes Air Defense Forces); historically there have
been no separate Israeli military services
MILITARY MANPOWER - MILITARY AGE AND OBLIGATION:
17 years of age for compulsory (Jews, Druzes)
and voluntary (Christians, Muslims, Circassians) military service; both sexes are eligible for military service. Israel is not a military state but
is at a constant state of defensive readiness. Though visible, the IDF does not give an imposing sense to visitors. Conscripted military personnel are
seen throughout the land often with their families, when on leave.
TIME:
Israel is two (2) hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (England) or seven (7) hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the US.
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In Israel
ISRAELI SECURITY AND CHECK IN:
Israeli security is among the world’s best. If there is any genuine threat to safety, the US and/or Israeli governments will
forbid
travel. Be advised to be patient at airline check-ins, especially when traveling EL AL Airlines. Answer all questions, simply and accurately, and know
that the precautions are for your safety.
PRECAUTIONS:
It is advisable not to carry anything for anyone into Israel – and never for someone that you do not know. Never travel with
any luggage or carry-on that you have not personally packed yourself. Do not leave your luggage unattended.
THE SABBATH AND HOLIDAYS:
Israel’s day of rest is Saturday, the Sabbath (Hebrew: Shabbat) and all Jewish holidays commence at sundown on the evening
before the holiday and end the following night at sunset.
Banks, businesses and public institutions are closed at these times. In the major
cities many restaurants, cinemas, nightclubs and discotheques remain open. Most public transport ceases although taxi services are available. The Hebrew
calendar is based on a lunar year, therefore Jewish holidays fall on different Gregorian dates each year.
DINING:
According to Jewish tradition, certain foods, such as pork and shellfish, are not eaten and meat and dairy products are not cooked or
served at the same meal. Dairy meals (Meatless) are served in the morning and meat meals (without dairy) in the evening. Plenty of fruits and vegetables
are served at both meat & dairy meals. Food which conforms with this is called “Kosher”. Most hotels and restaurants – and all major supermarket chains
adhere to these dietary customs. Tap water is perfectly safe for drinking.
PERSONAL SPENDING:
Since most of your travel arrangements are pre-paid, there is no need for you to carry large amounts of currency with you,
unless you plan to do some serious shopping. Traveler’s checks are always recommended in $20 and $50 denominations for the sake of secure transport
of currency. Most hotels, restaurants and shops abroad will accept traveler’s check and credit cards and insure a good rate of exchange as payment.
Foreign currencies can be purchased prior to your departure or at the airport in every city you will visit. Take a few $1, $5, and $10 bills with you.
They always come in handy. Generally, dollars are readily and conveniently accepted in Israel at a fare rate of exchange.
Credit cards, accepted
by most stores and hotels, are a good option insuring a good rate of exchange and convenient source of emergency funds. It is wise to contact your credit
card provider to advise them that purchases will be made overseas. Charges may otherwise be denied when traveling in some foreign countries. During
your stay, remember to keep extra cash or traveler’s checks in the hotel safe along with your return airline documents.
CURRENCY & BANKING INFORMATION:
The currency of Israel is the New Israeli Sheqel (NIS) (plural sheqalim). Each sheqel is divided into 100 agorot
(singular agora). Bank notes are in denominations of NIS 200, 100, 50 and 20 sheqels and coins in denominations of 10 sheqels, 5 sheqels, 1 sheqel and
50 and 10 agorot.
All purchases and services may be paid for in many freely exchangeable currencies including US Dollars. However, shops or providers of services
are not obligated to accept foreign currency and may give change in sheqels even if payment is given in foreign currency.
Major credit cards (American Express, Diner’s Club, Visa and MasterCard/Access/Eurocard) are widely accepted throughout Israel. Holders of
Visa or MasterCard/Access/Eurocard credit cards may withdraw funds at the foreign currency counters of affiliated banks or at certain automated teller
machines (ATMs).
Most banks are open from Sunday to Thursday from 08:30 to 12:00 and from 16:00 to 18:00 on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Sheqalim may be reconverted
to foreign currency at airport banks up to a maximum of US$500.
VAT (VALUE ADDED TAX) REFUND:
Tourists who purchase goods exceeding $100 (including VAT) in value at shops participating in the VAT refund program
are entitled to a VAT refund at the port of departure.
Please be sure to obtain a special invoice for the purpose of VAT refund at the time
of purchase. This invoice and the goods purchased should be placed in a bag which is sealed. The bag should not be opened until after departure. On
arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport and all other departure points, please go to the “Change Place” office in the departure lounge.
The goods can be presented before check in at the “Change Place” counter in Terminal 1, gate 4 and Terminal 2. The refund is given in the departure
lounge only. The official will open the sealed bag, verify the contents, stamp the invoice and refund the VAT in any currency less commission.
SHOPPING & DUTY FREE PURCHASES
Shops in Israel carry a wide variety of goods ranging from exclusive jewelry and diamonds to oriental carpets;
from fashionable ladies’ wear to elegant furs; from smart leather goods to modern paintings; antiques and contemporary ceramics as well as embroidery
and countless other items. Colorful markets and bazaars may be found in the Old City of Jerusalem and in several other towns and villages.
The
unique variety of goods available includes handmade items of olive wood, mother-of-pearl, leather and straw, as well as hand-blown glass and exotic
clothing. In all cities and towns there are shopping malls which are open from 09:00 until 21:00. There are duty-free shops at Ben Gurion, Eilat and
Ovada International Airports. Your purchases can be brought home duty-free up to a retail value of $800.00 per person. Call US customs to be sure this
amount has not changed. You are subject to duty payments for everything in excess of this. IF you ship purchases, you may be charged duty when the delivery
is made. Be sure to save your receipts to prove your amount claimed at customs.
SERVICE CHARGES & TIPS:
Service charges [tips for hotel services, guide and driver] may or may not be included in your tour and is stipulated
in your Group Member Terms and Conditions provided with your tour packet. If your tips have not been included in your tour price, your tipping will
be coordinated with your tour host. For special services such as extra maid or extra porter service and special favors, you should tip as you would
at home.
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES:
Electric appliances, such as an electric shaver or travel iron, can be taken with you, but most European and Middle East
countries use 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 Hertz (USA uses 110 volts AC, single phase, 60 Hertz). Your appliances will need a Converter, as well as
an International Plug adapter. Some of the hotels where you will be staying carry converters & adapters. It is however, recommended to bring your own
as the supply at hotels is limited.
Many hotels and public institutions in Israel (including Ben Gurion International Airport), provide ramps, specially equipped lavatories, telephones
and other conveniences for the handicapped.
FACILITIES FOR THE HANDICAPPED
Milbat, the Advisory Centre for the Disables at the Sheba Medical
Center in Tel Aviv will be pleased to answer visitor’s questions. The Yad Sarah Organization with branches located throughout Israel provides wheelchairs,
crutches and other medical equipment on loan, free of charge (a small deposit is requested).
TOURING
We recommend that you have a small carry-on bag that you use for your camera, snacks, or any other items you may require. This can be
left on the bus during the day and eliminates the need for carrying it all with you as you visit the sites. Also carry a smaller hip pack or similar
carrier for your cash and passport when touring sites. This is a good method to secure your money, passport, etc. and keep it close.
SIGHTSEEING
You’ll have ample time to take photographs and to appreciate the beauty and historic interest of the places you visit. Your local
English-speaking guides will answer your questions and give you a fascinating insider’s view of their cities and countries. Our tour programs are especially
designed and planned for those travelers who are eager to experience the habits and customs of people in other countries.
HEALTH RESORTS
A unique combination of therapeutic factors – the mineral rich Dead Sea, therapeutic mud, thermal sulfur mineral springs and a
mild, sunny and extremely dry climate – have made certain areas of Israel excellent year-round health resorts, internationally renowned since ancient
times.
Most health resorts are centered in two areas; the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. Offering a wide range of accommodation and equipped
with modern facilities, they provide a choice of treatments for a variety of ailments and conditions.
CLOTHING - FOR GROUP TOURING
It is suggested to travel as light as possible. For your flight wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Casual clothes
(jeans) are very acceptable for touring. A pair of comfortable, broken-in-walking shoes for sightseeing is a must.
If your tour includes a visit
to a beach, it is highly recommended to wear some type of rubber swim shoes for comfort.
You do not need formal clothing, but if you are touring
Holy sites you will need to cover your arms and your legs. (Skirts or pants for women. No shorts at religious sites). According to season it may be
wise to bring a light jacket and/or sweater, rain jacket with hood or umbrella and a hat. Think layers!
Keep the nature of your specific itinerary
in mind for other appropriate attire.
WEATHER:
Temperatures can vary widely so just pack for the "right" weather and you'll be fine. Seasons overlap of course, but general guidelines
are:
Summer (Jun/Jul/Aug/early Sep): Temperatures in the high 80º's, 90º's. Tel Aviv, and Tiberias will be hot and humid (like New York
or Miami). Jerusalem is dryer and cooler, particularly at night. Masada and Eilat are extremely hot (110º+!)...but dry. There won't be a drop of rain.
Shoulders (late Mar/Apr/May/late Sep/Oct/Nov): Daytime temperatures will be very pleasant: 60º-70º-ish in most of the country (still
hot, though, at the Red and Dead Seas). Jerusalem will be in the 40º's, 50º's in the evening. There'll be some rain - nothing torrential.
Winter (Dec/Jan/Feb/early Mar): Winter weather can fluctuate. Some winters are mild and sunny, some severe and overcast. There's often heavy
rain and, in January and February, even snow sometimes. It'll probably be in the 50º's, 60º's most places, but in the forties in Jerusalem and the Galilee
hills - and cold at night.
VISAS:
Free visas issued to all visitors on arrival from United States of America.
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