Israel
Middle East
Israel is a country in Middle East, home to 9.4 million people, with an area of 20,770 km². Its capital is Jerusalem.
- Capital
- Jerusalem
- Population
- 9.4 million
- Area
- 20,770 km²
- Region
- Middle East
- Density
- 453 / km²
- Status
- Sovereign state
Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.
What Israel is known for
Israel is best known for Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Masada.
Israel is a country located in the Middle East, bordered by Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan to the east, and Egypt to the southwest. Its coastline is on the Mediterranean Sea. Israel is a small country, but it has a diverse landscape that includes deserts, mountains, and fertile valleys.
Israel at a glance
- Language
- Hebrew is the official language, but Arabic and English are also widely spoken
- Currency
- Israeli New Shekel (ILS)
- Religion
- Judaism is the predominant religion in Israel, but there are also significant Muslim, Christian, and Druze populations
- National dish
- Falafel (deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, typically served in pita bread with salad and tahini sauce)
- Climate
- Israel has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The southern part of the country is desert
- Main industries
- High-tech products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, electronics, and agriculture
- GDP
- $395 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
- Development
- Israel is considered a developed country, with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 22 out of 189 countries (2020)
Things to do in Israel
Some of the main tourist attractions in Israel include:
- Jerusalem a holy city for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, with sites such as the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock.
- Tel Aviv a modern city known for its beaches, nightlife, and Bauhaus architecture.
- Masada an ancient fortress on a mountaintop overlooking the Dead Sea.
- Dead Sea a salt lake located in the lowest point on earth, known for its therapeutic properties.
- Galilee a scenic region in the north of Israel, with historic sites such as Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee.
- Yad Vashem Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, located in Jerusalem.
- Eilat a resort city on the Red Sea with coral reefs and marine life.
- Caesarea an ancient port city with well-preserved ruins of a Roman amphitheater, aqueducts, and a palace.
- Haifa a coastal city with the Baha'i Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Negev Desert a vast desert region in southern Israel with unique geological formations and hiking trails.
These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Israel has to offer. The country is also known for its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant culinary scene.
Israel in pictures
Israel on video
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Israel compared with its neighbours
How it sits against the other countries of Middle East.
| Country | Population | Area | Capital |
|---|---|---|---|
 Jordan | 11.5 million | 89,342 km² | Amman |
 United Arab Emirates | 11 million | 83,600 km² | Abu Dhabi |
| Israel | 9.4 million | 20,770 km² | Jerusalem |
 Lebanon | 5.8 million | 10,452 km² | Beirut |
Ranked 97th of 195 countries by population and 149th by area.
Questions about Israel
What is the capital of Israel?
The capital of Israel is Jerusalem.
How many people live in Israel?
About 9.4 million people. Ranked 97th of 195 countries by population and 149th by area.
How big is Israel?
Israel covers 20,770 km², in Middle East.
What is Israel known for?
Israel is best known for Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Masada.
What language is spoken in Israel?
Hebrew is the official language, but Arabic and English are also widely spoken.
What currency is used in Israel?
Israeli New Shekel (ILS).
Is Israel a country?
Yes. Israel is a sovereign state and is counted among the 195 countries this generator draws from.